Like ghosts from another time, the real geishas seem to float silently along the streets at twilight, making their way to teahouses and restaurants where they will entertain elite, powerful men.

In Japan, Geisha dress-up and kimono-wearing experiences are another common bucket list activity. Studio Geisha Cafe in Tokyo offers full Geisha and samurai makeovers, ...

The powerful image of the geisha - scarlet lips across an alabaster-white painted face, a glossy black wig and ornate kimono - has been associated with Japanese culture since the 17th century.

Tall, wrapped in a kimono and face pancaked in thick geisha make-up, she cuts quite a figure as she introduces herself to about 100 tea houses and restaurants – her future clients.

"I didn't know those dresses were kimono," says Harris, an elementary school teacher in her 40s now living in Chiba Prefecture. "I just thought the characters were princesses.