The Kaiseki Dinner and Maiko Dances

Friday, April 8th, Evening

After the ceremony at Okazaki shrine, Peter and Amy were changed out of their kimono and had a short rest before dinner that evening. The venue was the historical Tokan-so, a famous ryotei (traditional gourmet restaurant) located on the north side of Maruyama park, right in the heart of Gion nearby such locales as Yasaka shrine, Kodai-ji temple and Chio-in temple. Ryotei, historically open only to the elite and wealthy, are seen as the epitome of Japanese cuisine and hospitality. They often dot the outskirts of Kyoto and feature a private garden and at times accommodation.

岡崎神社にて挙式をあげられたAmy様と Peter様は再びブライダルカーにてKyotoWeddingsへ戻りお着替え後お食事会の料亭へ移動されました。円山公園の東側高台寺、八坂神社、知恩院、祇園などの人気の観光地に囲まれた場所にあるのが東観荘です。レトロさと和風が混ざった落ち着いた料亭です。

Entering Tokan-so were surprised by the cherry blossoms arrangement decorating the entrance. The lobby also features a dry garden art piece designed by Tokan-so's owner, as well as a display of Noh drama costumes.

まず玄関をくぐると石畳ときれいに手入れされた中庭そして扉を開けると生け花がお出迎え

すべて東観荘のオーナー様がアレンジされるそうです！ロビーには枯山水のお庭を模型にしたテーブルオブジェ♬能の舞台としても使用される一角には和装が展示してあるんです！

細やかなところまで気をつくしたおもてなしですね。

The private dining room was located on the second floor and featured western table/chairs as well as an adjoining room for the maiko dance. The dinner menu included some traditional auspicious symbols to celebrate the occasion. For example, there were dishes in the shape of a crane and turtles, traditional symbols of happiness. There was also a container with a lid in the shape of a frog. The idea is that both parts (bride and groom) must work and match to make a whole, a wish for the well-being of the new bridal couple.

そしてお食事をされるお部屋には、帯のトップクロスで飾られたテービルと椅子海外の方は正座が難しいためテーブルと椅子は本当にうれしいですね♬八寸といわれる前菜には、お祝いの意味を込めた材料や器が使用されていました。例えば。。。鶴、亀の器→福寿、長寿蛤→蛤は同じ対の貝しか重なり合うことができないことから、家内安全や末長いご夫婦の縁を願う意味を込められています。お料理の材料にしたり器としても使用されることがあります。

The meal also featuring something everyone had been awaiting -- the arrival of the maiko. Two maiko from the Miyagawa district joined us that evening, Satono and Marufuku. Maiko are geisha in training from the ages of 15-20. Here they are performing one of two dances.
そして、お食事会のなかでもお二人が大変楽しみにされていたのが、舞子さんによる祝舞をご披露♬

Of course, during the meal we took a lot of photos with the maiko and enjoyed their conversation. Peter and Amy had a lot of questions, and we did our best to translate the conversation. It was the perfect way to end a special day: a beautiful full course kaiseki dinner and the company of maiko.

It was a pleasure meeting Peter and Amy and helping them organize their wedding in Kyoto. We wish them all the best and hope to see them again in Kyoto in the future!

もちろん、祝舞の後にはご一緒に撮影をされたりお話をされたりとゆっくり堪能して頂きました♬京料理も大変満足と完食！本当にすてきなお二人に出会えてご担当させていただき光栄でした！Amy様Peter様　お二人とご家族の末永いご多幸を願っております♬また、京都へお越し下さいませ！