Suzuka Ohgo/Zhang Ziyi: Chiyo Sakamoto/Sayuri Nitta: the main character in the film who starts off as a 9 year old girl that becomes a geisha.

Gong Li: Hatsumomo: The top Geisha in her Okiya who is jealous and evil who torments her throughout the film.


Kaori Momoi: Okasan/Mother: Head of her Okiya after Grandmother passed away and soon adopts Sayuri.
 

Ken Watanabe: Ken Iwamura: This is the man that Chiyo had fallen in love with who inspires her to become the best Geisha to become close to him. He is the Chairman of Iwamura Electric who is also in love with her.
 

Michelle Yeoh:  Mameha: Mameha is Sayuri's mentor "sister" who teaches her the requirements to become a Geisha.


Kōji Yakusho: Nobu: Nobu is known for his scared and burned face, he adores Sayuri and wants to be her "danna" which is almost like a husband.


Youki Kudoh: Pumpkin: She is also a geisha, Chiyo's friend, they live in the same Okiya.


Tsai Chin: Auntie: A maid in the Okiya who helped Chiyo/Sayuri.