Kyoto's celebrated geisha district, Gion, is not just the preserve of adults. Although most ochaya (tearooms) are not geared toward children, families can get an insight into traditional Japanese culture at Gion Corner. The theater re-enacts chado

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Kyoto's celebrated geisha district, Gion, is not just the preserve of adults. Although most ochaya (tearooms) are not geared toward children, families can get an insight into traditional Japanese culture at Gion Corner. The theater re-enacts chado (tea ceremonies), brings classical comic plays (kyogen) to the stage, and introduces the audience to the music of the imperial court and the Japanese harp (koto). It also treats spectators to Kyomai (Kyoto-style) dance, which is performed by geishas or maiko (trainee geishas); bunraku (puppet shows); and kado (the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging). The fact that it is geared toward tourists works well for children, with the broad spectrum of Japanese stage arts delivered in easily digestible chunks.

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