Going down the Saannen-zaka stairs we are entering the Old Town - the streets hasn't change much for the last one hundred years. It is believed, whoever falls down the stairs, will die within three years (as long as he survives the fall).

The area looks impressive. It gives me impression that I have travelled back in time to the XIX century. I almost hear rikshaw drivers shout, merchants argue and geta sandals on giesha's feet knock against the sidewalk.

We walk down the streets, we visit the souvenir shops and we have a traditional meal in one of the oldest restaurants in the area. The Old Town's spirit permeates us to the bones.

Several scenes from the movie Memories of Geisha were filmed here.

Wait a second! What's that? I see two maiko (aprentice for geisha) walking down the street. Did they got lost, and found themselves in present times, I wonder. There's nothing to it! Geisha and maiko are still very popular today. And not only in Kyoto.

Geishas are not to be mistaken with prostitutes, as both professions have nothing in common. Geishas are upper-class companions, who are knowledgalble of arts and can converse on lots of subjects.

Ocasionally geishas become lovers of the best customers but that happens rarely.

Geishas are also familiar with the tea ceremony.

Maiko and geisha represent high class and apparently they don't even need to be pretty.

Lots of small shops offer beautiful handicraft around the area.

The shop with pickles. Everything out there can be tried.

There is a wine shop around the corner for the ones who had got thirsty.

The label says (more or less):
Imperfect world forms ones personality just like the speed shapes rolling stone. That's why we should be grateful to the imperfect world.

The people on the picture look like they just got out of their beds. Appearances are deceptive - they use those uniforms at work in a restaurant.

It is a good idea to walk around the Old Town and squeeze into small backstreets.

Mr Nakano lives here.

The entrances to the houses are located at the back of the buildings. Members of the same families had lived here for many generations.

I spot one door slightly ajar. I know I shouldn't do that, but I look inside anyway. The characteristic threshold marks the line where shoes should be left before entering the house.

Kyuukyoku no sanshou -
The last Japanese pepper tree (I assume, pepper from the tree is being sold here).

Swastika is the oldest known symbol. It had been in use for three thousand years.

Because of his interest in ancient German cultures, Adolf Hitler used the symbol in his campaign. Since WWII swastika in Europe is generally related to fashism. For the people of Asia it still makes positive associations.

Pulling a rope can bring good fortune.

The other way is to write down ones wishes on a wooden plate and hang it on the wall.

I decided to buy original Japanese "thongs" - made of grass tatami zori.

After, how I had called out several times, an elderly lady loomed into view from the backshop.

She apologised for my waiting and said she usually sleeps at the back.

There is no need for guarding the shop at all times - nobody would steal anything anyway.

Tatami mats that cover floors in some of the temples or houses, are made of the same material as zori. Basic tatami size is 900 by 1800 mm. Multiplied, it determines the room surface in traditional buildings.

Massive steel scaffolding covers one of the temples in Kyoto. Renovation will take twelve years. Three more are left as for today. Even the scaffolding itself looks like a serious construction.

Imagine how much it takes to maintain the original character of the roof!

Except for the Old Town and parks, concrete covers almost everything... This is the end of the trip to Kyoto. The time has come to get back to Tokio!