Kyoto, Japan - Forover a thousand years, Kyoto has thrived as thecultural and imperial capital of Japan. Now a popular touristdestination, it is also the hometown of Japan's mysterious geishas.

日本，东京——一千多年来，东京已经成为了日本帝国繁荣的文化之都。如今，作为受欢迎的旅游目的地，这里还是日本神秘的艺妓们的故乡

The word‘geisha' means a skilled artisthighly trained in music, dance, and art of conversation. They were not paid tosell bodies; instead, geishas were considered beauty-obsessed elite¹.

“艺妓”指的是一位在音乐、舞蹈和交际艺术方面接受过高度训练的具备技艺的艺术者。她们并不出卖自己的身体；相反，艺妓是人们眼中美得让人着迷的精英人士。

The geisha culture rose to its peak in the1750s and gradually disappeared before the Second World War. Now there are only300 of them left in Kyotoentertaining at heavily expensive restaurants.

艺妓文化于18世纪50年代达到巅峰，在二战爆发前逐渐消失。现在，东京只有300名艺妓在昂贵的餐厅中招待宾客

For average visitors even spotting one ofthose beautiful geishas is extremely difficult. But there are relatively² newservices that have become especially popular in recent years: geisha makeover.

对于普通的游客来说，连碰见一位这样的艺妓都是件极其困难的事情。但与此相关的新兴服务业在近年来变得尤其受欢迎：艺妓妆容。

Professional makeup³ artists and attendantstransform visitors into a geisha complete with white foundation, wig⁴ andtraditional kimono. The two full hours of applying makeup could be a bit toomuch to endure but the end result is well worth it.

专业的化妆师和服务员给游客打上白色粉底、戴上假发并让他们穿上传统的和服，将他们妆扮成艺妓的模样。长达两个小时的化妆时间需要费点耐心，但最终的效果让等待有所值。

Prices range from $100 to $2000 withoptional services at an additional charge; for example, going out to thestreets or taking rickshaw rides.

服务价格从100美元到2000美元不等，并附带收取附加费的可选服务；例如，逛街或乘坐黄包车。