Geisha-gazing and karaoking in Kyoto:
Japan hits the high note during Rachel Smith's Semester at Sea
After visiting 12 countries in 109 days during my Semester at Sea, I’d have to say Japan was my favorite country, and I didn’t expect that at all. When our ship landed in Kobe, I immediately headed to the train station to go to Kyoto, the last city in Japan that has Geisha.
Since I didn’t take a bullet train, I was able to enjoy the scenery along the way. By the way, out of all the traveling I experienced during my time abroad, the train is definitely my favorite. It’s the easiest way to get around in Japan.
In Kyoto some friends and I stayed at a hostel, which basically had two showers, two toilets, and a kitchen with only one sink to brush your teeth in. The room we stayed in had about eight bunk beds, but, surprisingly enough, it was more comfortable than the bed I slept in while in Beijing. Plus, this place was loads cheaper.
After checking in, we decided to catch a bus to a Meiko Geisha show, which included apprentice geishas-in-training. At the show, a packed house of Japanese locals were awed by full-on dress geishas dancing to music done by other geishas and acting out different mythical stories. I’ve never seen a performance more beautiful in my life. The set design was gorgeous, and the costumes were stunning. Unfortunately, it was illegal to take pictures during the performance, but I’ll always remember it.
That same night, we searched for a place to eat, which is difficult because everything is very expensive in Japan. We managed to find a popular spot that kind of reminded me of the Melting Pot, only less expensive. We enjoyed all-you-can-eat food that you prepare yourself in a fryer at your own table. Not only was the food delicious, but getting a chance to see where friends of all ages come to hang out was an experience.
After dinner, Heike, a fellow PC girl, admitted she couldn’t have the “full experience” of Japan until we all went out to karaoke. It’s very popular here. Yes, the three of us sang our hearts out to American hits, which was a challenge since we had to work a Japanese machine with only Japanese directions to guide us.
Later on we explored the night life around Kyoto. We saw professional Geishas hurrying to their next appointment and kids hanging out. On our way back to the hostel, we saw there was some sort of cherry blossom festival going on at a shrine. We went into this shrine which resembled a park. Japanese friends and family were talking way into the night in the midst of the garden. That’s something American tourists don’t usually see.
The next day we set out to see the Golden Pavilion, another famous temple in Kyoto. We met up with a Semester At Sea teacher there who was hoping to have sushi for lunch. After seeing the temple, we set out for a sushi place. And, yes, the sushi in Japan is just as good as in America, probably better. After lunch, we heard about this next handicraft center which seemed to have lots of gifts at good prices. Kimonos, Samurai swords, and ninja stars galore. You name it, it was there.
We spent our last full day in Kyoto visiting the Fushimi Shrine, where part of Memoirs of a Geisha was filmed. It is a famous place where people go to make wishes. I had the rare opportunity to see a geisha there, posing for photographers. I got a couple great pictures of this real-life geisha!
posted by Stacy Dyer '96
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