When we talk about the spring in Kyoto, images of cherry blossoms come to mind. But the flower season actually starts much earlier, in February, with the blossoming of the plum flowers. One of the best places in Kyoto to enjoy these is a lovely shrine located in southern Kyoto, Jōnangū.
Kyoto is, without a doubt, the home of all kinds of traditional cultures of Japan. However, the most enchanting and also mysterious treasure of this old capital is “The Kagai”, the district where the culture of Geiko and Maiko still exists.
If you’re in Kyoto on the 25th of every month, be sure to attend the “Tenjin-san” flea market. It is held at the Kitano Tenmangu Shrine. As many as 1000 stalls line up on the shrine precincts as well as in the area around the shrine.
If you’re in Kyoto on the 21st day of any month, be sure to visit the Kobo-San market taking place in the grounds of the To-Ji Temple. It is a great opportunity to find interesting souvenir and enjoy popular Japanese foodstuff.
Looking at the picture, our first though is “Geisha”, one of the icon images of Japan.
A Maiko is actually an apprentice Geisha or Geiko (as they are called in Kyoto). Their job consists in performing songs,
