Majestic Japan - Kyoto

by Teri E. Popp, Tastemaker in Residence

No trip to Japan is truly complete without a side trip to the ancient city of Kyoto.  The original capital of feudal Japan, this lovely city offers a large assortment of temples and shrines.  While in Kyoto, we visited the breathtaking Kiyomizu-dera Temple, a Buddhist temple officially known as Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera, with its lively shopping plaza. But first a quick stop for breakfast and fun with my daughter. 

We finished our first full day in Kyoto appreciating the graceful dance of a Maiko, a Geiko (known to us as Geisha) apprentice. She may be in training for 5 to 6 years, during which time she takes dance, flute, stringed instruments, entertaining, conversation and other subjects.  Maiko may begin their apprenticeship at the age of 15 and, if they successfully complete their training, may go into business for themselves as a Geisha.

And we thoroughly enjoyed our dinner that evening at a Shabu Shabu restaurant in downtown Kyoto.  Yummy!!!

Our most ambitious undertaking in terms of touring included our second day in Kyoto.  On that day: we toured Sanjusangendo Hall; learned the art of Japanese tea making in a private class; visited Fushimi Inari Taisha; walked the streets of Gion while traversing the Yasaka Shrine; and ended the day in a private dinner hosted by a lovely Maiko.  Whew!

Photo hit parade of our last day in Kyoto begins with Sanjusangendo Hall. 

The Tea Ceremony...

Fushimi Inari Taisha...

Kitano Tenmangū Shrine...

And the perfect end to our day, the Maiko Dinner...

We made sure to spend at least two full days touring Tokyo as well.  So stay tuned...