Is there a difference between Geiko and Geisha?
Whist their appearances are very similar, the main difference between Geiko and Geisha is largely their location, and also certain customs and traditions. The word “Geiko” derives from the Kyoto dialect of the word and is generally used to refer to those from the Kyoto hanamachi. The word “Geisha”, which is the more well known version of the word, is actually the Tokyo dialect for “Geiko”. It was primarily used by geisha of Tokyo and surrounding areas, but it is now used as the general term to talk about all geisha. It is also the word most recognized by foreigners than what “Geiko” is. Unfortunately there is very little literature about modern day Tokyo geisha and hangyoku and their customs and traditions. There is also very little literature about other geisha that reside around the rest of Japan.
