I have had many memorable experiences photographing geisha, maiko, tayū, and more here in Kyoto, but if I had to pick my most magical hour, it would be the one I spent with Kikugawa Tayū amid cherry blossoms.

TayūJohn Paul FosterApril 28, 2019Kikugawa, cherry blossoms, Shimabara, tayu Comments

At Play with Kikugawa Tayū

There is no better way to spend an hour than making portraits of a tayū near a window dripping with light!

Kyoto, TayūJohn Paul FosterJune 28, 2016Kikugawa, Kushigiku, Kyoto, Shimabara, tayu, tayuu Comments

Tayu in Shimabara Today

Shimabara’s glory days have long gone by, but there is still beauty to be found in the former entertainment district.

Favorite Photos, Kyoto, TayūJohn Paul FosterNovember 29, 2015Kikugawa, Shimabara, tayu, tayuu Comments

First Encounter with Kikugawa Tayū

My first encounter with Kikugawa Tayū was an unforgettable experience, but a little more stressful than I would have liked!

KyotoJohn Paul FosterAugust 30, 2015kamuro, Kikugawa, kimono, Shimabara, tayu Comments

A Third Tayu at Yoshino Tayu Memorial Service

KyotoJohn Paul FosterDecember 16, 2012courtesan, Japan, kanzashi, Kisaragi, Kyoto, red, tayu, Yoshino Tayu Memorial Service Comments

Tayū in Kyoto

Kyoto, TayūJohn Paul FosterNovember 25, 2012Japan, Josho-ji, Kyoto, photo, Shimabara, tayu, Wachigaiya, Yoshino Tayu Memorial Service Comments

Kisaragi Tayu at Yugiri Memorial Service

Kyoto, TayūJohn Paul FosterNovember 18, 2012Arashiyama, courtesan, Japan, kanzashi, Kisaragi, Kyoto, photo, photography, Seiryo-ji, tayu, Yugiri Memorial Service Comments

Rare Opportunity to Photograph a Tayu

KyotoJohn Paul FosterDecember 14, 2011Kisaragi, tayu, tayuu Comment