Hello, sunshine! Guess what brightened up my day? I received a nice postcard from Japan today.

maiko girls

Take a look at this captivating postcard showcasing the mesmerizing Maiko Girls at the Garden of Daigo-ji Temple during the autumn season in Kyoto.


Who are Maiko girls?

Maiko girls are young women who train to become geisha in Japan. Geisha are traditional female entertainers who perform various arts such as dance, music, and conversation. Maiko are usually between 17 and 20 years old and undergo a rigorous training process that can take up to five years. During this time, they learn traditional Japanese arts such as dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, and tea ceremony.

Maiko wear distinctive makeup and clothing that sets them apart from other women in Japan. They wear white makeup on their faces, intricate hairstyles, and beautiful kimonos with long trailing sleeves. They also wear special wooden sandals called okobo, which can be very high and difficult to walk in.

Maiko entertain clients in teahouses or ochaya, where they perform dances and play music while serving tea and food. They are known for their grace, beauty, and elegance, and are highly respected in Japanese culture. Although the number of maiko and geisha has decreased in recent years, they still play an important role in preserving traditional Japanese arts and culture.


Maiko adalah sebutan untuk gadis muda yang mengikuti pelatihan untuk menjadi geisha di Jepang. Maiko girls biasanya berusia antara 17 hingga 20 tahun dan mengenakan kimono yang lebih mencolok dari kimono yang dipakai oleh wanita Jepang pada umumnya.

Pelatihan untuk menjadi maiko girls sangatlah intensif dan memakan waktu bertahun-tahun. Selama masa pelatihan, mereka belajar menari, memainkan alat musik tradisional Jepang, menyanyi, dan juga belajar tentang seni teh Jepang dan tata krama.

Salah satu ciri khas dari maiko girls adalah riasan mereka yang sangat khas. Mereka menggunakan bedak putih yang tebal pada wajah mereka, serta menonjolkan bibir mereka dengan warna merah cerah yang kontras. Selain itu, mereka juga mengenakan sepatu geta yang tinggi dan berat, sehingga membuat mereka harus berjalan dengan hati-hati dan elegan.

Meskipun terkadang dianggap sebagai profesi yang kontroversial, banyak orang yang mengagumi kecantikan dan keanggunan dari maiko girls. Mereka dianggap sebagai simbol budaya tradisional Jepang yang kaya dan indah.


Fact about Daigo-ji Temple

Daigo-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the southeastern part of Kyoto, Japan. It was founded in the early 9th century by a monk named Shobo, who was later known as the Emperor Saga. The temple was built on the site of his villa, and it eventually became a major center of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

One of the most distinctive features of Daigo-ji is its five-story pagoda, which is considered one of the oldest in Japan. It was originally built in the early 10th century, but it has been rebuilt several times over the centuries. Another notable feature is the Sanbo-in, which is a beautiful garden that was designed by the famous landscape architect Kobori Enshu.

Daigo-ji is also famous for its cherry blossoms, which attract large crowds of visitors in the spring. The temple grounds are covered with over 1,000 cherry trees, and there are several walking paths that provide stunning views of the blossoms.

Overall, Daigo-ji is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Japanese history, culture, and spirituality. Its ancient architecture, beautiful gardens, and natural beauty make it one of the most iconic and beloved landmarks in Kyoto.


Daigo-ji Temple adalah salah satu kuil Buddha terbesar di Kyoto, Jepang. Kuil ini didirikan pada abad ke-9 oleh seorang biksu bernama Shobo. Kuil ini memiliki sejarah yang panjang dan kaya, dan dianggap sebagai salah satu situs warisan dunia UNESCO di Jepang.

Kuil Daigo-ji terkenal dengan keindahan alamnya, terutama selama musim semi ketika bunga sakura mekar dan musim gugur ketika daun-daun berubah warna menjadi merah dan kuning. Di dalam kuil terdapat beberapa bangunan penting seperti pagoda lima tingkat dan ruang meditasi besar yang dikenal sebagai Sanbo-in.

Selain itu, kuil ini juga memiliki sejarah yang menarik dalam sejarah Jepang. Pada abad ke-16, tokoh terkenal Jepang Toyotomi Hideyoshi mengadakan festival teh yang terkenal di kuil ini. Festival ini diadakan untuk merayakan keberhasilan Hideyoshi dalam mempersatukan Jepang.

Kuil Daigo-ji adalah tempat yang sangat indah dan penting untuk dikunjungi ketika berada di Kyoto. Dengan sejarahnya yang kaya dan keindahan alamnya, kuil ini menawarkan pengalaman yang tak terlupakan bagi para pengunjungnya.


Big shoutout to Ulfu for sending me a fabulous postcard. The cherry on top? The stunning stamps and sweet message on the flipside. 

backside of postcard

I read with amusement your comment that you're not fond of the cold weather in Japan and envy my residence in a warmer location. It's incredible how we can find ourselves in such contrasting situations, as I, too, sometimes envy those living in colder, snowier regions. The world is indeed a fascinating place.

Happy postcrossing...


References:
  • https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maiko
  • https://www.bokksu.com/blogs/news/what-is-a-maiko
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JP-1994548 took aproximately 23 days to reach the destination
Sent from Japan on November 14th, 2023
Received in Indonesia on December 7th, 2023