Japan. Kyoto. April 26th 2018. A Maiko is crossing the street and passing tourists in the Gion district. The traditional culture and today's society are coming together. The geisha tradition is still being exercised. Traditionally a Geisha begins their training at a young age. Some girls were bonded to geisha houses (okiya) as childern. A Maiko is an apprentice and is therefore bonded under a contract to her okiya. A Maiko will start her formal training on the job as a minarai, which literally means 'learning by watching' at an ozashiki. Later a Maiko will become a Geisha.