History of Maiko The tea house located before the gates of Yasaka Shrine near Shinmonso is said to be the birthplace of the tea house. It was the first to serve tea and dango (dumpling cake made of rice or wheat flour) to people visiting the shrine. Later, other establishments offered sake together with lighthearted entertainment involving female hostesses playing the shamisen (a three-stringed musical instrument) and dancing in faux or mock kabuki (traditional...

Kyoto weekend tour - quaint, historic, culturally rich experience of the old emperor's village of Kyoto. The place where many overseas couples choose to wed...most romantic and most scenic of spots! This cover pic is of a temple covered in real gold...kinkakuji :-)