Rising Sun Imports On-Line Catalog -- Fine Japanese Kimono, Art & Antiques

Rising Sun Imports
Fine Japanese Kimono, Art and Antiques

Our Japan Trip Report

We just returned from our trip to Kyoto and Tokyo! Japan is lovely during in November! Sugoi!!


Our Trip was exciting! I hope that you will check back often to see our entire Trip Report as it will take us several days to tell you everything!

We arrived at Ishihara Ryokan in Kyoto on Sunday night, Nov 18 2001. What a wonderful traditional Japanese Inn! Remarkably we learned that renowned Director Akira Kurasawa stayed many times at this Ryokan. He wrote some of his work here. Traditional Japanese Breakfast in a traditional tatami mat room overlooking the interior garden.
The famous Kamo River in Kyoto has been an amazing backdrop for the Geisha and Maiko of Kyoto. The first Teahouses of Gion and Pontocho sprang up in the mid 17th century. Early morning in the Pontocho district along the banks of the Kamo River. I was delighted to capture this beauty walking quickly to her appointment.
On the Shijo Bridge I met a monk. He was a wonderful representation of Kyoto. There are many Temples and Shrines. Religion in Japan is alive and connected to everyday living. I found several Okiya (Geisha House) in Pontocho District. Can you see the Maiko on the sign behind me? A Cherry Tree lined street in the Gion Teahouse district!
We were so lucky to meet so many Geisha in Gion. My Kyoto friends told me that Geisha are usually aloof and not friendly to strangers but I thought that they were quite open.
12 Geisha on a morning outing in Gion. Quite an unusual and auspicous site, I was told by an older woman on the street.

Please come visit again soon. We will be showing photos of Geisha of Gion and our visit to a Kyoto Temple. Click here to go back to Rising Sun Imports.com