Hori estimates that a two-hour session commonly costs the customer around 50,000 yen (about US$450). That impressive sum pays not only the geisha's salary, but it also goes toward the expensive, resplendent kimono and hairstyle that she wears. Sessions also require full makeup.

Yes, geisha (and the apprentice maiko) are professional entertainers who are paid for their work, though the financial structure varies significantly depending on their career stage. Apprentice maiko typically do not receive a traditional salary; instead, their okiya (lodging house) covers all living expenses, including expensive hand-painted silk kimonos, housing, and rigorous artistic training in dance and music. They usually receive a small monthly stipend for personal spending. Once a woman becomes a full-fledged geisha, she takes on more financial independence and can earn a substantial income through fees for performances at tea houses (ochaya) and private parties. A successful geisha in Kyoto can earn anywhere from $30,000 to over $100,000 annually. A major portion of their income also comes from "flower fees" (performance rates) and generous tips or gifts from regular patrons, which are a traditional part of the hospitality culture in Japan.