The lively opening of the Kamishichiken beer garden (7:05 p.m., July 1, Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto)

An annual summer beer garden opened on July 1 at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater in Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto. Six "Geiko" and "Maiko," or geisha and apprentice geisha in Kyoto, wearing cool "yukata," or casual kimono, welcomed and entertained guests.

The beer garden at Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater has become popular since Geiko and Maiko talk with and entertain visitors at each of the tables specially placed in the theater's garden. This year, the neighborhood's landscape has become more beautiful as Kamishichiken-dori Street has been paved and all the utility poles have been removed.

The daytime temperature climbed up to 30.3 degrees Celsius, just like a mid-summer day, but at night, a cool wind blew through the garden where almost all tables were full. Feeling the start of summer, guests enjoyed cold beers and chatting with Geiko and Maiko. "As evening falls in the garden, the atmosphere becomes even better. We hope you can enjoy the hot summer here in Kamishichiken," said Katsuna, one of the Maiko.

The beer garden will be open until September 5, except for August 14 - 16. The business hours are from 5:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. For more information, contact Kamishichiken Kabukai at 075-461-0148.