In the 1920s, a young Japanese girl named Chiyo is sold to a geisha house in the Gion district of Kyoto, marking the end of her childhood and the beginning of a rigorous apprenticeship towards becoming a geisha. Separated from her sister and thrust into a world where her worth is determined by her ability to captivate the wealthiest patrons, Chiyo navigates through her new life filled with challenges. Under the tutelage of Mameha, a prominent geisha who takes her under her wing, Chiyo transforms herself, adopting the geisha name Sayuri. She learns the art of entertaining, classical music, dance, and the subtle game of intrigue and influence within the confines of this competitive geisha society.

Sayuri's breathtaking beauty and her skill in the art of geisha quickly make her one of the most sought-after geishas in Gion, attracting the attention of influential men, including the enigmatic and powerful Chairman. As she rises through the ranks, Sayuri finds herself caught in a world of jealous rivals, political machinations, and the complexities of love, battling to secure her position within this society and longing for a sense of belonging and affection. Her journey is one of resilience, marked by her attempts to forge her own destiny in a world that is both beautiful and cruel. Through her eyes, we witness the hidden intricacies and the often harsh realities of geisha life, unfolding against the backdrop of a changing Japan.