Sunday nights in Kyoto offer a great oppotunity to get a taste of Japanese culture as you can see a show at the Gion Corner. If you don't have the time or the money to do everything, you can get a taste of it here, and it is also were some of the young Geishas get to practice the art of dance while they learn the many other skills that are part of their way of life.
The cultural show has a little bit of everything with tea ceremony and flower arrangements from the older women (who are also the younger women's teachers), Japanese harps, a Kyogen (a comic play) which goes
to prove that laughter and comedy transcends any language barriers, because we were laughing along without anyone having to explain to us what was going on. There was also Kyomai (dance- see picture above) which was beautiful to watch, the women are so graceful and elegant, and the kimonos are to die for. The show over there is a photo opportunity with the young geishas
and they are delightful. There is also time to look at the displays of beautiful head pieces worn by the dancers, and costumes, and there is also an opportunity to pick up a few souvenirs, with hand painted fans, scarves, bookmarks etc (yes I parted with more yen :) ) Dinner was an interesting experience, the Gion area is quite expensive, or packed because not all the restaurants seem to be open on Sundays in winter, so we wandered around the corner and found an interesting little restaurant.
This was the menu, obviously it is a lot easier if you read kanji, because at least then you know what you're getting. Money goes in the slot, and tickets pop out which you take to the counter and then you wait for your meal. Taking a stab in the dark was awesome, this is the meal we got.. no complaints here....except maybe the beer (as neither Samara or I drink much beer)
Taking risks with food can be really good!!!