After strolling around Gion, visit Gion Corner, which stages special variety programs in the ancient cultural arts. You'll see short demonstrations of the tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), koto (Japanese harp) music, gagaku (ancient court music and dance), kyogen (Noh comic play), kyomai (Kyoto-style dance) performed by maiko, and bunraku (puppetry). The shows cater to tourists, and none of the individual performances beat a full-scale production of the real thing, but this is a convenient and quick introduction to the traditional forms of Japanese entertainment. If you wish, you can also partake in a 30-minute tea ceremony following each performance. Performances are at 7pm and 8pm daily March 1 to November 29 (except Aug 16) and only on Friday, Saturday, and holidays November through February. Reservations are not necessary, but arrive early (no credit cards accepted), or purchase in advance at most hotels or Gion Corner box office.

Copyright: Excerpted from Frommer's Japan, 9th Edition, (c) 2008, Wiley Publishing, Inc.

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