Stalking Geisha, or How Heather Nearly Earned Her First Restraining Order

Geisha-mania happens every night on a small street in the Gion District of Kyoto. Tourists from around the planet—even Japanese—line up and wait for the opportunity to spot and photograph one of the precious few remaining Geisha. Our book suggests there are only 200 geisha left in town. We waited with the others for one of the ornate young women to emerge on her way to or from dinner. Then, with a gusto that would make even the most aggressive paparazzi proud, tourists move frantically to catch a glimpse and a picture. Heather was right there with them and snapped this shot just before we were both snow-blinded by her white face paint.