Hassaku 2017

Maiko Kikuyae(blue), Maiko Kikumaru(pink), Maiko Kikutsuru(green),
Maiko Kikune(orange), Minarai Kikuteru(purple)

1st day of August is always one of the most busy and important days for Hanafusa okiya members as this is day of Hassaku. It is similar to greeting round in winter(Shin Aishatsu) but, of course, there are several differences. Every year on this day, all okiya members dress up in their casual komon or iromuji and go on rounds, paying respects to teachers and establishments. Indeed it takes time to visit all important places and greet people that play important if not major part in the life of the okiya - kimono makers, local shop keepers, kanzashi makers, fan and prop maker etc.
So what do maiko san and geiko san wear for Hassaku rounds?(This is an answer to question of Anonymous, who typed his question in comments)
Gion Kobu: Maiko san and Geiko san from Gion Kobu hanamachi wear formal regalia (kuromontsuki with 5 crests of the okiya and formal obi, formal make up with 3 stripes, tortoise shell kanzashi alongside with august pampas hanakanzashi; in case or senior maiko hairstyle is called Yakko Shimada, while junior maiko wear their hair styled in Wareshinobu).

Hanafusa Maiko standing in the front of Hanafusa okiya

Gion Higashi: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Kamishichiken: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Miyagawacho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
Pontocho: casual komon or iromuji, no make up, hairstyle: Wareshinobu or Ofuku
This is one of the best times to see the members of Kagai, as they flow through streets in small groups. This is also a good time for you to notice the changes that have occurred: who has become senior, who is now tying her obiage, who has returned to kagai etc.