I had a delicious espresso martini in the lovely hotel bar with our free drink coupon from the tour last night.
Dinner last night was really good with a mix of Japanese and western food but I really was full from lunch still which was large and filling. The Geiko-son (more experienced Geiko I believe) was interesting. She was beautiful as her dress but it’s hard for me to except some of the sexism in the older traditions such as her teachers are all male, she cannot marry, etc. It is her choice of course but still just doesn’t sit well. I also learned that in Kabuki theater females are not allowed to perform for 600+ years. Still! Tradition is one thing but I am actually glad the performances didn’t fit into our schedule because I don’t know if I want to support that. Some interesting facts I learned about Geiko (aka Geisha in the states) is that it means performance person in Geisha and performance girl in Geiko. They dress less flowery and colorful as they age and eventually stop wearing the white makeup and fancy hair at about 40yo. They never stop training. There is an 90 year old Geiko still living and she still trains. The reason they get plainer as they get older is because they are so talented at that point they do not need pretty clothes or makeup/hair to gain attention. They are not allowed to visit modern stores like Starbucks. They can only go to old fashioned markets. Also, I’m gonna try and rewatch Memoirs of a Geisha and The Last Samurai based on our travels yesterday as we visited in Arashiyama some of the filming locations of the The Last Samurai.
Today, I woke up at 5:27am today naturally. Part of the problem is the light coming in the window that early (I also woke up at 12am, 1am and 2am cuz of my stupid phone vibrating from calls….tonight I’ll put on do not disturb but also having had emergencies I hate to do that). Today is going to be our longest day having breakfast at 7am and leaving right after at 7:45am and not returning till 10-1030pm as we are going to Hiroshima which is very far away but we’re going by bullet train:
The lunch place is based on my own online research so hopefully we get there as lunch is on your own. Miyajima is known for their oysters so it’s an oyster place. They do have other things because mom is allergic to mollusks (not shrimp or lobster but scallops, clams, oysters). And DD does not like fish.
Shinkansen Train to Hiroshima
Board a Shinkansen train, Japan’s famed high-speed bullet train, to begin your journey to
Hiroshima and Miyajima Island.
Hiroshima Peace Park
Visit this memorial park in the center of Hiroshima, which is dedicated to the memories of
the victims of the atomic bomb that was dropped on August 6, 1945. Built on what was once
the city’s busiest areas, it is now the scene of the A-Bomb Dome, the ruins of one of the
buildings, as well as several memorials.
Museum Visit
Discover the history and the horrors of Hiroshima and its role in World War II. The museum
houses many exhibits and information, plus substantial memorabilia and images from the
bombing.
Yakigaki no Hayashi lunch on Miyajima
Known as the “Island of the Gods,” Miyajima is often named one of the most scenic spots in
Japan. Enjoy exploring this beautiful island which is also home to many wonderful dining options
for an appetizing lunch.
Shinto Shrine and Buddhist Temple Tour
Learn the history of the popular Itsukushima Shinto shrine from a local expert who will take
you on a tour of the shrine and a nearby Buddhist temple.
Okonomiyaki Dinner Experience
Dig into a local favorite food—Okonomiyaki! This healthy crepe is crafted to accommodate
individual tastes and is filled with choices that include meat, noodles, vegetables, or any
combination of these ingredients. The dish is so beloved by the people of Hiroshima, there are
over 2,000 Okonomiyaki restaurants in the region.
Shinkansen Train to Kyoto
Take a Shinkansen train back to Kyoto.
I am not taking photos cuz they are and other family members are and they are all better at it and it’s more of an interest for them so once they put them in the shared album or I get them from ABD I’ll come back and add them near the appropriate post. 
Kiyomizu-dera Temple Visit
Bento Box Cooking Class
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