maiko; apprentice geisha (in Kyoto)
Specifically refers to young women training to become geisha in Kyoto. Distinct from geisha (芸者) and from hangyoku (半玉) in other regions.
See also: 芸者
I saw a maiko on Hanamikoji Street in Kyoto.
Maiko undergo rigorous training to become geisha.
Standard kanji spelling for apprentice geisha in Kyoto. High priority in news and frequency.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common but still used.
舞 (dance) + 妓 (female entertainer). The reading まいこ is a kun'yomi compound. The alternate reading ぶぎ is on'yomi and rare.