Do you know ‘Kamogawa Odori’?

This is the one of the most famous annual events in Kyoto. It presents  traditional dance and drama by the Geisha and Maiko of Ponto-cho, Kyoto,  a district along a narrow street parallel with the Kamo River.  This event  flourished in Kyoto after the center of Japan moved to Tokyo (Edo).

The other day, I went to this event for the first time. Before the show, you can enjoy ‘Ocha seki’ that Ocha is made by Maiko and you can  drink it with a Manzyu. After having a Manzyu, you can take the dish home. The show used classic Japanese but the story was easy to understand. At the end of the show, Geisha and Maiko threw a Tenugui with their signature. I couldn’t get it, but I really enjoyed this event.

Tenugui and the dish

Have you been to Kamogawa Odori?

Ocha-seki

The Effects of Disaster in Japan on the Travel and Tourism Industry

The earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan on March 11, 2011 has not only caused damage in the Tohoku area, but also it has done collateral damage to the areas unaffected by the disaster. Tourists that were planning to visit Japan this spring, and some even in the summer, have cancelled their trips fearing the consequences they may face by coming to Japan. As a result, tourism-related businesses are now threatened and are facing an uncertain future.

However, there has been words that the tourism rate is going to regain its number around August, back to its original number.

What is your opinion?