Gion Preserves the Geisha Tradition
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Posted On :
Jul-10-2010
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Article Word Count :
331
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With the popularity of the novel (and recent film) “Memoirs of a Geisha,” western interest of the geisha tradition has been met with increased curiosity. The town of Gion in Kyoto has long been revered as the city’s geisha district. As travelers on a sightseeing tour of Japan stroll across the cobble-stoned roads and encounter traditional teahouses, they hope to come across beautiful Japanese women donned in colorful silk kimonos and traditional makeup.
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With the popularity of the novel (and recent film) “Memoirs of a Geisha,” western interest of the geisha tradition has been met with increased curiosity. The town of Gion in Kyoto has long been revered as the city’s geisha district. As travelers on a sightseeing tour of Japan stroll across the cobble-stoned roads and encounter traditional teahouses, they hope to come across beautiful Japanese women donned in colorful silk kimonos and traditional makeup. For those who are unfamiliar with what a geisha is, they are women who go through years of training in the arts of song, dance, and entertaining. Traditionally, many girls would begin their training as young children, and be taught the proper methods of performing a tea ceremony, playing shamisen, dancing, entertaining guests, and more.
While many have often confused geisha as prostitutes, most don’t actually engage in sex with clients. This notion first caught on during World War II, when prostitutes would call themselves “geisha girls” to allure American soldiers. These girls tainted the respectability of the legitimate geisha, whose real purpose was to act as entertainers; through avenues such as dancing, reciting poems, serenading guests with music, or generally to engage in conversation with clients. Those truly familiar with the art of geisha engagements understand that much of the enchantment of these women is the acknowledgment that nothing should be expected, and that much is left to the imagination.
Throughout most of Japan the number of geisha has been met with considerable decline in recent years, but the Gion district of Kyoto is one that is noted for preserving this cultural tradition. In fact, one trip to Japan, and travelers will notice what a great effort the city has made to maintain the customs of historic Gion. The region has undergone comprehensive national preservation of the entire district in an attempt to restore the pristine beauty of city.
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Article Source :
http://www.articleseen.com/Article_Gion Preserves the Geisha Tradition_22819.aspx
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Author Resource :
www.asiaimpressions.com
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Keywords :
trip to Japan, tour of Japan, Geisha Tradition, town of Gion,
Category :
Travel and Leisure
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Destinations
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