For anyone longing to glimpse the refined, elusive world of Kyoto’s traditional entertainers, a visit to the Gion Kagai Art Museum is nothing short of a pilgrimage. Gion Kagai Museum is the place I ve been advocating for and dreaming about for a long time. It felt like an obvious necessity for explaining the local culture, [ ] The post A Visit at the Gion Kagai Museum appeared first on Geishakai .
The Japanese government recently unveiled new banknotes. They reflect Japan s artistic traditions and embody the nation s dedication to innovation and progress. The 5,000 yen banknote is especially remarkable as it features a woman whose impact transcends her time and leaves an enduring legacy. Her name is Tsuda Umeko, a Japanese educator and women s rights advocate. [ ] The post Tsuda Umeko: A…
Nestled in the heart of Kyoto, Shimabara is a district steeped in history and cultural significance. This quaint neighborhood exudes an old-world charm that harks back to ancient times, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the traditional essence of Japan. Its very last bastion, Sumiya, stands as a testament to the enduring allure [ ] The post Sumiya the Dusk of Kyoto s Pleasure…
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan, the Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine stands as a place of reverence and cultural significance. Each year, during the enchanting Tanabata Festival, this sacred site comes alive with vibrant decorations, captivating performances, and a sense of celestial wonder. Let s discover the ethereal charm of Tanabata at Dazaifu [ ] The post A…
From ancient times, Fukuoka bay served as a gateway to the outside world. That includes Itoshima—once a small fishing village, now a popular Instagramable tourist spot. Twin rocks at the shore of Sakurai area symbolize Izanagi and Izanami, two lovers and, at the same time, most powerful deities of Shinto. Sakurai Jinja is a small, [ ] The post Mystical Shrine with Lovers Rocks Sakurai Jinja and…
This year s Kyo Odori was held at Shunjuza—a stage located within the campus of Kyoto University of Art and Design. An artsy college atmosphere was very welcoming and familiar, while the performance was excellent, easy to understand, and extremely entertaining. Kyo Odori was held for only a week this year. Miyagawacho Kaburenjo was torn down [ ] The post Kyo Odori 2023 Art Study at Shunjuza…
Loosening up pandemic restrictions brought refreshment to Gion Kobu—after seven years, Miyako Odori is back at Gion Kaburenjo! Miyako Odori 都をどり is an annual spring dance performance held in the top geisha district of Kyoto, Gion Kobu. The stage performances are organized daily for the whole month of April. It is the most challenging time [ ] The post Miyako Odori is Back at Gion Kobu Kaburenjo!…
Imagine a long, hot, and humid summer day. Your legs are swollen and your mouth is longing for a cold drink. What s better than immersing yourself in a cool stream of crystal clear spring water? Shimogamo Jinja in Kyoto hosts the most refreshing festival in Japan, 御手洗祭 Mitarashi-sai, where you can relax in a sacred river. [ ] The post Praying for Healthy Legs – the Mitarashi Festival appeared…
A zen temple, Sennyo-ji, proves that Fukuoka has nothing to envy Kyoto when it comes to the autumn colors season! Sennyo-ji is a stunning zen Buddhist temple hidden in the forests of Itoshima, Fukuoka. It s quite difficult to reach, even by a car, as the narrow and curvy mountain paths are sometimes unpassable. Expect a [ ] The post Autumn Leaves at Raizan Sennyo-ji appeared first on Geishakai .
Kyoto is well-known for its elegant and serene Zen temples but this eternal city has a spooky side, as well. I visited one of its most mysterious places in Kyoto, a power spot shrine hidden in a thick and tall cedar forest far north from the city center. Kamo Jinja (賀茂神社 or 加茂神社) is a [ ] The post Mysterious Shrine Hidden in the Kyoto Forests Kamo Jinja appeared first on Geishakai .