After a leisurely start we met the group at 845am for the bus ride to Kiyomazuki pottery.
We were met by the owner and several potters showing their skill. Kikomazuki has it's own secret recipe for their glaze which is shinier than traditional Kyoto pottery.
The master potter showed us how he makes a tea pot and gets the lid to fit and the spout to attach. They use an electric kiln as Kyoto regulations no longer allow woodburning ones for pollution reasons.
Two ladies were doing the hand painting whilst two other men were throwing vases on their wheels. They use different clay types and no longer limit themselves to local clay.
We wandered around the shop where I fell in love with a pretty blue and white teacup, perfect as a gift for my friend's 70th birthday. Excitedly I reached out for it when one of the ladies came up and said that is a very special cup. I nodded yes I could see that,only to realize my math had been a zero off so instead of 35 dollars the cup was 350. I sadly dropped the idea of the perfect gift!
For lunch we were taken to an indoor market where we walked around for two hours eating off stalls: grilled shrimp, fish paste with ginger skewers, and a most delectable green tea ice cream. We were going to go back for oysters but got sidetracked by yukata ( cotton kimono) shopping for the kids and t-shirts with kanji sayings.
Back on the bus we went to the kimono teahouse area where we were greeted by a wonderful lady in the most beautiful kimono. She showed us the ins and outs of how to wear one, what under garments, how to hide things in your obi (sash), and how to stand. Ladies'big toes must touch in a slight pigeon shape posture and your left hand must cover your right.
We then all went in one by one to be fitted in kimonos and to get our hair done with flowers.
back of my kimono!
After taking numerous photos of each other we sat down for a tea room ceremony in our kimonos on low stools. She talked us through the etiquette of tea rooms where tranquillity and harmony rule. You speak softly, do not discuss economics nor politics, but rather the weather or decor. Tea is served by a hostess starting with anybody to the right of you. When your tea is served you first talk to the person to your right, who was served before you, asking whether you can join them. You then turn left and apologize you are drinking before them. You place your hands on the mat and bow to the hostess and thank her for her hospitality. We were served pretty sugar wafers that looked like flowers to eat before we drank our tea.
We then all went in one by one to be fitted in kimonos and to get our hair done with flowers.
back of my kimono!
After taking numerous photos of each other we sat down for a tea room ceremony in our kimonos on low stools. She talked us through the etiquette of tea rooms where tranquillity and harmony rule. You speak softly, do not discuss economics nor politics, but rather the weather or decor. Tea is served by a hostess starting with anybody to the right of you. When your tea is served you first talk to the person to your right, who was served before you, asking whether you can join them. You then turn left and apologize you are drinking before them. You place your hands on the mat and bow to the hostess and thank her for her hospitality. We were served pretty sugar wafers that looked like flowers to eat before we drank our tea.
After a short break at the hotel we went to the Gion area of Kyoto at sunset and walked around the Maruyama park. This is a lovely area surrounded by old buildings and with a beautiful flowering cherry.
Many girls in (rented?) kimonos strolled by waving and smiling at us.
Dinner was at the Sa a mi restaurant where we were served traditional Kaiseki cuisine which is a bit like tapas.
Many small dishes with great variety of fish, pickles and tempura. We learnt that the word sushi means vinegared rice, and that it is not always topped with raw fish. Ours was served in a bowl with steamed fish on the top. All this was served along with beer and sake, making for our lovely end to our stay in Kyoto. Tomorrow we set off for Tokyo by bullet train after a very early morning rise to see a special shrine.
Many girls in (rented?) kimonos strolled by waving and smiling at us.
Dinner was at the Sa a mi restaurant where we were served traditional Kaiseki cuisine which is a bit like tapas.
Many small dishes with great variety of fish, pickles and tempura. We learnt that the word sushi means vinegared rice, and that it is not always topped with raw fish. Ours was served in a bowl with steamed fish on the top. All this was served along with beer and sake, making for our lovely end to our stay in Kyoto. Tomorrow we set off for Tokyo by bullet train after a very early morning rise to see a special shrine.
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