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 are desperately trying to marry off their kids by attending parties hosted by matchmakers.

William Pesek talks about how Japan implicitly encourages smoking in his article “Cough! Japan Is Puffer’s Paradise With Friends“.

While promoting his new book “When You Are Engulfed in Flames“, David Sedaris visited The Daily Show and talked about moving to Japan to quit smoking.  He read that the best way to quit smoking was to move and he chose Japan, not normally considered a smoke free haven.

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Karyukai, or Geisha culture, was born in Kagurazaka and many Ryotei (Geisha houses) still operate in the area. In 1910 there were as many as 600 Geishas entertaining business men, famous writers and politicians in the area. Step off Kagurazaka-Dori and spend some time wandering the alleys and you will get a feel for what it must have been like in old Edo.

In contrast, a stroll up Kagurazaka-Dori will take you past trendy clothing shops, traditional tea merchants, lacquer ware stores and you will find sushi restaurants competing for business with French pastry shops. It’s quite the mix of old and new.

But don’t miss the alleyways! Continue reading to find out how…

On a recent visit to the area, while admiring the beautiful lacquer ware in one of the shops, the owner gave me a Walking Guide for Kagurazawa. This amazing map will direct your stroll through the alleys, past ancient temples and shrines, the current Geisha office and identifies a number of restaurants and stores in the area. The map is produced by Michi Travel but is not available online.

The front of my well used brochure is pictured on the left and I would recommend that you pop into one of the stores at the base of Kagurazaka-Dori and request a copy. Then take some time to wind your way through the cobblestone alleys of this fascinating area. Kagurazaka is conveniently located and accessible from the JR IIdabashi station on the Yamanote Line. As you exit the station, turn to your right and a one minute walk will place you at the base of Kagurazaka-dori. Tokyo Metro Iidabashi and Ushigome-Kagurazaka stations also provide access to the area.

The Shinjuku City Tourism Association offers a great guide to Kagurazaka with some photos and history of the various points of interest and don’t forget to pick up your Walking Guide for Kagurazawa from one of the area vendors.

Sources: The Ikamachi Club, KAGURAZAKA Explore the past in cosmopolitan ways
Photos: Personal Collection

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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:  Flickr, abucho_034

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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 War II occupation of Japan when the U.S. service men would tell stories of their experiences with so-called Geisha who were often normal Japanese prostitutes posing as Geisha to attract customers.

It is difficult for lay people to tell the difference between a Geisha and a Maiko. There are subtle differences in make-up, attire and hairstyle that only an expert would be able to identify.

Contrary to what you might thinks seeing a Geisha (or Maiko) walking down the street in Tokyo is not a common sight. While out sightseeing a while back I felt very fortunate to be able to snap this shot. I looked up and there she was – thankfully my camera was out!

Photo Credit: Personal Collection

Post from: The Tokyo Traveler