Kyoto geisha disctrict (Patreon)

🌟✨ Here is a secret about Kyoto’s geisha district ;) 🌟✨ ⁠⁠When I lived in Kyoto I used to work as a guide, and my passions were shrines and geisha districts. ⁠⁠So now, instead of telling you how hard it was to take a photo in this famous district Pontocho without people, I will talk about its symbol, a little bird you can see on the lanterns and on the ground, Chidori. ⁠⁠Pontocho is one of the oldest geisha disctricts in Kyoto, now it is more of an evening spot for dinner and drinks, but still has a geisha house of course. It is a narrow street filled with great restaurants and fun (or not that fun, depends on the day) tiny bars, size of 2square meters lol ⁠⁠How to recognise it if you don't have a map? Lanterns! ⁠⁠Look at the lantern on the left from me... it has a birdy- Chidori. And here’s a fascinating tidbit: The Chidori’s name originates from its melodic "chi-chi-chi" call and its tendency to gather in flocks. Intriguingly, the character for "chi" also means "1,000" in Japanese, adding layers of meaning to its name.⁠⁠Why the Chidori as Pontocho’s symbol? It’s a tribute to the district's proximity to the Kamo River, where these birds are a common sight during the summer months.⁠⁠While exploring Pontocho, don’t miss a visit to Pontocho Surugaya, established in 1898. Indulge in their traditional Wasabon Chidori sweets, crafted with exquisite wasanbon sugar cultivated in Japan using unique methods.⁠⁠I hope you liked this little insight ;) pay attention to logos when visiting Japan ;) ⁠⁠P.S: geishas in Kyoto are called Geiko, and young apprentices Maiko. Just another info you may never need. ⁠