Kyoto, Japan: Oiran Transformation
One of the activities that I truly enjoyed when I visited Kyoto in spring of 2023 was the Oiran transformation. It was like a must thing for me to experience, and so I did. The vibrant kimonos, colourful accessories, stunning backdrop, and interesting history captivated me.
What is/Who are Oiran?
In Japanese history, Oiran refers to the highest ranking courtesans who possessed more refined entertainment skills and training in the traditional arts such as, dance, music, and poetry than the common prostitutes.
I searched for photography studios that offered this service and found a few. Before travelling to Kyoto, I booked a slot to ensure my spot (highly recommended to book before flying to Japan). The first studio I contacted was fully booked on my preferred date, but they referred me to (I think their sister studio) - the Studio Esperanto. Luckily, they still had a slot on my preferred date and time.
Studio Esperanto
The studio was neat, clean, and big. It has a waiting area with safe box to store valuable items like passport and money, a dressing room with lockers to store items, and a vanity area with big mirrors, hair dyers, and makeup removal cosmetics. There is a separate makeup room with a walk-in wardrobe where all the kimonos and costumes were stored. The actual photoshoot took place at the 2nd level where 3 different booths were setup.
How was my experience? It was fun and memorable!
Oiran Dress Up
After wearing a white, thin inner clothing, I was ushered into the makeup room. One was expertly doing my hair, attaching different colourful accessories while the other was doing my makeup. At first, I was skeptical with the makeup artist cuz I felt like she was just putting whatever makeup she can put on my face, like a painter splashing paints in a canvas to create an abstract piece - that's how I felt. But when she asked me to look at myself in the mirror, I was speechless.. I didn't know I would look decent with makeup on. 😂 Yes, I was wrong with my impression on her, she's so skilled!
Once we were done with my hair and makeup, we proceeded to choosing which kimono I will don on. Earlier, the makeup artist showed me a catagloue of uchikake and asked me to choose which I misunderstood as the kimono so I was confused when she asked me to pick a kimono to wear. 😂 An uchikake is a heavily decorated silk brocade which looks so delicate and lavish. I had a problem deciding which kimono to wear - all kimonos were so pretty, good thing the makeup artist helped me out, then I picked the obi. She assisted me in putting on the kimono, then tied the obi with the obimakura (obi pillow).
Afterwards, I was escorted to the 2nd level then proceeded to the booth that I booked. Climbing up the staircase was a bit challenging since the kimono and my hair accessories were heavy! 😄
Oiran Photoshoot
I met the photographer at my booth then she put on me my uchikake. I finally realised that the uchikake was brought to the booth first which made me thankful. The uchikake itself was already heavy, so if I wore it with my kimono, I was pretty sure I couldn't move far. 😂 Then we started the photoshoot. The photographer was super nice and accommodating. I pre-empted her that I am so awkward when it comes to striking poses - no talent at all. She directed me all the way, and also helped me whenever I needed to stand up or move between poses cuz I could barely move. After taking many shots, the session has ended.
There was an area at the 2nd level where you can take selfies, but since I don't have skill in taking selfe, the photographer took photos for me😄. We went down, then the makeup artist helped me took off all the accessories and the kimono. I cleaned up - remove makeup and hairspray, and fix myself. Later on, they let me pick the shots that I liked for them to print, but I also requested for digital copies which I paid extra. My package only consisted of 3 printed photos, but there were 2 shots that I really want to get so I paid extra as well.
Later on, I received my printed and digital copies then bid goodbye. When I got out of the studio, one of the staff handed me a small version of one of my photos being laminated as a memento. 😍 They spoiled me so much! The entire experience took 2 hours and around 30 minutes to 1 hour for the touch-up and printing.
I highly recommend this experience to those who are visiting Kyoto. They have different packages with various entitlements. There are some packages for single or couple and other type of transformation. Do check out their website for the options.
If you want to experience Oiran transformation or any other makeup transformation, you may contact Studio Esperanto in Kyoto.
ESPERANTO
📍 〒606-8436
53-37 Awataguchi Torii-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi KOKORO Okazaki BLDG.
📞 075-754-0770 (10:00 - 20:00)
📩 info@studio-esperanto.com
🕙 10:00 - 20:00 (last reception 17:00)
🌐 https://www.studio-esperanto.com
See you again!
1-8 Apr '23