The Gion District was established in the early 1600s to accommodate the needs of travelers visiting Yasaka Shrine. It evolved to become one of the most exclusive and well-known geisha districts in all of Japan.
Hanami-koji is a wide street bordered on both sides by traditional teahouses called ochaya. On the corner sits Ichiriki Chaya, easily spotted by its vibrant orange walls. Ichiriki Chaya is over 300 years old and is known as one of the most high-end establishments in Gion, offering geisha entertainment to powerful business and political figures – but strictly by invitation only. This teahouse is as famous for its history as its exclusivity. During the 19th century, revolutionary samurai warriors would meet here to plot the downfall of the shogun’s government.
Tagged: Asia, geisha, Gion District, Japan, Kyoto, photography, travel
Akihabara, known for its electronic shops, has gained recognition as the center of Japan’s otaku (diehard fan) culture with many shops devoted to anime and manga. The crowds reminded me of Times Square and the selection of anime was equally overwhelming to Lucas as were the number of young men crowded around every console, figure, cashier stand. 
Legend says in the year 628 two brothers fished a statue of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, from the Sumida River. And although they tried to return the statue back to the river the statue always returned to them. So they built a temple, Sensoji, for the goddess of Kannon. Completed in 645 it is Tokyo’s oldest temple.
After 83 years Tsukiji Fish Market held its final auction last Friday. The world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji deals in over 480 different types of fish and transacts over 14 billion yen a day. One of the omono (big items) of the market is tuna; a 400 kg (800lb) tuna fetched over 33 million yen ($300,000) this past Friday.
Andong, Peaceful East, is the home of traditional Korean culture. Founded around 1 BC, Andong became a center of Confucianism after the ascent of the Joseon Dynasty to the throne. The Nakdong River flows through this capital city of North Gyeongsang Province.
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