Hanami in Yokkaichi

After spending the previous two hanami seasons running a mile from Yokkaichi, we thought we should finally check out some of the renowned scenic spots of our stinky town. Jonathan arrived from Australia in time to accompany us to the river to watch families frolic with yakitori sticks and alcohol under the trees. The trees were stunning, and the full bloom ensured that the smokestacks mostly remained invisible. Fiona even acquired a brand new drink container...

Koke-dera

Also in Kyoto, we made a booking at the (in)famous Koke-dera (Moss Temple). The venerable Sean wrote a very polite postcard in kanji to the monks to reserve our time - this is the only way they'll take booking. Then, after handing over our exorbitant 3000 yen, we had to sit in the temple in seiza for an hour and copy sutras in not-so-elegant kanji. Finally, they relented and let us walk around the garden. Verdict: absolutely worth the fuss. They've been cultivating the 120 varieties of moss in there for centuries, and it shows.

(L to R) Sharon, Lolly, Fern, Fiona, Lauren, Sean. Sam took the picture, and Marina was frolicking elsewhere at the crucial moment.

Hunting Geisha in the Rain

Miyako Odori 2007

As part of our Kyoto weekend, we went to see the famous Miyako Odori geisha dances (again). Before the performance, two geisha prepared and served tea for members of the audience. One was clearly experienced; for the other it was the first time, as evidenced by the sheer terror on her face. Afterwards, the assembled geisha danced, played and sang with their usual refined panache.