Golden week in Kyoto

[dcarney]

Hey,

I'll be travelling to Kyoto for Golden Week (probably arriving saturday night and staying for most of the week). I'm trying to find some info (in English) on the Enbu, but all I can find with google/ajkf is info from last year... all I really know are the dates! What I'd especially like is directions to the Butoko-den and/or a rough list of kendo events. If anyone knows a site, I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance!

Dan Carney

P.S.-- If you see a 191cm American guy walking around, although I'm sure I won't be the only one, it might be me... maybe I'll see some forum people there ;) Speaking of which, I don't know if there are any regular kendo practices going on during that week, but I wouldn't be opposed to dragging my bogu along...

[chidokan]

Take some money there are bargains to be had, although apparently Osaka taikai is cheaper... best day is Sunday, the senior iaido sensei are on and the top kendo guys are in the halls on the afternoon...if you are lucky you get to see the Kyoto/Tokyo 'grudge matches'...Superb! The 7th dan grading for iaido is also on in the new hall. There is also kyudo at the bottom of the gardens in the kyudo hall, but they only sell the bamboo yumi not beginners stuff. If you are in need of a heart attack look at the prices... :shocked: and thats just for ONE arrow....
I got a hand made shinai (done in front of you!) at a good price, and a set of bogu made to measure for £400, now that IS an experience, being measured up for a suit! Also a lot of sword stalls with new swords as well as antiques.
Meirin is opposite the hall, and at the bottom of the street there is a large building that had an antiques fair, massive second hand book fair, and a paper/writing/ scroll fair at the same time when I was there two years ago.
The hall is advertised on the net in various sites, but is easy to get to as its close to bus stops etc.....I was driven there so not sure as to exact address, but will be in the area in June sword shopping. The ZNIR headquarters are just around the corner as well, so check and see if anything is going on there... I have a photo of the big temple next door on my website, that is also worth a wander through. Have fun! :smiley: