Japanese Professional Culinary and Pastry Tour in English

Japanese Professional Culinary and Pastry Tour in English

Tosenkyo

Tosenkyo is a game played between two people. The aim is to toss fans towards a target called a cho, which is placed on a pedestal called a makura, with the score being calculated according to how the shape formed by the fans, cho and and makura corresponds to a poem from the Japanese poetry collection Hyakunin Isshu.

Sounds confusing? The rules of Tosenkyo are actually deceptively simple. Even beginners and children will be enjoying the game in no time, as it’s easy to hit the target with just a little bit of practice. The game is quick to pick up, but due to the esoteric nature of the scoring, it is also quite profound.

Itinerary

A stroll around Gion, Kyoto’s biggest hanamachi (geisha district), then on to Miyagawa-cho, where Ogi Hangesho is located, to play Tosenkyyo.

Miyagawa-cho is close to the Higashiyama area, home to the most popular temples in Kyoto: Kiyomizudera, Kodaiji Temple and Yasaka Shrine. However, Miyagawa-cho is not so touristy, and you can feel the quintessential Kyoto atmosphere on streets lined with old machiya townhouses, some of which are used as ochaya.

When we arrive at Ogiya Hangesho, you will be treated to two dance performances by a maiko.

You will then be instructed in the rules of Tosenkyo, and play a round against the maiko after a bit of practice.

After Tosenkyo, you will have a photo opportunity with the maiko.

You can continue to relax with matcha green tea and Kyo-Namagashi sweets until the time comes to take your leave.

You will be able to take home the fans used in the game as a souvenir.