Sunday, November 10, 2013

"Masaichi" of Higashiyama

I had lunch at a soba (buck wheat) noodle restaurant "Masaichi" in Ichinen-zaka Slope of Higashiyama.

There are several kinds of lunch menus.

I chose the soba lunch set for 980 yen, which has soba noodle, a small bowl of an immersed tuna fish on rice, sesame tofu, fried chicken and fried potatoes.  All were delicious!

The cold water had a twist of lime and was lovely.  It's a small restaurant and very good service.  I'd like to visit again for their hot sake at night.

The autumn leaves are getting brighter day by day.

Saturday, November 09, 2013

"Kagura" Sacred Court Dance in Wakayama

For me, Autumn means "Kagura" season!

The only time I can see Kagura in Kyoto is on the night of Yoiyama during the Gion Festival.  But a friend of mine got the news that Kagura is performed in Wakayama Prefecture (next to Kyoto), so we went to see.

Two Iwami Kagura dance teams from my hometown in Shimane were invited for the 40th anniversary of Inami Town Cultural Association in Wakayama.


The sacred court performance started with a traditional playing "Ohayashi" by 4 people.

The first program was "Ama-no-Iwato (The Cave of the Sun Goddess)," a very famous Japanese myth.

Next followed by "Ebisu," a charming God's dance.

"Phantom Spider" was very dynamic.  Kagura's other attraction is their gorgeous costumes!

I especially enjoy the dance of demons!

"Kirime" is a dance based on the story about Inami Town's Prince Kirime.  This is another reason why Iwami Kagura was invited.

It lasted long time of 3 hours. For the finale was also a very famous myth "Yamata-no-Orochi (an 8-branched giant snake)."

I've seen Kagura countless times, and never get bored.

After Kagura, we had pizzas, over looking a beautiful sun set.

Thanks to my friend, I had a very happy Autumn day!

Next, I must see Kagura Grand Prix performance:  November 23rd in Hiroshima Kagura Dome!!

Kitano Tenmangu Shrine

I visited Kitano Tenmangu Shrine.

The purpose is to get this commemorative stamp: JR Tokai's 20th anniversary of "Yes, let's go to Kyoto" campaign.

Kitano Tenmangu is famous for a cow, and the image of a cow can be seen here and there.

Can you find one on this lantern?