One highlight of a Kyoto trip involves a chance encounter with a maiko (geisha apprentice) in the streets of the Gion district where they live and work. Maiko are such popular photography targets for tourist paparazzi that there are signs in Gion asking tourists not to bother them. Any maiko seen on the streets of Gion are probably on their way to work and don’t have time for photos. But the vast majority of “maiko” spotted in Kyoto are actually fellow tourists who used a kimono rental company to give them the maiko treatment. At least they’ll be happy to stop and pose for you!