The Tokyo Traveler

Before we get to this week’s news, make sure to submit your Impressions of Tokyo to the Japan Blog Matsuri by August 20th. I am really looking forward to reading all of the great submissions to this recently revived blog carnival.  Now, on to the news…
An Evening with a Kyoto Maiko is Something Foreigners can Enjoy Too offers insight into a world that few get to witness in person.
A novel approach to matchmaking in Japan tries to engage cupid over a round of golf or while getting hot and steamy at a cooking class.  On the same subject, many parents …read more

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The Kagurazaka district is located in the center of Tokyo, in the middle of JR Yamanote Line. The area is famous for its lively main street, Kagurazaka-Dori (Dori means “street.”) and it’s winding cobblestone alleyways. The name Kagurazaka is a combination of kagura (a shrine-dance to music) and saka (hill) and evokes the sites and topography of this beautiful part of Tokyo. The layout of the area is much the same as it was when the town was built in the 17th century despite the fact that most of the area was burned down as the …read more

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A report on the disturbing increase of cyber-bullying on Japan’s school websites.
Japanese men are turning to spa treatments and anti-aging products offered by a local department store.
Some great shots of Geisha in Japan in this slide show from Yahoo! News.
Learn a little bit about how recycling is done in Japan – it’s not that easy!
A new center has opened in Tokyo to help an estimated 2,000 internet cafe refugees get back on their feet.
Ok, this one is not Tokyo related but an overall travelers philosophy.  Check out some great travel tips from Sir Francis Bacon (via World Hum).
Photo Credit:  …read more

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The word Geisha literally translates to “arts person” or “one trained in arts” (gei = art, sha = person) and Maiko translates to “dancing child” (mai = dance, ko = child).

A Geisha is a woman trained in the traditional arts of Japan which include dance, song and the playing of musical instruments. A Meiko is an apprentice Geisha who must train for approximately 5 years to be able to be considered a full fledged Geisha.
Geisha are paid entertainers but are not prostitutes as is commonly assumed in the west. This misunderstanding seems to stem from the post World …read more

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