I first visited Kyoto last October 30, 2009. I could still remember, parang sumali kami sa running race ni hubby 'wag lang maiwan ng train (gachakon)! Lam nyo yung hinahabol nyo yung train na umaandar na (thank God baka 5 seconds pa lang), just like in the movies? Classic! Nakihabol sa 'min yung crew at tumigil naman si train kaya we were able to ride.

So, we boarded the gachakon (or tsug tsug train as I call it) from Echigawa, to Yokaichi. Rode another train, a faster one, to Ohmihachiman, then to Kyoto station.

Kyoto station is really huge. We came down from the platform then we're greeted by the view of the bus stations and the Kyoto tower.

Yasaka Shrine

Yasaka Shrine,　also known as Gion Shrine, was the first tourist attraction we visited. It is located between the two famous districts - Gion and Higashiyama.

Yasaka Shrine is well known for its summer festival, the Gion Matsuri, which is celebrated every July. Arguably the most famous festival in the whole country, the Gion Matsuri dates back over a thousand years and involves a procession with massive floats and hundreds of participants. - JP

Adjacent to the shrine is the Maruyama Park, one of the most popular and most crowded spot for cherry blossom viewing. Since it's already dark when we left the shrine, we're not able to visit the said famous park.






































To District of Gion

Glancing at the map, we thought the next best stop is Gion district.

As we strolled from Yakasa Shrine to Gion, we passed the narrow market and traditional shops selling all kinds of local foods, clothing, crafts and souvenirs.

Also standing somewhere nearby are high end fashion brands like Louis Vuitton. Of course, I couldn't resist but take a look. That's the first LV store I've been to.

So really, Kyoto is a unique mix of shopping experience.

Reminds me of "Apo Jukay" from the Japanese anime Zenki 

Gion District

It's already dark by the time we reached Gion - Kyoto's most famous geisha district.

We wandered to a scenic part of Gion where there is a long canal lined by willow trees, shops, restaurants and tea houses. The structures are of traditional Japanese - all wooden, and many of these merchant houses have rooms overlooking the canal. Cool! This area was somewhat quiet and not many tourists were sauntering around.

Shirakawa Canal, image lifted from JapanGuide.com

It's time to see some geisha!

Though, it would be great and ultimately fun to dine at one of the high class tea houses, we preferred not to since the place is so expensive and way, way over our budget. Just to see some geisha was enough.

And speaking of catching a glimpse of geisha, we were like paparazzi! Actually, many tourists were. At first, I thought when you go to Gion, geishas are just wandering around and you can just take a picture with them, doing different poses and all, but it's not. They are actually working and kinda busy!

Geisha, maiko or geiko are expert hostesses and entertainers. While dining at the tea houses, they ensure everyone's having fun by serving drinks, performing traditional music and dance and engaging in light conversation.

So, to be able to take pictures of them, we have to wait for them to pass by while they are on their way to or from their engagement. Told ya, paparazzi lang ang peg and they are like celebrities. 'Bang bilis nila maglakad aba!

A more accessible experience is the cultural show held everyday at Gion Corner at the end of Hanami-koji. Aimed at foreign tourists, the show is a highly concentrated introduction to several traditional Japanese arts and include short performances of a tea ceremony, ikebana, bunraku, Kyogen comic plays and dances performed by real maiko. If you are in Kyoto in April, check out the Miyako Odori with daily dance performances by maiko. - JP

A maiko hosted dinner. from Japan Guide.