Hi,
If you are a true beginner, ie. NEVER did any counted cross stitch before, this may pose as a bit of a challenge. But I am self-taught, started with a kit on 14-count Aida, and with reading the instructions well that come with the kit, I don't see why you can't be successful with this kit. If you really like this design, purchase it and also, if you can afford it, buy a small kit that only has 4-5 colors and practice stitching the small one. When you feel confident practicing on the small one, then start on this design. Yes, you will need to buy a hoop for the geisha design. May I suggest you purchase an inexpensive PLASTIC hoop, you can wash plastic hoops to keep them clean from dust, etc. versus a wooden hoop.
It's a beautiful pattern, I think you will enjoy it. Feel free to ask any questions on this chat. There are a lot of stitchers, men and women, with years of experience. Just be prepared to get "addicted" to counted cross stitching, with all the beautiful patterns.
I'm a stitcher that saw your chat question. I am not an employee of Everything Cross Stitch. :)

Hi Burmuda, like you I'm self taught and have been "at it" for 50 years +. I was gobsmacked when I figured out how long I've been stitching.

Being on here has been a class room experience for me. I've just found how helpful griding can be...something I first heard about here. I just do it on the chart copy, not on my fabric. It's turned a nightmare project into a very pleasant experience.

Your advice about choosing projects with just a few colours 5-6 to begin with is very sound for the new beginners.

I hope there are more bright sparks out there who will share their secrets with us.

You've been doing it for more years than I have. I didn't get into counted cross stitching until I was in my early 30's and only discovered it when I stopped over to my neighbor's house and she was holding a wood frame with a semi-completed stitching pattern of chickadees sitting on a snow-covered tree branch. It was beautiful and I asked her about it and she was kind enough to invite me in to explain it and where there was a cross stitching shop in the area. I got hooked!!! :)

Burmuda,
My grandmother was a master stitcher but unfortunately she died before I became a slave to it. We had moved to Norway for a few years and lived in very isolated place without a television or neighbours. The lady downstairs worked in a place that made up kits and she got me started and saved my sanity.

I did table runners for everyone I knew in the beginning using the same chart as money was tight then.
Like you it just happened.

I think it was fate...:) we were destined to discover it😉

We must be born under a cross stitching star Burmuda.☺️

I'd say moderately difficult if you are a beginner.

For someone whose been doing it for a while - EASY!

It all depends on your personality. I like to ease into these things whereas my daughter picks something she likes, no matter the level of difficulty, and "goes for it".

If you are a beginner I would not start with this kit. This is more for an intermediate or higher stitcher. If I was you I would start with one of the small beginner hits sold here and get some practice before I start this kit.

Riolis is a Russian company and not sure about the quality of their products. Someone on here who has done a kit by Riolis can better answer about their products.

I wouldn't attempt this as a new beginner but it's good you asked. I back up what Bermuda says and if you really really love this kit why not buy it so you'll have it when you are ready.

I use only plastic hoops because the fabric doesn't slip about as it does on the bamboo hoops. My most used are 6 8 and 10 inch hoops. As long as your hoop grabs your fabric above and below it's useable.
I used the scrunch up in hand method for 40 years as most people in Scandinavia do but seeing all the hoops in an English cross stitch magazine made me want to try one. Apart from using it upside down for the first fortnight I've never looked back. Its a personal thing, so.....what ever floats your boat and good luck.