If youre looking for Japanese culture, Asakusa in Tokyo is the top spot. On this day, John visits the Yoshiwara for the Oiran Dochu, a parade re-ened annually to preserve the old traditions of the neighborhood. The event is attring more visitors and its time to explain exly what youre seeing! \r<br>\r<br>Geisha vs Oiran: Whats the difference? \r<br>I ask Grigoris Miliaresis, a journalist living and studying Asakusa and historical Japanese culture. \r<br>The faces may be white, but the wig, hair ornaments, kimono, colors, even feet are totally different! \r<br>\r<br>How much was a night with an oiran? \r<br>According to Grigoris, it cost 1 years salary for a normal worker! \r<br>The Orian were not your usual prostitutes in the western sense. \r<br>* Oiran choose their clients\r<br>* Oiran met 3 times with a new client before anything “romantic” occurred. \r<br>* The were as talented as geisha in the arts and, because they had extravagant dress and style, Oiran were like thestars, the pin up girls for men. \r<br>\r<br>Does this make them better than geisha? \r<br>Perhaps. \r<br>\r<br>The Oiran Dochu is held on the first Saturday in April every year.\r<br>Google Map: \r<br>\r<br>The main stage is a 5 to 10 minute walk north of Sensoji Temple. \r<br>\r<br>URL: Grigoris Miliaresis, Journalist and Writer about Asakusa and Shitamachi, Japanese History and Culture\r<br>\r<br>Oiran Dochu Procession in Asakusa / Yoshiwara:\r<br>\r<br> (Japanese Only)\r<br>Special Thanks to Yoko Okita (sensei), the Oiran participants and the Yoshiwara Neighborhood! \r<br>\r<br>This show has been created and produced by John Daub ジョン・ドーブ. Hes been living and working in Japan for over 17 years and regularly reports on a TV show for Japans International Channel.
