Meet the mistress of Nara’s last geisha house — a remarkable woman who’s on a mission to keep this complex tradition alive in her ancient city, a former capital of Japan.

Tourists walk through the streets by Yasaka Pagoda (behind) during a visit to the city of Kyoto on Jan 13, 2025. (Photo: AFP/Paul Miller) Tensions are highest in the Gion district, home to ...

It is literally just a short walking path through a bamboo forest ... is one of the most photographed spots in Kyoto. The gold-plated, 3-story pagoda sits on a large pond. It is designated ...