Su-koi!
In Kyoto for our final visit (sniff), we saw a Takigi Noh performance by firelight at Heian-Jingu, popped into some last temples and gardens, had a lovely dinner with Lolly, and filled up on matcha ice cream.
In Gion on our final day, we (completely by accident) stumbled across the once-a-year releasing of sacred carp into the rivers and canals of the geisha district. Buddhist priests blessed everybody and said a bunch of prayers, then two specially chosen maiko-san released the first carp of the year. Passers-by, ourselves included, could take a bucket and release some of the two thousand baby carp into the water. So, long after we've left Japan, our baby carp should be thriving in Gion, flitting by the geisha at night-time and basking beneath the momiji in the canal. Carp are, after all, revered for their longevity. A fitting touch for a poetic visit.
In Gion on our final day, we (completely by accident) stumbled across the once-a-year releasing of sacred carp into the rivers and canals of the geisha district. Buddhist priests blessed everybody and said a bunch of prayers, then two specially chosen maiko-san released the first carp of the year. Passers-by, ourselves included, could take a bucket and release some of the two thousand baby carp into the water. So, long after we've left Japan, our baby carp should be thriving in Gion, flitting by the geisha at night-time and basking beneath the momiji in the canal. Carp are, after all, revered for their longevity. A fitting touch for a poetic visit.
