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Geisha compared to Maiko are less flamboyant. The kimono of the Geisha is usually of a subtle single colour with a design sweeping up from the hem, based on scenes of nature or traditional Japanese themes, in accordance with the seasons. Similarly the obi of the Geisha is more subtle and often a single colour brocade with minimalist obi belts and brooches.

Day to day the hairstyle of the Geisha is a relatively simple bun, however intricate wigs are worn for formal occasions and dance recitals. Similarly for Maiko, the most formal attire of the Geisha is full white makeup with a "5 crest" (kuro tomesode) kimono, which is a black kimono with crests (kamon of the owners family or Okiya) on the front and back of each sleeve and one in the centre of the back below the collar. Geisha wear white collars on their under kimono which is a sign of maturity.

Rather than the tall Okobo of the Maiko, Geisha wear flat lacquered Zohri, with or without Tabi (buttoned socks). The wearing of Zohri and Okobo without Tabi was a fashion started in the hey day of the Geisha world and is considered a very "iki" fashion.

Geisha are expected to be excellent carers and entertainers of men; they should be refined in the art of conversation as well as a more traditional art such as dance or singing, most Kyoto Geisha are adept at the Shamisen (a traditional Japanese 3 stringed instrument similar to a guitar) however this is a talent dying out amongst the Tokyo Geisha.

Geisha usually live in an Okiya, a traditional style Japanese house. These are usually run by an elderly woman or mother (okasan) of the house, most often a retired Geisha herself. The Okiya has a family style hierarchy and is a female run business. Geisha are expected to play "older sister" (onesan) to a young Maiko; this is a bond that will stay for life, and is like having an apprentice to guide and show the ropes, in this way there is a cycle of interest in the community and new comers always have a foot in the door. The Flower and Willow world is one of the rare areas of Japan where women hold all the power, mostly the men in the Geisha world are dressers, wig makers and other artisans. Most of the businesses particularly the tea houses and Okiya are run and serviced by women, and it is a reverse situation to the rest of Japan where women children are preferred since they can be enveloped into the business.

The Geishas are one of the most interesting figures in the world to me.

Dangwa Flower Market (also known as the Bulaklakan ng Maynila (Flower Market of Manila) is a fresh flower market in Santa Cruz and Sampaloc, Manila, Philippines. It is located in the Dos Castillas Street and Laong-Laan Street Sampaloc, Manila. The flowers originate from various locations all over the country such as La Trinidad (notBaguio City ), Davao City, Tagaytay City, Cotabato City and Laguna. Some of the flowers sold in the market includes mums, roses, gerberas and asters. The market has also expanded to importing flowers from Thailand, Holland and Ecuador. The flower market's peak season is on Valentine's Day, All Saints Day, Mother's Day, and December. Sometimes customers flock the market until 11 pm on Valentine's Day. The market derives its name from the Dangwa Transport Inc. bus station beside it. In 2004 it was home to 50 flower vendors. About 70 flower vendors are members of Dangwa Flower Market Association.

The flower market was said to have started on 1976. The market was then surrounded by middle-class neighborhoods. During the 80's and the 90's, the market has surpassed the fame of competitors in Quiapo, Manila and Baclaran. It is said that the market's golden years is during the time when Imelda Marcos was the First Lady. At that time the market provided flowers for big flower shops which in turn decorated the Malacanang Palace. On 1994, the market became open for 24 hours due to the increasingly growing business. The advent of modern technology, specifically Short message service or "texting" has improved communication and efficiency in transporting the flowers from rural farmers. SMS is also used to prevent losses since the flower dealers can tip the farmers to what flowers would be in demand.

(Source: Wikipedia)