The next few blog posts are from a trip to Kyoto, my favourite place in Japan. This photo was taken in Gion- famous for Geishas and the tea houses where they entertain. Gion is mesemerising to walk around- meandering through an endless maze of pint-sized streets, all lined with cute little shops, restaurants, and tea houses- it feels as though you are in traditional Japan, but with a very modern edge. There are international restaurants and cool bars, all intertwined with traditional Japanese Izakayas’ and beautiful Buddhist temples. At night everything lights up- in a subtle, pretty way; not like the neon glow of other Japanese cities. I took this picture using a long exposure, capturing couples and friends sprawled along the river bank enjoying one of the last evenings of summer.
snow monkey photography 
Andy Martin October 31, 2011
Good stuff, James. You are right – you will struggle to find any place in Japan more scenic, interesting, and “quaint” than Kyoto. It always seemed anomalous to me that it is an anagram of Tokyo – which is at the opposite extreme in the “scenic, interesting and quaint” stakes.
Bring on the geishas!
winegums October 31, 2011
Unfortunately I didn’t manage to spot a Geisha. They hurry through back streets in-between appointments and aren’t easy to run into. I expect I will track one down before the year is out. I certainly have preferred Kyoto to the bigger cities I have been too- though I should give Osaka a chance.
Andy Martin November 1, 2011
Don’t forget to try the okonomiyaki in Osaka – the best there is. Get a photo of an okonomiyaki delivery geisha on a moped, and blog of the year is in the bag.
winegums November 1, 2011
I will try it there. I have had it a fair few times already- including an okonomiyaki party. It is usually Osaka style. I have had it with noodles but not layered- which is Hiroshima style. I will look out for that shot but I feel like it could be a fair while before I catch a Geisha on a scooter. A rickshaw maybe… Though my friend did sit in front of one on the Shinkansen.
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