Menu of a Dinner Held in Kyoto, Japan, 27 April 1891.
Indian ink on white paper with gold border.
Inscribed by Nicholas in blue pencil at the top: Dinner in Kyoto. 27 April 1891. 16 x 23 cm
ÃÀ ÐÔ, Ô. 601, Îï. 1, Ä. 119, Ë. 5

Saturday 27 April… at 4 o'clock we went by train to Osaka and then Kyoto, where we arrived at 6.15…We were splendidly greeted in the old capital of Japan, their Moscow; we rode in rickshaws through the streets thronging with people. Russian, Japanese and Greek flags were everywhere - even on the paper lanterns. We were taken to a large hotel where Georgie and I refused to stay, setting happily into a wonderful little Japanese house. After a communal dinner we went to a tea house to see a real geisha dance; we had a very jolly time with them until 12 o'clock
Sunday 28 April. A sunny morning and at 9.30 we set out in our rickshaws for an exhibition of Kyoto handicrafts. My eyes were darting all over the place, there were so many wonderful things to see; I bought a few artefacts. Then we visited an old palace where there was a beautiful collection of old things…At the race course the municipal leader with all his representatives delivered a triumphal speech in my honor, which of course I answered. We saw an archery competition from a distance, and some original races in ancient costumes, which are only worn for racing once a year! Returned home for lunch, and at 2.30 we went for another look round Kyoto, where we were already beginning to find our way quite well! We visited a famous factory where they make magnificent sashes and wonderful material for furniture. We saw a most wonderful tapestry being made, which had been started two years ago.
(From Tsarevich's diary, 27-8 April 1891. ÃÀ ÐÔ, Ô. 601, Îï. 1, Ä. 255, Ëë. 184-86).