WaRaiDo Guide Networks Co., Ltd.

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日本
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
WaRaiDo Guide Networks Co., Ltd.

Quality guide service and travel consultation Further coordination to customize your stay in Japan is also covered by our service.

We are the only agent of government licensed English-speaking guides to make your Japan visit memorable and unforgettable. You can charter our professional and friendly guide especially for your group or you can socialize with other tourists from all over the world by joining our Walking Tour as well.

30/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
4 guests

There is a big typhoon in Japan now and it is crossing Japanese archipelago very slowly. Many of us are preparing for the disaster just in case.
In the long history of Kyoto, people continued to suffer from the Kamo river's overflowing because of heavy rain. In the late 17th century, however, there was a bank protection works project and both sides of the river were reclaimed. The river became much narrower. After that, Gion geiko (geisha) district, whose history first started on Shijo street , gradually expanded to the new reclaimed land.
The geiko district reached its peak in early 19th century , when about 3000 geiko and maiko(apprentice geiko) were said to work here. We can say the Kamo river, the representative river of Kyoto, has been closely related to the long history of Gion.

Thank you very much for joining the tour today！

28/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
10 guests (incl. 1 child)

An apprentice geisha called 'maiko' in Kyoto puts in an artistic ornamental hairpin in the shape of seasonal objects like flowers at a geiko(geisha) party.
The design changes every month and this month ,in August, maiko wears 'pampas grass' hairpins . They don't look 'grass' . Actually they look like one gorgeous silver flower.
Pampas grass ,which is also called 'silver grass' , sounds like autumnal plant but according to lunar calendar , August actually falls on the beginning of autumn. Therefore wearing pampas grass hair ornaments in August is appropriate and very sophisticated.
Next month they're going to wear new design of hairpins based on floweres in september, which will please the eyes of geiko party guests.

Thank you very much for joining the tour today！

26/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
25 guests

Although it’s still sweltering hot during the day, we heard crickets singing in the evening, signaling that the season is shifting toward autumn.

Japanese people are particularly attuned to seasonal phenomena, like the shape of clouds or the songs of insects. For example, the loud sounds of cicadas are deeply ingrained in their minds as the sound of summer.

An insect cage, traditionally used to appreciate the beautiful songs of crickets in autumn.

When it comes to kimono motifs, however, it’s considered stylish if the design symbolizes the upcoming season. So, you might see an insect cage pattern on maiko’s kimono in the summer.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

23/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
19 guests

Today we are happy to have 19 lovely guests for the tour.
When a girl comes to a geisha district in Kyoto to start the training to be a maiko (apprentice geisha) , one of the compulsory subjects is Kyoto dancing, traditional Japanese-style dancing.
Unlike western-style dancing, the movements are basically horizontal, and not moving up and down.
Also dancers often make their postures in a low position with their collarbone out ,which are all very hard to do until they get used to it.
In order to acquire dancing skills, no wonder they need patience. It must be hard for teenagers to get over the process.
Even so, they are strongly determined to be a professional entertainer, they never give up so that they can finally reach the level to perform in front of the audience.
Thank you very much for joining rhe tour today！

21/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
20 guests(inc. 1 child)

Luckily, we were able to see a maiko (apprentice geiko or geisha) walking down the street. Her dangling obi sash featured a motif of red lanterns with white circles, symbolizing skewered mochi or dango. Since geiko party houses in Gion originally started as teahouses that served skewered mochi to visitors of Yasaka Jinja Shinto Shrine, the dango has become a symbol of Gion, the geiko district.

House mothers must possess an extensive collection of kimonos, as each maiko changes her kimono and obi sash monthly, in addition to wearing elaborate black formal kimonos on special occasions, such as the assemblies held on January 7th and August 1st.

For a first-year maiko, the house mother typically selects a kimono in shades of pink or red, emphasizing her cuteness. In contrast, for a senior maiko, the mother might choose a kimono in green, blue, or purple, colors that lend her an air of sophistication.

Nothing suits the stone-paved alleys illuminated by red lanterns better than maikos’ attire.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

19/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
44 guests (incl. 4 children)

Geiko (Geisha) and Maiko (apprentice Geisha) in Gion are marvelous dancers. They belong to Inoue school of Kyoto dancing.
It originated in kyoto and developed both in Kyoto and Osaka. Many schools of traditional dancing fall under the category of Kabuki(traditional stage drama) dancing.
It originated from Kabuki which is performed only by men.
The basic posture in Kyoto dancing is to lower the oido (buttocks in Kyoto dialect). Also they sometimes set poses with cute head gestures like in Kabuki.
If you are interested in their performance, 'Miyako Odori' , an annual dance festival that is held in Gion dance performance theater in April is highly recommended. Wearing gorgeous kimono, all the geiko and maiko give elegant dance performance in front of the big audience.

Thank you very much for joining our tour.

16/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
53 guests(inc. 3children）

Maiko (apprentice geisha or geiko) wear colorful kimono with long sleeves, and their obi belt is very long. Their hair is adorned with a variety of extraordinary flower hairpins.

Maiko live in a boarding house known as okiya or yakata during their apprenticeship, where they are nurtured under the watchful care of a house mother.

During this period, they are not allowed to go to fast food restaurants or convenience stores, and they are not permitted to use mobile phones. They must focus on their training, which includes traditional Japanese arts such as dancing, playing the shamisen guitar and performing tea ceremony—all of which help them transform into perfect entertainers.

Thank you very much for joining our tour.

14/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
38 guests (inc. 2 children)

Compared to Western dance styles like ballet or modern dance, traditional Japanese dance performed by geiko (geisha) and maiko (apprentice geiko) involves more reserved movements. However, it requires strong leg muscles, as they often perform in a half-crouching position.

A shikomi trainee, who is going through her probationary period, usually experiences muscle pain due to intense practice before taking her dancing exam.

As they gain seniority and accumulate extensive practice, their dancing skills elevate to a level where they achieve incredibly elegant postures and movements.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

12/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
72 guests(inc.8 children)

With the escalation of global warming, it has become increasingly difficult to appreciate subtle seasonal changes in the breeze, the shape of clouds, and other natural phenomena.

Traditionally, Japanese people were attuned to even the slightest shifts in nature, as they paid close attention to it. They were not distracted by social media. A year was divided into as many as 24 small seasons, with August 8th marking Risshu, the beginning of autumn.

It’s hard to believe, given the daytime heat, but you can feel the breeze become a little cooler after sunset.

Thank you all for joining the tour today!

09/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
35 guests(incl. 1 child)

In spite of the extremely hot weather, as many as 35 guests showed up today. Thank you very much for joining the tour！
Maiko (apprentice geisha) in Kyoto traditionally wear a gorgeous kimono dragging hem. While walking, they always hold their kimonowith their left hand not to drag the hem on the ground.
Their unique fashion originated from that of former affluent ladies from aristocrats or high-class samurai families hundreds of years ago.
They wore long drooping kimono made of luxury fabric and looked so graceful.
The traditional kimono style is still now used but not common. It is nowadays only for brides at wedding ceremonies and geishas (They are called geiko in Kyoto). The drooping kimono used to be considered the highest grade of kimono and also the most beautiful way of wearing kimono.

Thank you so much for joining the tour！

07/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
51 guests(inc.3 children)

Geiko (geisha) literally means female art performers. As their name suggests, they engage in traditional art performances, including dancing, singing, playing the shamisen (a three-stringed instrument), flute, drums, and more. Although maiko (apprentice geiko) means female dance performers, they are also expected to acquire skills in these traditional art forms.

What is particularly challenging for them is that they have to improve their skills in these different arts at an art school in the morning while attending parties every evening. Unless they love what they do and have a good attention span, it would be difficult to acquire the skills. In that sense, they truly are art performers.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

05/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
62 guests (incl. 5 children)

Surrounded by mountains, the city of Kyoto is one of the hottest places in Japan this time every year. Kyoto, however, is also very popular among tourists home and abroad as the center of Japanese traditional culture. Many of them enjoy wearing kimono and taking puctures in spite of the heat.
Maiko (apprentice geisha) make it a rule to wear layers of kimono during the daytime and also in the evening for geiko(geisha) parties. They are regarded as 'walking Japanese traditional culture' so kimono is actually an essential part of themselves.
Although they must feel extraordinarily hot walking outside, they always look elegant keeping good posture.
Thank you very much for joining the tour today！

02/08/2024

Gion Night Tour
58 guests(inc.2 children)

Currently in Paris, the Summer Olympics are being held, and we are impressed by the Olympians’ great performances.

Their dedication and commitment are precious and beautiful to see, regardless of the results. Some athletes burst into tears when they lose, which makes us viewers emotional, considering their long journey leading to the Olympic event.

Geiko(geisha) and maiko(apprentice geiko) also devote themselves to maintaining a centuries-old tradition. This includes wearing strong white makeup and traditional hairstyles, which they have to use a wooden support while sleeping to maintain the hairstyle for a week.

Similar to Olympians, who receive support from numerous professionals such as coaches, dietitians, and trainers, geiko and maiko are sustained by a network of individuals, including house mothers, hairdressers, tea house managers, kimono producers, and many others.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

31/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
60 guests(incl. 7 children )

Gion festival, the month-long traditional event in Kyoto, finally ended today with the 'summer purification rite'.
Since the late 8th century, this festival has long continued as an event to ward off evil spirits which are believed to cause epidemics.
Today on July 31st, in front of a subsidiary shrine of Yasaka jinja shinto shrine , a big grass ring is set for visitors there. They pass through the ring to purify themselves.
Maiko (apprentice geisha) and geiko (geisha) in Gion also do so to purify themselves. The next day on August 1st, it is customary for maiko and geiko dressed in black formal kimono to make a courtesy visit to their dance master and teahouse mothers. They express appreciation to them for the special services they have received for the first half of the year. They faithfully observe traditional events so that time-honored events can be passed down to the next generation.

Thank you very much for joining the tour today！

29/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
62 guests

Today the highest temperature in Kyoto was 39 degree celcius, record-high this year. It's partly because of inland climate of Kyoto, which is surrounded by mountains in three directions.
Kyoto's real summer is sweltering hot but even so in Kyoto some women can be seen to wear kimono on a hot day.
Maiko (apprentice geisha) wear kimono almost every day even on a day off. As they're used to wearing kimono at geiko(geisha)parties, many of them feel more comfortable in kimono . Summer kimono cloth is basically thinner than winter one .
Although they wear three-layered kimono, it is amazing they look very cool and graceful.

Thank you very much for joining the tour today！

26/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
29 guests（inc. 6 children）

Chimaki is Japanese sweets, steamed rice dumplings wrapped with bamboo leaves. They are traditionally enjoyed during the Children's Day celeblations.

When you walk around Kyoto, you may happen to see Chimaki charms which are put at the entrance of houses. They are not foods but a traditional good luck charms, talisman related Gion Festival. Hung above the door, these Chimaki are considered to bring good luck, prosperity and healthy life and ward off evil spirits.

During Gion Festival, Chimaki without dumpring is available. They are sold at the various floats.

It is customary to decolate the entrance of the houses with this chimaki charm until next Gion Festival.

Thank you for joining our tour.

24/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
39 guests (inc. 5 children)

Today is another climax day of Gion Festival, a month-long festival in Kyoto.

Eleven floats marched in the second procession in the city of Kyoto. And portable shrines are taken from Otabisho, their temporary position on Shijo Street to make the round in the towns in the evening, carried on the shoulders of the local men.

On July 17, when the first parade was held, portable shrines were brought out to Otabisho from Yasaka Shrine and stayed there for the whole week. And today, when the second parade was held, they are eventually brought home to Yasaka Shrine.

Many tourists from all over the world enjoy Gion Festival.

Thank you very much for joining our tour.

22/07/2024

Gion night tour
36 guests

Kamo River is loved by people in Kyoto. They enjoy walking, jogging and cycling along the river. Tourists enjoy the sound of the river flowing. And they also seek this spot for a breath of fresh air and relaxing away from the crowd of Kyoto.

In this season, restaurants extend their balconies onto the river. They are beautifully lit up by many lanterns. People have outdoor dining to enjoy cool breeze of the evening.

We sometimes see geiko （geisha）or maiko （appreciate of geisha）walking along the river.

Thank you very much for jorning our tour.

19/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
64 guests(inc. 4 children)

Hamo, or pike conger, is a summer specialty in Kyoto as it thrives in warm water. Long before the advent of rail transportation, it was the only fish that could be served fresh to Kyoto locals. Since this seasonal fish becomes rich in flavor and nutritious at this time of year, the Gion Matsuri Festival, held annually in July, is often referred to as the Hamo Festival.

A main geiko (geisha) party of the day usually begins at 6 p.m. and includes kaiseki, Japanese haute cuisine. Hamo is a must-have ingredient for kaiseki and is prepared in a wide variety of styles. Because Kyoto doesn’t face the sea, chefs here were required to develop different cooking methods for this seasonal treat. Thanks to their efforts, guests at geiko parties can enjoy a sense of the season during the Hamo Festival.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

17/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
46 guests(incl. 4 children)

Today July 17th is actually the climax day of Gion festival, the timeless month-long festival in Kyoto.
After purifying the streets in the citycenter in the morning by magnificent procession of 23 huge gorgeous festive floats, 3 portable shrines leave Yasaka jinja shinto shrine (local shrine affectionately called 'Gion-san')in the evening and are carried to the special place for lodging during the festival, staying there for the whole week.
That's why it is the busiest day in Kyoto. So many people from home and abroad gather here to see the exciting event. Local people (shinto believers) from the communities in Kyoto cooperate with each other to carry huge portable shrines for long distance . It's done only by human labor, showing that local people in Kyoto are so powerful and passionate once a traditional ceremony starts.

Thank you so much for joining the tour today

！

15/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
55 guests(inc.2 children)

Despite many restrictions, including the absence of mobile phones—a lifeline for today’s teenage girls—these girls are still willing to enter the traditional geiko (geisha) society.

Like any journey to achieve a goal, such as becoming a great chef, Olympian, or ballerina, you need to devote yourself to the dream. The restrictions are a kind of price you pay when seeking something.

Maiko (apprentice geiko or geisha) lead incredibly busy lives, working to improve their dancing, singing, and shamisen skills, in addition to attending parties each day. Moreover, it’s crucial for them to acquire elegant manners and etiquette, along with the Kyoto dialect, which is a must for maiko in Kyoto.

It’s not just their fantastic kimonos; their dedication also makes them even more beautiful.

Thank you all for joining the tour despite the weather.

12/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
20 guests(inc. 1 child)

Today July 12th falls on another remarkablle ritual of Gion festival, the month-long festival held in July. The ritual is called 'hiki-zome', which actually means a test drive of 'yamahoko' festive floats which have been just built.
The floats are going to parade through the main street of Kyoto five days from now on July 17th.
once the festive float is built, anyone can pull it today.
Most Gion matsuri festivsal events are exciting to see while the hiki-zome is one of the few enjoyable events to join for ordinary people so that they can have a special experience to pull the float and feel the enthusiastic atmosphere.
Thank you all for joining the tour today！

10/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
54 guests (incl. 3 children)

Today July 10th falls on the special event called
'mikoshi-arai' (purifying the portable shrine)of Gion matsuri festival, an annual month-long festival held in July in Kyoto.
This evening one of the three portable shrines was carried from Yasaka jinja shinto shrine to the kamo river to purify it . It is because a week from now the three portable shrines are going to move to the citycenter of kyoto. Prior to it , they need to be purified. Japanese shintoism emphasize purification, keeping everywhere clean.
Tonight many local people in Kyoto get involved in this special ritual , cooperating with each other to get it done properly . It must be a hard work for the staff concerned but it sounds great they are even now faithfully observing this traditional ritual , making wish for good health.

Thank you very much for joining the tour today.

08/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
58 guests(inc. 3 children)

Started in 869 as a prayer for eradication of epidemics, the Gion Matsuri Festival has always been the crucial purification rituals in the summer in Kyoto.

Walking down Shijo Street, you can hear the recorded special music of traditional Japanese flutes, drums, and bells played during the festival, the typical sounds of summer in Kyoto. Shops’ displays are also associated with the festival, and even the hairstyles of maiko (apprentice geiko or geisha) are no exception.

Senior maiko’s hairstyle during the period of July 10th to 24th is called Katsuyama, which is even more elaborate than usual, making them happy. The motifs of their kimono or obi sash also reflect the festival such as the floats or the portable shrines.

All in all, July in Kyoto revolves around the festival.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

05/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
83 guests(incl. 3 children)

Today we were so happy we had as many as 83 lovely guests for the tour.
Kyoto is a famous place to produce good quality of bamboo. This weekend, throughout the nation we have a seasonal event called 'tanabata' or the 'star festival'. On July 7th, we set a bamboo branch decorated with lots of strips of colorful paper on which our prayers are written so that the prayers will be answered.
This annual event is based on a romantic legend that the two lovers(the two stars in the night sky) will enjoy once-a-year meeting at the Milky Way on the night of July 7th unless it is rainy while normally they are separated by the river. So even now we celebrate their once-a-year meeting by preparing bamboo decoration.

Thank you very much for joining the tour today！

03/07/2024

Gion Night Tour
45 guests(inc.6 children)

With vegetables, fruits, and other foods being available year-round these days, it’s becoming harder to appreciate the feeling of the season. However, in traditional Japanese culture, creating a sense of the season is integral and has profoundly influenced every aspect of the culture.

This is especially true for maikos’ (apprentice geikos or geishas) attire, which changes each month to reflect seasonal motifs and items. For example, fireworks or Japanese fans
for July.

In that sense, maikos are walking embodiments of traditional culture, which is rapidly disappearing in many parts of the world.

Thank you all for joining the tour.

01/07/2024

Gion Night Tour

44 guests(incl. 2 children)

It's already July . This month in Kyoto one of the three biggest festivals in this country called

'Gion matsuri ' festival is held. The time-honored, month-long event has continued for more than one thousand years.

The origin of the festival goes back to the 9th century when a plague swept the whole part of Kyoto just like recent coronavirus pandemic.

The festival started as an event to pray forthe immediate end of the plague.

Even now the local citizens in kyoto enthusiastically conduct the various festive events including the long procession of many festive floats , cooperating with each other hoping for peaceful lives through the year.

Thank you so much for joining the tour today！

28/06/2024

Gion Night Tour
47 guests(inc.4 children)

A common scene at this time of year in Japan is a large ring made of reeds set up at Shinto shrines. This ring, called a chinowa, is meant to cleanse any impurities from the first half of the year and to pray for health in the second half as you pass through it.

This custom originates from Shinto mythology. The legend tells of a Shinto god who rewards a poor but kind-hearted man with a ring made of reeds.Thanks to the ring a terrible epidemic passes over his house.

Despite the fast-changing world, Japan, especially Kyoto, maintains traditional customs that people have embraced for centuries.

Thank you all for attending the tour.

26/06/2024

Gion Night tour
31 guests　(inc. 3 children)

We had as many as 31 lovely guests today.

The rainy season has come. It is not pleasant to walk in Gion on rainy days. But the new leaves of willow trees along Shirakawa river are bright to our eyes. Plants are storing energy for early summer.

In this season, young maiko's (apprentice of geisha's) hair is adorned with willow leaves hair ornament. And some small colorful flowers are added to the leaves of willow.

And we also see other maiko wearing hydranger hair ornament. They are so beautiful.

Thank you very much for joining our tour.

24/06/2024

Gion Night Tour
45 guests(inc. 2 children)

Maiko (apprentice geiko or geisha) are adorned in exquisite kimonos paired with intricately tied obi sashes, leaving us entranced. But their gorgeous attire would be meaningless without the elegance of their manners and etiquette.

For example, they never open a sliding door while standing. Instead, they kneel gracefully, open the door, stand to pass through, and then kneel again to close it. They acquire their elegant and beautiful manners through the practice of the tea ceremony, which is an essential part of their training as maiko and geiko.

Thank you all so much for joining the tour today.

住所

下京区四条通西洞院東入郭巨山町 11
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto
600-8493

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http://www.waraido.com/

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Gion Night Tour no guest For Kyoto citizens, the Gion Matsuri Festival and the month of July are synonymous terms. Because the entire month is dedicated to a whole selection of purification rituals as a part of it. Among others is gorgeously decorated floats marching in the procession in the city on 17th and 24th. Yesterday a main float called Naginata-boko underwent a trial run in which many school kids were given opportunities to pull the float. Given that the festival originates in desperate prayers for eradication of an epidemic disease that suffered terribly Kyoto people in the year 869, this year’s rituals have more significant meaning than ever before as a prayer for everyone in the world.