Japanese style New Year's party at a Ryotei
I put an appearence to a New Year's party the other day.
That was a Japanese style party which we call Enkai in Japanese and was held at a Ryotei. Only on this occasion, once a year, I can see what it's like to have a traditional party at a high-class Japanese style restaurant called Ryotei.
The traditional Japanese style dinner course starts here. 
A young Geisha girl, she might be called Maiko if this was Kyoto, with Shamisen player.
Geisha girls are preparing for their Japanese drum performance.
Now another is bowing on the stage. She is about to start Japanese dancing while gentlemen seem to be busy with drinking and talking. Sake, beer, wine, whiskey, oolong tea...,any drink is available. You name it!
Japanese dance performance along with song by the Shamisen player.
The Shamisen player played on request from guests. She could answer for practically any request. Professional!
Geisha girls were serving around tables after performance. Small talk. She said her name is Kofuku （小福）and she is a blogger! ... I forgot to ask her blog's URL.
Party is over.
Entrance of the Ryotei. Goodbye until next time.
A rock basin in front of a toilet. But be sure you don't put your hands in the basin. You use the wooden dipper to wash your hands. One hand at a time. There is no soap but don't worry. In Japan, water has been considered to have the power to purify things since old times. No need to use soap here even today!
(by T Machida)
