Great opening of the Tomiyo Ochaya (Sat. 30 of May)

As the final cherry blossoms fall off its branch being replaced by wisteria trees, we are honored to welcome you to the Grand opening of Tomiyo ochaya located in the Higashiyama ward.
During the opening you will be welcomed by Geiko and Maiko san of Hanafusa okiya. Being served the best delicacies Kyoto has to offer, while enjoying the exquisite dance and poetry skills of Geiko and Maiko san. We hope to see you on May 30th for this rare and special event :)
Date: Saturday, 30th of May
Time: 10.30 am slt
LM: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/22/220/31

Dear friends and patrons, please join us on this special occasion and please feel free to bring your
friends and family with you

Erikae Celebrations in Hanahusa ochaya

Yesterday, Hanahusa ochaya opened its doors for everyone to take part in the celebratory ozahsiki on the occasion of Erikae of Maiko Kikumaru. After 5 years of apprenticeship, okaasan Kikuyu saw Kikumaru san to be fit and mature enough to become Geiko and yesterday guests were able to see the first dance of a new Geiko and taste special celebratory dishes.
Oneesan of Geiko Kikumaru, Geiko Kikutsuru, accompanied the dance with a skillful play on koto.
After the ozahsiki, all the guests were able to take photos with the new geiko in the genkan that was all decorated with congratulatory posters.

First dance of a new Geiko Kikumaru; Geiko Kikutsuru is playing Koto

Saturday Erikae celebrations in Hanahusa ochaya

Dear guests, patrons and readers of my blog,

Please send your greetings and good luck wishes to Kikutsuru san, as she is soon to become geiko. The event will take place this month, from 11th will 14th. During Saturday 13th of October, she will be performing in full regalia as a freshly debuted geiko san. We welcome you, your family and friends to take part in our grand celebrations.

❀ Date: Saturday, 13th of October

❀ Time: 11 am slt

❀ Landmark: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/225/180/31

Geiko-to-be Kikutsuru san with sisters from Hanafusa okiya 

Evening ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya

Saturday ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya

Autumn! Finally Autumn! No more t-shirts and yukata, but sweaters and komons with waterproof haori. Yet no matter the weather, Maiko of Hanafusa okiya continue to bring weekly high-class entertainment for guests from all around the sl.
Yesterday was no different.
As the guests entered Hanahusa ochaya, they noticed that the hall was covered with dozens of congratulation posters, dedicated to erikae of Maiko Kikutsuru. Posters were presented by patrons, friends, sisters, shop owners and creators from SL, who wished Kikutsuru san best of luck and promised to continue supporting her in her geiko future.
After entering the ozahsiki room, guests were warmly received by 3 other maiko from Hanafusa okiya (Kikumaru, Kikune and Kikushino). The room itself was decorated in distinct style, giving guests a feeling that the autumn has finally arrived. Even the food itself had a perfect sense of autumn - from the pumpkin soup to the small colorful pumpkin wagashi.
As the evening progressed, the paper lanterns were lit and Maiko Kikutsuru performed a very special dance, called "Kurokami". This event was the last time we see Kikutsuru san as Maiko, next time she will be performing as full-fledged geiko.

Celebrating Tanabata 2018

One of my favorite celebrations with a wonderful story background and traditions. It celebrates the meeting of the deities lovers, Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented by the stars Vega and Altair respectively), after a year separation.
To start with, it can be celebrated on the exact same date yearly (7th of July due to Gregorian calendar) OR on a "floating" date (lunar calendar) which is around August. As you can see, the date can vary from region to region. It also often also depends on the weather, especially in Kyoto where weather can be quite unpredictable.
This year celebrations of Tanabata at Kyoto Kagai sim was held on Saturday 11 am slt and the weather was more than pleasant. Before the event, Maiko from Hanafusa okiya took lessons and in the midday they started preparing and decorating the area - they hung Orizuru (paper cranes, wish for good luck), Kinchaku (kind of paper bag decoration for good luck in business), Fukinagashi and of course Tanzaku (handwritten wishes) on the bamboo, growing along the path towards a small yet cozy hut where the celebrations were to take place. After they have finished preparations, they returned to the okiya, changed to celebratory yukata and, joined by Maiko Kikutsuru who has returned from an engagement, walked towards the arriving guests.
In the cozy atmosphere of the hut, after refreshments and summer dishes were served, Kikutsuru san told romantic yet sad story of two lover deities making some guests shed a tear, yet at the end everyone looked at the sky, smiling and wishing Orihime and Hikoboshi to meet and never ever to go apart...

Summer ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya

Although it is peak of summer, Kyoto Kagai continues to hold weekly events. Yesterday, visitors of our sim could notice Maiko Kikutsuru, Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Maiko Kikushino rushing from Hanafusa okiya, their home, to their appointment at Hanahusa ochaya, located in Miyagawacho Hanamachi. Those who were attentive could notice the difference in the looks of Kikutsuru san - her hairstyle was not ofuku and the kimono had 5 crests.
When ozashiki started, Maiko Kikune and Kikushino walked gracefully with food, and Maiko Kikutsuru and Kikumaru brought trays with sake, been and non alcoholic beverages.
Later on, the atatori of Hanafusa okiya performed a beautiful story and dance called "The two maneki neko", which was warmly received by the audience. The music accompaniment was performed by Maiko Kikumaru, who played koto beautifully. When ozahsiki time was coming to an end, maiko san thanked guests for coming and informed about future grand events, such as "Yukatakai" and "Obon" in August.
For those who are interested in our events, we encourage you to check the right tab of this blog or to im Maiko Kikumaru (belliebeth) in-world so that you can receive updates about weekly and monthly events.

Summertime ozahsiki in Kyoto Kagai

We continue to hold weekly events for all admirers of the Japanese culture as well as guest of the Kyoto Kagai. The weather is already hot and humid but at our sim you can always find a cool place to rest and enjoy the relaxing atmosphere, created by Maiko from Hanafusa okiya. Every aspect, from food to clothing of the maiko, is carefully selected for every occasion by the host. 

We are always happy to see new guests as well as families with children at our sim and events:)

Want to know when there will be next event? In this blog on the right side there is a tab with "monthly events". In case you need additional information, please feel free to IM Maiko Kikumaru(belliebeth) in SL.

Photo by Kyoko san (Samara Barsane)

Open-air events are back!

Summer season has already started in Japan and this means that summer activities are now available at Kyoto Kagai sim - open-air ozashiki on the Kamo river, beer garden events, gatcha, excursions and many many more are awaiting for you. 

Let's enjoy this summer together!

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kyoto/40/128/28

Maiko Kikutsuru (light blue), Maiko Kikune (green) and Maiko Kikushino (navy blue)

Hina Matsuri in Hanahusa ochaya

Dear patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,

Thank you for celebrating Hina Matsuri with us. We look forward to seeing You later this month during annual Higashiyama hanatoro, that will take place on March 10th and let us not forget weekly events such as ozashiki, museum events and story nights.

For those who wanted but couldn't participate, i'll give a small report. The celebrations took place in Hanahusa ochaya in Miyagawacho hanamachi of Kyoto Kagai sim. Guests were welcomed by Maiko of Hanafusa okiya together with magnificent displays of Hina dolls, that belong to okiya. Yes, there were several types and special kokeshi Hina dolls display that are quite rare.

For Minarai Kikushino, it was first Hina Matsuri in their profession so this celebrations was very special.
After the sweets were served and tea was drunk, Maiko Kikumaru entertained the guests with stories and, as we had several guests who came for the first time, explaining the Hina Matsuri and when guests had questions Maiko Kikune helped to answer.
As part of Hina Matsuri celebrations, Maiko san accompanied guests towards the Yasaka Jinja shrine where everyone could take a photo with a favored Maiko san ^_^

After Hina Matsuri maiko san accompanied guests to Yasaka Jinja shrine to pray for good health of girls and women

Obake in Hanahusa ochaya

Obake Ozashiki in Hanahusa ohaya

“Obake” is like Japanese Halloween. This custom is now confined mainly to the hanamachi (geisha districts), where maiko but most often geiko go from tea house to tea house and perform a skit while dressed in outrageous costumes (not only as historical figures but even as disney princesses!). One of the rules of Obake is that things are topsy-turvey - old dress as young, men dress and women and vice-versa.
This years obake ozashiki in Hanahusa ochaya gave guests a special opportunity to witness Oiran (represented by Maiko Kikutsuru) and her apprentice (represented by Maiko Kikumaru). Maiko Kikune and shikomi Kaori served guests with drinks and kaiseki cuisine - all to celebrate the first plum blossom of the year.
At the end of the ozashiki Maiko Kikutsuru played a kouta song and Maiko Kikumaru performed a dance "The words are so frightful..." and wished guests lucky and prosperity in the new 2018 year!

Ozashiki in Gion Higashi ochaya

Dear Guests and Patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the summertime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya on Sunday 17th of September. Come and relax in a cooling atmosphere of ochaya along with the traditional Japanese music and the rustle of silk sleeves. You'll be offered special Miyagawacho "flying" sake and delicious green tea served by maikos of Hanafusa okiya
Date: Sunday 17th of September
Time: 11 am slt
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/153/179/25

(Saturday 12th of August) Ozashiki at Gion Higachi Ochaya

Konnichiwa dear guests and patron of Kyoto Kagai sim,
as a celebration of Midsummer we are hosting a ozashiki in Gion Higashi ochaya this Saturday. This ochaya is located in Gion Higashi district of Kyoto Kagai sim, with a veranda upon the water channel As well as the beautiful view, you will feel the refreshing breeze scented with waterlily scent coming from the channel - best relaxation during hot summer days.
Time: 11.00 am slt - 12.00 pm slt(second life time)
Dress code: visiting clothes
Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/153/179/25
You are welcome to enjoy some nice conversations and entertainment by the Geiko and Maiko of Hanafusa Okiya

Summer picnic in the gardens of Kyoto Kagai sim

End of June - August has always been the hottest part of summer. Even koi fish want to hide deeper, where cooler waters are.
In Kyoto Kagai, there is a perfect summer spot where you can hide and enjoy and relax some. It is located in the Kytot Kagai sim's gardens. The blanket with several zabutons is placed in the shade of big trees as well as near the small river to help our guests forget about the hot sun and crowded streets.
This time, Maiko Kikune held a picnic, first time this year. She was accompanied by other maiko san from her okiya. By serving refreshments, summery foods and tasty snacks as well as by entertaining with smart conversations, Maiko from Hanafusa okiya bring the refreshing change, not only into the bodies but also into the hearts and souls of visitors...
Next time we meet, will be very special event - misedashi(debut) of a new maiko! So do not be shy, and visit us anytime you like. Our sim and hearts are open for everyone :)

Evening ozashiki at Oume

Ozashiki

Another ozashiki took place in Kyoto Kagai. This evening Maiko Kikutsuru was a musician and created a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere with her skillful play on the koto. After the guests have settled, Maiko Kikuyae brought the tray with Kyoto Kaiseki dishes while Kikuteru san brought sake and expensive wines. It is important to for Minarai Kikuteru to watch and learn how every inch of work is done as she is quite soon to debut as

Maiko Kiktsuru playing the koto

Maiko. 

As well as enjoying their meal and good music, guests were delighted to speak with intelligent young Maiko. Starting clever conversations and keeping it alive is one of the hardest assets in Maiko and Geiko work as it requires knowledge in different aspects - traditional and modern art, Japanese culture, literature(Japanese as well as other), important events, politics, philosophy etc. I do not count the knowledge of Karyukai traditions as it is simply a must. As well as smart, ozahsiki conversations are to be relaxing rather then debates. Hard job, ne? :) Nevertheless, starting from early stages, maiko in Hanafusa okiya learn how to create an ideal conversation using all her knowledge and sense of humor to provide quality entertainment in Second life realm. 

After last ozashiki, the proprietress of the Oume received many requests from the visitors of her Wine Bar asking for more day and evening ozashiki. She has contacted Okaasan Kikuyu of Hanafusa okiya so to plan the ozashiki with maiko san of Hanafusa okiya, and it was decided that there will be 1 or 2 weekly, depending on the month. 

Ozashiki Memories

Ozashiki

As well as Kyoto Kagai sim, Hanahusa ochaya never closes its gates. Now is quite a busy season, with lots of ozashiki and open air picnics. Ochaya staff needs to plan every event with precise care: how should the tokonoma in the ozashiki room be decorated, what scroll to use, what courses should be served(if ozashiki in ochaya it will definitely be Kyoto Kaiseki with seasonal delicacies and if picnic that it can be less formal type of food), what types of refreshments are to be bought, what type of sake bottle to use as well as what sake cups, which maiko and geiko to invite for the banquet.

Maiko Kikune during her dance

This Saturday was no different as Hanahusa ochaya held ozashiki for the guests and patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim. Maiko Kikutsuru has entertained guests with shamisen music while Maiko Kikumaru, Maiko Kikune and Minarai Kikuteru served guests with refreshing mugicha(barley tea) and Miyagawacho "flying" sake. In case our guests felt too hot, they had an option of choosing an uchiwa(summer fan). When the meals were eaten, Maiko Kikune performed her first dance performance as Ichinmae maiko (Ichiname is stage of maiko when she passes 1 year after the debut). From now on, my dear readers, we will see much more of Kikune san as performer as well as musician.

Ozashiki at Hanahusa ochaya

Dear Guests and Patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the summertime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya on Saturday 1st of July. Come and relax in a cooling atmosphere of ochaya along with the traditional Japanese music and the rustle of silk sleeves. You'll be offered special Miyagawacho "flying" sake and other refreshing beverages served by maikos of Hanafusa okiya
Date: Saturday 17th of June
Time: 12 pm slt

Taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/220/44/25

Ozashiki at Hanahusa ochaya

Dear Guests and Patrons of Kyoto Kagai sim,
It is with great pleasure to invite you to the summertime ozashiki of Hanahusa ochaya on Saturday 17th of June. Come and relax in a cooling atmosphere of ochaya along with the traditional Japanese music and the rustle of silk sleeves. You'll be offered special Miyagawacho "flying" sake and delicious green tea served by maikos of Hanafusa okiya
Date: Saturday 17th of June
Time: 12 pm slt
Here is your taxi: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Midnight%20Sun/220/44/25

Ozashiki at Oume

Maiko at Ozashiki

Not only Hanafusa okiya maiko perform at Hanahusa ochaya. During weeks there are ozashiki also at Oume - high class wine restaurant where maiko san serve and dance for guests same as during saturday ozashikis. Here guests can enjoy expensive types of wines and converse with intelligent yet humble maiko or geiko.
This ozashiki was provided by the proprietress of the Oume, whi invited Maiko Kikutsuru as oldest maiko, two younger maikos Kikune and Kikuyae and Minarai Kikuteru. Oneesan Maiko Kikutsuru played shamisen and provided the music accompaniment for the ozashiki. Younger maiko and minarai chatted with guests, alongside learning the way of perfect behavior from their older sister. They watched her moves and way she speaks, so that in the future teach their imoutos the ideal way of being a maiko.

Ozashiki in Hanahusa Ochaya

Senior Maiko Kikutsuru playing koto and entertaining guests with music

Yesterday Maiko san from Hanafusa okiya entertained guests during Sunday ozashiki at Hanahusa ochaya. Delicious kyoto kaiseki dishes were served alongside with refreshments. The weather is changing rapidly - it is already summer in Kyoto Kagai sim.
During the time when guests enjoyed their meal, Senior Maiko Kikutsuru san played the koto.

Junior Maiko Kikune. It is her last ozashiki as 1st year maiko. She will soon paint her both lips

Maiko Kikumaru serving guests with Kaiseki dishes

Ozashiki Memories

This Wednesday Hanahusa ochaya hold very special ozashiki for patrons and guests of the Kyoto Kagai. It was special for several reasons: first of all, youngest maiko of Hanafusa okiya, Maiko Kikushino and Maiko Kikuyae, performed their first dance after their Misedashi. The dance was accompanied by talented koto play by Maiko Kikutsuru. Secondly, it was notices that maiko Kikumaru started wearing pink cloth on her ofuku hairstyle. This means that soon she will step into her last stage as Maiko.

It was last public ozashiki of April. Next grand event will be Heian Jingu Reitaisai Hono Buyou(dance performance at Kitano Tenmagu Jinja) on Tuesday 18th of April(10.30 am slt - 11.15 am slt). After - Kyo odori on Sunday 30th of April.