Kyoto Now

gurigura cafe

2012-01-17T15:03:00.002+09:00

I had lunch at gurigura cafe in Shijo today.

"Guri and Gura" is a very popular children's book about two cute field mice as you can see the decoration in the shop.

The shop owner seems to like squirrels also.

This is GuriGura curry that I ordered. Deep fried okra, eggplant, and lotus root were sprinkled on slightly sweet but spicy beef curry. Chopped roasted nuts had a nice accent to the taste.

Their daily changing lunch sets were already sold out when I got there, unfortunately. (This photo is a lunch set I ordered last summer.)

Happy 2012, Year of the Dragon!!!

2012-01-05T12:00:00.004+09:00

I went back to Shimane to celebrate New Year. My mother and I were working together to prepare the New Year's food called "Osechi" for a few days. It is Japanese tradition to eat soba noodle on New Year's Eve.

After having eaten soba noodle, we arranged our New Year's food on plates. This is the plate of vegetables.

And this is the plate of mainly seafood.

On the morning of New Year's day, we toasted with a sake drink called "Otoso" first, and then had a rice cake soup called "Zoni" which is another special New Years' food.

I wish you all a very happy and healthy 2012!!!

Obanzai Lunch @ Garakuta

2011-12-23T15:45:00.003+09:00

"Garakuta" in Ninen Zaka of Gion is Obanzai restaurant (see three umbrellas). "Obanzai" means Kyoto's home style dishes.

Their lunch plate has a great variety of items and the price is only 1,300 yen! After-lunch drink is also included!!

It may be hard to make all of these at home with this price, plus it'd take me forever. Obanzai restaurants are convenient!

Knitting and Cooking

2011-12-23T15:28:00.004+09:00

This time in Shimane, I spent lots of time knitting, and cooking.

My tofu gyoza is ready to be cooked. And my favorite part is wrapping!

Izumo Grand Shrine of Shimane

2011-12-23T14:53:00.005+09:00

I visited Izumo Grand Shrine in mid November when I was back in my home town Shimane.

The Shrine's main hall behind this building has been under major construction and the completion is scheduled in 2013.

The Kagura-den (sacred stage) of the Shrine is very famous for the largest shimenawa (sacred rice straw rope) in Japan.

Izumo is also famous for Soba (whole buckwheat flour) noodle. There are many soba noodle restaurants near the Shrine. This is called "Wariko Soba" which you can enjoy three types of soba in a small bowl. 1,030 yen.

Cherry Blossom in Sake

2011-11-09T19:30:00.006+09:00

I went to Hotel Granvia Hiroshima for an important meeting. After the meeting, we went to the "May Flower Bar" on the 21st floor for drinks. I ordered a draft beer and tori-kara-age (fried chicken).

One of my companions ordered cold sake. We noticed there was something dancing in the sake bottle when the sake was poured in the glass. It was a cherry blossom shaped gold. How beautiful!!!

This sake is produced by one of the most respected breweries in Hiroshima "Kamo Tsuru."

Cocon Karasuma 3F

2011-10-01T07:17:00.007+09:00

Miscellaneous goods store "kara-S" on the 3F of Cocon Karasuma has lots of unique items. The photo shows their new product of iron-on emblems with embroidered historical clothes, and there are 100 different costumes.

After I bought a few things at kara-S, I had lunch at "Sushi Ina" on the same floor (3F). Three colored sushi bowl with aka-dashi (red miso soup) = 900 yen.

Iwami Ginzan in Shimane Prefecture

2011-10-01T06:03:00.008+09:00

The long and hot summer is almost over. Under the beautiful, transparent blue sky, I went to "Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine" World Heritage.

When I am back in my hometown in Shimane, I often visit Iwami Ginzan which is the right sized sightseeing spot, and I love to walk the old cityscape. It's about 40 minutes by car from my parents' house.

It is one of my pleasure to look around the old houses which are nicely renovated as shops. My destination this time is "Kigami Shrine."

At first, I receive power from a 100 years old, sacred Nagi tree and a 300 years old Aoi Pine tree. Then I move on to the hall of worship.

On the alter ceiling, a Crying Dragon is painted and it is said to cry when you clap your hands in prayer.

Steak Lunch @ Natural Kitchen Kouji

2011-07-29T13:18:00.006+09:00

Lunch time. I went to the restaurant floor (B1F) of "COCON Karasuma."

I felt like having steak. I chose Japanese pub style restaurant "Natural Kitchen Kouji" and ordered their steak lunch (980 yen).

I liked their miso soup with lots of ingredients, and mixed grain rice. Steak was very tender and delicious too.

Wedding in Kyoto

2011-07-26T00:33:00.002+09:00

When visiting shrines, we often encounter the Shinto style weddings. Apart from that, we also see couples who will marry (or married??) taking photos on the road.

Intense heat of over 35 degree C outside. They must be horribly hot, with heavily clothed kimono and katsura wig!!

Doyo No Ushi No Hi?

2011-07-25T08:51:00.009+09:00

Doyo no Ushi no Hi means ”mid summer day of the ox." On this special day, we usually eat eel called "Unagi." July 21st was the day this summer and I went to Kaneyo, one of the famous Unagi restaurants in Kyoto. It is located in the very busy shopping district called Shin Kyogoku. I ordered their popular menu "Kinshi Donburi" mid size bowl of 1,600 yen.

Some yellow thing overflows the bowl...

And it was a big omelet.

The baked unagi eel I wanted to see was under the omelet!

Unagi price is high this year due to the poor catch, they say.

L'Hotel de Hiei

2011-07-25T01:03:00.006+09:00

I accompanied my friend to stay one night at the L'Hotel de Hiei the other day. There is Enryakuji temple of World Heritage in Mt. Hiei, and it's about ten minutes by car from the hotel. Unfortunantely we didn't have enough time to visit Enryakuji this time.

In just a 30 minute drive from the Kyoto City, you can get to the hotel and enjoy this beautiful view with Lake Biwa.

Here is very cool and pleasant while everywhere else is having extremely hot summer. Beautiful sunset in the sky of West, and...

full moon in the sky of East at the same time.

The access to the Hotel from Kyoto is quite convenient as there is a hotel shuttle bus from Keihan Sanjo (reservation is required).

Sushi Lunch @ Tama Sushi in Yodobashi Camera Building

2011-07-24T11:22:00.005+09:00

I went to "Yodobashi Camera" in front of Kyoto Station to buy some ink for my printer. Yodobashi Camera is a big chain store of electronic products, and their building actually has fashion floor, food floor and bookstores, etc.

After my shopping, I had a lunch set of chirashi sushi, miso soup, and chawan-mushi (steamed egg custard) at Tama Sushi on the restaurant floor (6F). Lunch set is 980 yen, and menu changes daily.

With 300 yen, you can add Tempura to the lunch set.

Iwami Kagura @ Yasaka Shrine

2011-07-24T10:44:00.004+09:00

Gion Matsuri Festival is almost over. On the 16th of July, Iwami Kagura is always invited to Yasaka Shrine to performe the traditional sacred service dance. I never miss this event of Gion Matsuri, as Iwami Kagura is from Shimane prefecture, which is my home town!

Two hour long performance ended with the famous last episode of Orochi Taiji (Battle with the Great Serpent).

Mos Burger

2011-06-29T11:14:00.003+09:00

When I want something light and quick to eat before work, I sometimes go to Mos Burger of Shijo Kawaramachi Branch.

A set of hot dog and iced coffee was 300 yen.

Ramen Noodle Shop "Takara-Ya"

2011-06-25T23:52:00.012+09:00

I learned about Takara-Ya ramen shop in Ponto-cho from foreign guests of Maeniiya the other day. To my surprise, the Takara-Ya also has a branch shop at the Ramen Alley in Kyoto Station and it seems very famous!

As a ramen lover, I went out to try their noodle the next day.

I tried "Takara ramen" (650 yen) and "Gyoza dumpling" (280 yen). The Takara ramen has thin noodles and the tonkotsu (pork bone) soy sauce broth was not greasy, and light.

Self service tea in the old fashioned tea kettle "Yakan"...

This is the night view of the "kawadoko" where lots of bars and restaurants are lined up along the Kamo River near Ponto-cho. I'd have a few drinks in Kawadoko, then go to Takara-Ya for a bowl of noodle, or vice versa.

Business hours of Takara-Ya in Ponto-cho: 5PM~2AM, daily

Marui Dept. Store Opened!

2011-05-22T12:14:00.004+09:00

Marui Department Store opened in Kawaramachi Shijo last month. This Tokyo based store is especially well-known for the women's fashion and accessories.

Marui occupies a total of seven floors, covering about 8,700 sqm of retail sale space, and the top floor is a food court named "Kyo Terasu" meaning Terrace of Kyoto.

This is a pork lunch box (500 yen) I ordered from the VEGETEJI FACTORY. The pork was tender and juicy, with sweet and salty sauce on steamed rice.

Tan Tan Men of "Karaku"

2011-04-26T12:43:00.004+09:00

Ramen noodle shop "Karaku" opened about one year ago near my house in Higashiyama. Their specialty is "tan tan men" which is ramen noodle in spicy broth.

The inside is decorated in modern style and mainly with wood.

For today's lunch, I ordered a set menu of "Tan tan men (medium size) and fried rice (small size)" which was 1,050 yen.

And the tan tan men was of course very tasty --- creamy and spicy broth, thinly sliced roast pork, lots of chopped spring onions, and perfect texture of noodles!

More cherry blossoms

2011-04-21T10:49:00.002+09:00

The late blooming cherry tree by the Yasaka Pagoda is in full bloom now while the cherry blossom season is almost over in Kyoto.

And, the double-flowering cherry in the Yasaka Koshindo just began to bloom.

On the way home

2011-04-14T10:18:00.001+09:00

Beautiful blue sky and full bloomed cherry blossom. I'm back in Kyoto now.

I bought a set of hamburger and French fries at "Kyoto Burger" and am on my way home.

Cherry blossoms in my hometown

2011-04-10T00:06:00.001+09:00

Cherry trees were ready to bloom when I came back to my hometown Shimane about two weeks ago. They are now almost full bloom.

My most favorite cherry trees are in Shinto shrine near my parents' house.

Rainy Day

2011-04-09T23:53:00.002+09:00

It's raining all day in Shimane Prefecture today. I came home two weeks ago from Kyoto and this is the first rain.

No walking for my dog today; he hates to walk in the rain.

Spring Plant "Tsukushi"

2011-04-08T12:33:00.004+09:00

These are Tsukushi (horsetails) along the footpath in rice fields of my hometown. Tsukushi is a sign of Spring, and it first sends up pinky-beige shoots, and then green fronds known as "sugina." This edible plant has survived for about 300 million years, it says.

Spring in my hometown Shimane

2011-04-07T12:38:00.001+09:00

I'm back in my hometown Shimane. The weather has been really nice for the last few days, and flowers started to bloom in my mother's garden. Spring finally came!

Badges to Overseas

2011-03-26T00:12:00.004+09:00

I designed some new badges based on a request from overseas.

And these five types (20 pieces each) were sent out to Canada today. Thank you for helping!

Site Open

2011-03-25T01:30:00.008+09:00

I opened up the site Badges to Help Quake Survivors.

Yasaka Shrine

2011-03-23T12:37:00.002+09:00

The flower of spring (double-flowered cherry tree?) was in full bloom in Yasaka Shrine of Gion.

I saw several tourists taking pictures under the tree, though the number of tourists in Kyoto decreased remarkably due to the earthquake of March 11th.

There was a Mejiro (white-eye) bird on the branch.

Green tea colored Mejiro bird and pink cherry flowers on a blue sky background... How picturesque!

Badges to Help

2011-03-17T12:59:00.005+09:00

Ever since the deadly earthquake hit Northern Japan, I'd been thinking about how I can help the earthquake survivors, besides donating money.

And I got this idea of "badges."

The badges are all in one size of 2.5 cm in diameter and 150 yen each. The full amount is contributed to the Japan Red Cross for the earthquake survivors.

My next job is to find as many places as possible who will support this cause.

I will let you know the outcome on my web page.

Ganbatte Tohoku!
Ganbatte Japan!

Higashiyama's Flower and Lantern Festival Changed to "Light of Prayers"

2011-03-16T04:40:00.002+09:00

The Flower and Lantern Festival committee announced that they have cancelled the lantern light-ups on the street this year. Instead, they will hold the "Light of Prayers" and prepare several stands in the Higashiyama district, where they call for donations to help out the quake survivors. (Photo was taken in the Kodaiji Temple Park last night.)

The events, such as the lantern procession by children, are executed and temples are open to the public at night as scheduled. Many venders are also in business in the shrines.

Though Kyoto had no direct impact from the earthquake, everyone is worried about the aftershocks and the troubled Fukushima nuclear power plant. I wish for the speedy recovery. Ganbatte Japan!

News after Japan Quake

2011-03-14T03:44:00.010+09:00

The Northern Japan earthquake was truly devastating news.

Things in Kyoto are normal and there has been no impact from the earthquake. Our thoughts are with those people who are suffering from this tragedy.

Place of Delicious Curry & Coffee --- "Horiike"

2011-01-19T19:54:00.001+09:00

I was looking for the place for lunch along the Kawaramachi Street and found this curry restaurant.

Among many items in the menu, I ordered the curry with the topping of deep fried vegetable (eggplant, broccoli, potato, pumpkin and cherry tomato) and the cream croquette (1,110 yen).

It was very, very delicious just as the signboard says, and I'm sure I'll become a repeater to this restaurant.

Calendar of New Zealand

2011-01-16T17:36:00.001+09:00

I got the calendar as a gift from a family of New Zealand. What a cool scenery! I expecially like the June, July and August photos of winter snow.

In the meantime, we are expecting snow again this week in Kyoto.

Room Service at Granvia Hotel Kyoto

2011-01-16T10:54:00.002+09:00

My favorit aunt came to Kyoto in the New Year and stayed at the 5-star hotel "Granvia Kyoto" for a few days. She was too tired to go out for dinner the first night so we ordered room service.

We ordered beer and her favorit smoked salmon and sashimi, to toast a New Year.

Beautiful "Shokado" style bento box and Sushi were served with red miso soup. They were all tasty, but room service is always so expensive!!

Happy New Year!

2011-01-02T11:32:00.003+09:00

We've had snowfalls since New Year's Eve and it's about 10cm thick today. This kind of snowfalls is rare in Kyoto. I don't like going out when it's just cold but don't mind at all to go outside when there is snow. Kyoto in the snow is also very beautiful.

Wishing you the best in 2011!!!

Jidai Matsuri (Festival of the Ages)

2010-10-29T02:10:00.003+09:00

Jidai Matsuri is one of the three biggest festivals in Kyoto, along with Aoi Matsuri and Gion Matsuri. It is held on October 22 every year. The event started in 1895 in celebration of the 1,100th anniversary of the transfer of the capital to Kyoto.

The procession of approx. 2,000 people wearing costumes representing the styles of each hitorical period from 1868 (when the capital was moved to Tokyo from Kyoto) to 794 (when the capital was moved to Kyoto) travels from Imperial Palace to Heian Jingu Shrine.

There were groups of "gaijin (foreigners)" in the procession.

Especially a loud cheer arose for a man who dressed as one of the country's favorite historical figures "Ryoma Sakamoto."

Comb Festival in Gion

2010-10-19T13:11:00.004+09:00

"Comb Festival" was held in Gion on the fourth Monday of September.

Hair designers and maiko/geisha girls bring their worn-out combs to the Yasui Konpiragu Shrine, and have their combs to be blessed for the work.

After the ceremoney, a parade of women, with their own hair done in various coiffures representing each era from ancient times to the present day, started from the Shrine and went through Gion district.

Hair designers spent hours to arrange these hairstyles.

Ramen Kouji

2010-10-17T01:14:00.002+09:00

"Ramen Kouji" means Ramen Alley. Japan's famous seven ramen restaurants are put together in this alley. It is on the 10th floor of Isetan Department Store in JR Kyoto Station building.

My favorite is Hokkaido's Sapporo style "Sumire" ramen.

There are three types of ramen soups; soy sauce, salt and miso base, and I tried out their miso ramen. Curled noodles and very thick and rich flavored soup were excellent!!

Restaurant "Kyo Sakura"

2010-10-16T12:26:00.005+09:00

"Kyo Sakura" is a so-called Japanese fast food restaurant, and is located on the very busy Karasuma Street.

They serve Japanese udon noodles and sushi.

This is a set menu of "Kitsune udon" and "5 pieces of sushi" which I ordered for lunch --- 670 yen.

Kitsune udon is a soup noodle with sweetened deep-fried tofu.

Blue Man Group in Gion!

2010-10-06T14:30:00.006+09:00

I walked through Hanami-koji street to Gion the other day. Hanami-koji area is the heart of Gion, lined by old Japanese wooden houses, teahouses and restaurants.

There is also the Kaburenjo Theater where you can see maiko and geisha girls walking in and out.

As autumn deepens, the number of TV crews increases, in addition to the tourists.

And much to my surprise, there was Blue Man Group!

They were taking PR photos in front of the famous "Ichiriki Teahouse."

"Teishoku"

2010-10-01T13:37:00.007+09:00

Teishoku is a set meal which is available in many Japanese restaurants and is very reasonably priced. Standard teishoku comes with main dish, bowl of rice, miso soup and pickles.

Below were my teishoku sets on a very busy day.

Breakfast: Baked mackerel teishoku with all-you-can drink tea and juice at "Joyful" (499 yen).

Supper: Chinese style teishoku at "Yayoi Ken" (860 yen).

Japanese Pizza (or pancake) "Okonomi Yaki"

2010-09-29T03:11:00.005+09:00

One of my favorit Japanese foods is Okonomi-yaki, and I used to eat 2~3 times a week when I was a university student.

There are at least six okonomi-yaki restaurants that I know of near my house in Higashiyama, and "Kana" in Gion is my favorite.

They have lots of side dishes in the menu. Today, I ordered stewed beef chunk as an appetizer with beer.

And the main dish! The batter is made of flour, water, eggs and shredded cabbage, and you can add other ingredients of vegetables, meat, seafood, noodles, etc. of your choice.

Adding the mayonnaise to a salty source makes the taste mild.

The pathway starts here.

2010-09-28T13:49:00.004+09:00

When I went to Hiroshima on business last week, I saw this huge poster of Kyoto University of Foreign Studies on the wall of Hiroshima Station.

This five-storied pagoda is frequently used in magazines, dramas, etc. as a symbol of Kyoto.

However, there are many tourists who do not know the whereabouts of this place. There is a famous "Santei-zaka" slope after this "Yasaka Road," and it goes to the Kiyomizu temple.

The best route to Kiyomizu Temple is to start from here.

Hotel Okura's Terrace Restaurant "Belcanto"

2010-09-28T06:20:00.004+09:00

I had lunch with friends at Belcanto of Okura Hotel.

I ordered their "commemoration lunch" to celebrate Okura Hotel's establishment in 1888 --- roast beef, cream soup, fried seafood and coffee, with 5 types of breads of all-you-can-eat. The menu changes weekly.

And my two friends' Kobe steak and a beef stew looked mouth watering!

Memories of Summer

2010-09-28T05:45:00.003+09:00

Our historically hot and long summer suddenly ended and we had a long waited comfortable Autumn weekend.

These are the discarded skins of cicadas I found near my house last month. Cicadas' singing is very loud and is the symbol of the summer in Japan.

This is a Japanese gecko "yamori" and we often see them on our windows at night.

Kiyoken's sauce container

2010-08-16T16:46:00.003+09:00

I got a package from a friend in Kanagawa. And there were "bottle gourd" shape sauce containers made of porcelain!

When I visited her in June, I forgot to buy the famous shaomai of "Kiyoken" in Kanagawa and I deeply regret as I failed to get their sauce container that comes with shaomai!

My friend kindly gave me some of her collections which includes a special container for Christmas!

I'll have to display these in my showcase at home.

Summer Vegetables in Season

2010-08-14T12:35:00.008+09:00

Summer vegetables are in season in the field of my home town of Shimane. The Japanese basil (Shiso) is a great seasoning for noodle dish and rice bowl dish. It's great for tempura as well.

Cherry tomatoes are best in season and we've been making tomatoe juice everyday.

Glossy green peppers.

Simply deep-fry eggplant and pour (or dip in) soy sauce with shichimi (seven spices) --- my favorite dish.

Lots of eggplant flowers are still blooming. It seems we can enjoy eggplant for a while.

Corn is ready to harvest.

We are having a bumper crop of Kiwi this year.

Pumpkin flowers began to bloom for autumn harvest, and several bees were collecting honey.

Vegetables and fruits harvested in my home town are completely chemical free and they are all sooo delicious!

Fugetsudo's Gaufre Waffles

2010-07-28T20:21:00.006+09:00

I found Fugetsudo's mini gaufres in lovely cans with illustrations of three famous views of Kyoto (Kiyomizu Temple, Kinkakuji Temple, and Gion Festival) in the basement of Takashimaya Department Store. Each can has 6 gaufres and 389 yen.

Fugetsudo Confectionery was founded in 1747 in Ueno of Tokyo, and their gaufre waffles have been a very popular suvenior for decades.

Lunch and Beer in Shin-Kobe Station

2010-07-26T15:06:00.007+09:00

We are experiencing historically hot summer in Japan. The incredible heat makes me stay away from going outside.

I got an e-mail yesterday morning --- "I have two hours to kill at the Shin-Kobe station. How about beer?"

No matter how hot it is outside, I welcome this kind of invitation!

Salted green soybeans are the best "otsumami (snack)" for beer.

Among several restaurants in Shin-Kobe station, we chose Japanese restaurant and ordered this lunch box: tempura, salad, sashimi, noodle, white rice, inari sushi (stuffed sushi), Japanese egg omlette called "dashimaki tamago," baked egg-plants, and pickles (1800 yen).

It is a 30 minute ride in Shinkansen Bullet train to Shin-Kobe station from Kyoto Station.

Trial of Parade "Hikizome" of Gion Matsuri

2010-07-13T13:42:00.005+09:00

The float construction completed and a "trial of parade" was performed yesterday and today.

The highlight of the festival "Yama-hoko Junko" parade will be on the 17th, but women are not allowed to touch floats, except today and tomorrow.

It is said that you can have profits of good health and luck if you touch the ropes of floats.

So everyone rushed to the floats including myself!

The Gion music and the creaking sound of the floats... Very exciting!

And, the eve of the festival "Yoi-Yama" will begin tomorrow.

Gion Matsuri Festival

2010-07-13T11:24:00.009+09:00

July is the month of Gion Matsuri Festival and most exciting month in Kyoto

The procession of the "Welcoming Lanterns" of the festival paraded in the city last Saturday.

The procession is very gorgeous with traditional Gion Festival music and big paper lanterns.

I saw a Shinto priest purifying the procession with "Ohnusa (=hemp)" in front of the Yasaka Shrine.

We had a perfect weather and streets were with full of people.

The procession of the "Welcoming Lanterns" goes to the Municipal Hall via Shijo Kawaramachi, where the dance is performed by children.

And these are the children...

A mom is fanning her child with a fan.

This is a group of girls who dance "Komachi odori" which is very popular in Kyoto.

Breakfast Noodle @ Owari-Ya (since 1465)

2010-07-12T00:07:00.009+09:00

When I have a business to do early in the morning, I usually dine out. My breakfast of today was Owari-ya's "Soba noodle set" which I saw on TV the othe day (soba=buckwheat).

Owari-ya's noodles are made from this famous spring water "Nishiki" which springs out right in the storefront! And everyone is allowed to use this water.

Their breakfast menu is only one --- a set of soba noodle and rice (9:30 to 11AM). And you can choose "soba in hot broth" or "cold soba with dipping sauce." In summer, I prefer cold soba.

And, steamed rice mixed with vegetables is called "Kayaku Gohan."

When I finished my soba, "soba-yu" was served. Soba-yu is hot water that soba noodles have simmered in. It is brought to the table for a customer to pour soba-yu into the remaining dipping sauce and to enjoy as a soup at the end.

I totally enjoyed this 500 yen healthy breakfast!!!

New Potato Chips of Shichimi-Ya

2010-07-10T23:40:00.004+09:00

Shichimi-ya in Higashiyama has two new items of potato chips. "Shichimi" potato chips and "Yuzu Ichimi" potato chips. Each three bags of 20g potato chips are in this box (750 yen).

"Shichimi" means 7 spices (chili, sansho pepper, white and black sesame, poppy seed, hemp seed, and green seaweed), and "Yuzu Ichimi" means yuzu orange and red chili pepper.

Their popular "Kata-Age" potato chips are 100 yen (70g/bag). "Kata Age" means thickly sliced and fried.

Jishu Shrine in Kiyomizu Temple

2010-07-10T15:25:00.004+09:00

Ohkuni-nushi (meaning Great Land Master) is a divinity in Japanese Shinto and a god for match making also.

Ohkuni-nushi is first mentioned in the very famous Japanese myth "White Rabbit of Inaba," and here is a statue of Rabbit in the shrine!

It is said that the Jishu Shrine gives many profits besides match making. So please stop by when you visit Kiyomizu Temple.

When the Tanabata festival ended, it started to rain again. It's still rainy season.

Tanabata Festival @ Jishu Shrine

2010-07-10T14:37:00.005+09:00

July 7 is Tanabata, or Star Festival. The festival traces its origins to a legend that the Cowherd Star (Altair) and Weaver Star (Vega), lovers separated by the Milky Way, are allowed to meet once a year on July 7.

The Jishu Shrine in Kiyomizu Temple, which is very famous for match making, especially get crowded on this day with girls who wish to succeed in love.

A pair of doll shape tanzaku (=paper strips) can be purchased at 500 yen at the Shrine. And you write down your name on one tanzaku, and your partner's name on the other tanzaku, wishing for a good match.

Bamboo trees, decorated with a lot of paper doll couples, in the shrine are very unique.

DVD of Kyoto's Three Great Festivals

2010-07-09T13:43:00.004+09:00

In Junkudo Bookstore in Shijo, "Gion Matsuri corner" is set up now. Paperbacks, picture books, stickers, and fans, etc. are sold.

And this is what I bought.

Mainly three grand festivals of Kyoto (Aoi Matsuri of spring, Gion Matsuri of summer, and Jidai Matsuri of autumn) are introduced in the DVD. Besides, Gozan and Kurama Fire Festivals and 24 temples and shrines are introduced.

It's a 60 minute bilingual DVD in Japanese and English.

Regional Form Cards

2010-07-07T11:21:00.003+09:00

My friend in Hiroshima asked me to get a Regional Form Card of Kyoto. I didn't know such cards exist until now.

She told me that the cards are very popular among collectors because you can obtain the card only at the regional post office.

I went to a post office nearby and bought Kyoto version today (design of umbrella and pokkuri sandals of Maiko girls) --- 180 yen/piece.

The Summer Purification Ritual

2010-07-06T13:46:00.005+09:00

The Great Purification Ceremony is held in shrines and temples in Japan on June 30th, the last day of the first half of the year.

I participated in the ceremony of Yasaka Shrine.

Some male participants were wearing formal kimono.

Shinto purification by "hito-gata" utilizes a human-shaped paper doll which is a worshiper rubs over the body and blows breath upon to transfer any illness or impurity. It is then inscribed with name and age and returned to the shrines with a small money offering.

At the end of the ceremony, we walked through a chi-no-wa (a huge ring of reed), to atone for our sins in the first half of the year, and to pray for happiness in the remaining half of the year.

The ceremony ended after 30 minutes, but people can walk through the Chi-no-wa any time.

Nara Park

2010-06-24T13:06:00.003+09:00

After the Kasuga Shrine, I went to Nara Park.

Sunset over the Ara-ike Pond in the park was beautiful.

I arrived at the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji Temple at dusk.

Kasuga Shrine in Nara

2010-06-21T06:16:00.003+09:00

I went to Nara on the clear day during the rainy season. It doesn't take more than one hour to Nara from Kyoto in Kintetsu Railways (610 yen in one way) and a day trip can be easily done.

Kasuga Shrine was my first destination, and a deer greeted me when I got off the bus. Deers are considered god's messengers.

The Shrine's washing basin is also a deer.

Kansai district had heavy rain on the previous day, but it stopped raining in the morning. The precincts of the Shrine had a dreamy atmosphere with mist after the rain and was very beautiful.

Mamemasa's cream coated beans

2010-06-15T12:32:00.004+09:00

"Mamemasa" is a long-established confectionery shop in Kyoto and sugar coated beans are very well known (photo below). I saw their "cream coated beans" on TV the other day, and was anxious to try them.

Yesterday, I happend to find them in Shijo Han-Ei-Kai Shopping Street, near my house. It saved my trip! (The main shop is near Kyoto Imperial Palace.)

Five flavors of cream coated peanuts are milk, strawberry, banana, coffee, and green tea.

And, what I really like is this package! I wish it was made of a can, not a paper...

Restaurant "Tsubame"

2010-06-15T11:57:00.002+09:00

One of my friends in Tokyo came to Kyoto for a day to buy a Chihuahua from a famous breeder in Koya of Kyoto.

Before heading to a breeder, we had lunch at a popular restaurant "Tsubame" in Ichijoji.

They open from 11:30AM, and when we arrived at 11:45, the restaurant was already full, and we were asked to wait for 40 minutes. No problem.

The lunch special was a deep fried Wakasagi (smelt) salad in sweetened vinegar dressing, steamed rice with mixed grains, miso soup, a small vegetable dish and pickles. 850 yen.

It was a healthy, delicious lunch!

And chihuahuas were just so adorable!!!

This IS Japanese Breakfast!

2010-06-10T11:33:00.006+09:00

After having walked for good hours in Kamakura City, here I am at my friend's ocean front house of Oiso Beach.

We talked and laughed until late at night and slept in... And when we got up, this beautiful, traditional Japanese breakfast was waiting for us! Baked salted salmon, steamed rice, miso soup with clams, pickled plum , seaweed tsukudani (simmered dish), natto (fermented soybean), two kinds of vegetable dishes.
Thank you Mrs Suga (my friend's mom) for your hospitality for the last two days!

Kamakura Now

2010-06-10T11:13:00.007+09:00

I went to Kamakura last weekend and visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu Shrine. I particularly wanted to see the Great Ginkgo Tree.

In March of this year, the Shrine's 1,000 years old Ginkgo Tree got uprooted by a huge storm. The tree was transplanted, hoping that it would survive through new growth at the broken trunk. And it did survive!

Look at these new buds! Just wonderful!!

Restaurant "Sho-Raku"

2010-06-02T13:34:00.001+09:00

Sho-Raku is located near the bus stop of Nishi-no-Toin Bukkoji. I see many businessmen enter the restaurant at lunch time.

Today's lunch special is a hamburger steak with vegetable, a spring roll, a fried egg, udon noodle, rice and pickles. It's only 630 yen.

I can see why this restaurant is popular for businessmen. Good volume and good price. The taste was just as I expected. Not too bad.

Aoi Matsuri Festival (Part 5)

2010-06-02T12:54:00.002+09:00

Saio-Dai Princess procession starts with court ladies called myobu.

Saio-Dai Princess represents the Imperial Princess. Her 12-layer kimono called "Juni Hitoe" weighs 30 kgs.

Saio-Dai Princess is selected in April every year, and she has to be a native of Kyoto, single, and in her early 20s.

So cute!!!

The whole procession was about 1 km long!

Aoi Matsuri Festival (Part 4)

2010-06-02T12:36:00.005+09:00

Huge umbrellas with full of flowers must be very heavy.

The procession of high ranking women of the court.

Ox carriages were beautifully decorated with wisteria flowers.

Big wooden wheels creak...

Aoi Matsuri Festival (Part 3)

2010-05-22T06:03:00.005+09:00

Beautiful costumes from Heian era (794~1185).

"Waraji" shoes made of straw rope are very pretty.

Outstanding costume!

Aoi Matsuri Festival (Part 2)

2010-05-18T12:15:00.005+09:00

There are 49 females in procession of 511 people.

And a road-sweeper follows horses...

Aoi Matsuri Festival (Part 1)

2010-05-18T11:29:00.007+09:00

Aoi Matsuri is one of the three biggest festivals in Kyoto and takes place on May 15th. The main attraction is a procession of 511 people in Japanese ancient court costumes, decorated with hollyhock leaves. (Aoi = hollyhock)

The procession starts at 10:30AM from Kyoto Imperial Palace and goes to Shimogamo Shrine, and to Kamigamo Shrine.

I arrived at Imperial Palace at 9AM to secure the place. And I took almost 200 photos!

The front of the procession are mounted policemen of Kyoto.

This may be a "Dosanko" horse, a native to Hokkaido.

Everybody has hollyhock leaves on their costumes.

Spring Festival @ Ichihime Shrine

2010-05-15T13:18:00.003+09:00

While it snowed in Northern Japan yesterday, it was cold in Kyoto. But the calendar is spring, and I went out to observe the Spring Festival at the Ichihime Shrine in Kawaramachi Gojo.

This shrine is dedicated to the god of business and also the god who protects women from evil.

After the priest's congratulatory address, "Bow and Arrow" divine service was offered.

In Kyoto, we can find Maiko girls among attendance once in a while. I was lucky!

Her Kanzashi (hair ornament) was a flower of May "Iris."

And her purse with green apple print is from Kyoto's traditional textile company "RAAK."

There were not many visitors. It was a small and very elegant festival.

Liyon Sweets

2010-05-15T12:45:00.001+09:00

The Daimaru Department Store (basement floor) is selling "Liyon Sweets" until May 18.

"Liyon" is the MBS Mainichi TV, 4 channel's Lion mascot. "Yon" is "4" in Japanese. That's why the mascot's name is "Liyon."

He is a cute character with a voice of an old man.

Liyon is drawn on sponge cakes and crapes, and they look too cute to eat.

So, I bought a couple of puddings. Plus, I can keep these cute jars.

Liyon sweets are made by the very famous confectionery shop "Dojima Sweets."

Kyoto Burger "Ikkoku"

2010-05-10T12:46:00.003+09:00

Kyoto Burger 'Ikkoku" is located in San-Nen Zaka near Kiyomizu Temple.

Inside of the shop is small and cozy with 12 tables, and sometimes it's very crowded and is hard to get seated, but you can get take-out too.

Their special "Kyoto Burger" is 750 yen: a domestic beef patty, traditional vegetables of Kyoto, and nama-fu (wheat gluten) with white miso sauce, and green tea buns! A set of French fries and drink is 250 yen.

Noodle Shop "Benkei"

2010-05-08T10:41:00.006+09:00

"Benkei" of Gojo Keihan is my favorite noodle restaurant. Lots of celebrities' autographs are displayed on the wall of the shop.

Beef curry noodle is 900 yen, and rice mixed with vegetable is 190 yen. Curry is not too spicy, not too mild. Just right!

The "Benkei noodle" has beef, deep fried tofu, and burdock (900 yen). The balance of sweet and salty beef and tofu, and very spicy and crunchy burdock was just right also!!

The restaurant is open from 12 noon till 3 AM. (Sunday is closed.)

In the meantime, Benkei and Ushiwakamaru are Japan's favorite subjects of folklore, and there are statues of "Benkei" and "Ushiwakamaru" on Gojo Bridge.

Newly Opened "Urban Research"

2010-05-08T10:03:00.002+09:00

"Urban Research" is one of the biggest fashion shops in Japan and the Kyoto branch is on Teramachi Dori Avenue. The store was renewed last year and the basement floor is the display area for unique items done by designers. It's really fun to look around.

How about Daruma vase as Mother's Day gift?

Gozan (=Five Mountains) Bonfire Festival

2010-05-03T11:33:00.007+09:00

Gozan Bonfire Festival is a famous summer event in Kyoto. Five large bonfires are lit on the slopes of five mountains, starting around 8PM on August 16th.

Most well-known bonfire is on Mt. Daimonji, and you can see the huge Chinese character "dai (meaning large)" from everywhere in Sakyo Ward.

View from Takenaka Inari Taisha Shrine

View from the top of Mt. Yoshida

I viewed the Daimonji bonfire from Kiyomizu Temple last year, but I'd like to view all of five this year.

Shinshin-Do Cafe

2010-04-29T09:24:00.005+09:00

"Shinshin-Do" cafe restaurant is quite famous in Kyoto. And it celebrates 80th anniversary this year! After I visited Chion-Ji Temple, I stopped by and had lunch. I had a curry and rice set (750 yen), which had a very nostalgic taste.

Because it is very close to the Kyoto University, there were lots of students studying and reading books in the restaurant. It was very quiet inside with no BGM. I really liked the atmosphere.

I couldn't take photos as it's prohibited, but I found that Kyoto University has a detailed write-up of Shinshin-Do in their website.

25 Bodhisattva Prayer Ritual at Chion-Ji Temple

2010-04-28T00:12:00.004+09:00

I went to Chion-Ji Temple to see the 25 Bodhisattva Prayer Ritual. The number of audience was unexpectedly small, and most were followers. It seems not many people know about this event.

The event started with a traditional court music.

There is a guide next to each Bodhisattva, who shows the way as Bodhisattva cannot see the surroundings because of the mask.

I saw the same event at Sokujo-In Temple last October, but this one appears more solemn religious event.

The high rank priest has attendants.

They solemnly entered the main hall for the service.

Yoshida Yama (Mt. Yoshida)

2010-04-26T05:39:00.003+09:00

Very sunny, warm Sunday! I climbed up Mt. Yoshida, which is located just the east of Kyoto University.

Yae-Sakura (more petals and deeper color than Somei Yoshino) in the mountain was in full bloom.

Kaede's red flowers are tiny and beautiful. (kaede = maple)

A honey bee was getting nectar.

There is a nice cafe/teahouse called "Mo-an" on top of Mt. Yoshida.

Old Cobblestone Alley

2010-04-24T02:29:00.010+09:00

Our machiya guest house "Maeniiya" is situated in the long, narrow alley where no cars can pass through. Lots of these cobblestone alleys disappeared rapidly due to development and became very rare in Kyoto, which is sad.

But there has been a very strong movement to restore old Kyoto. Fantastic!

Tsuboniwa's Spring

2010-04-23T22:57:00.017+09:00

Trees and shrubs in our tsuboniwa garden of Maeniiya Guest House began to bud.

Tsuge (Japanese Box Wood): This tree is used to make combs in Japan. Tsuge combs have been loved by Japanese women for centuries.

Nandina (miniture type)

Nandina

Jinchouge (Daphne): flower is very fragrant!

Our garden's troublemaker, very invasive "dokudami (houttuynia cordata)" also began to thrive, and I've been very busy getting rid of them.

When I was pulling out dokudami plants yesterday, some seeds were attached to them, and they were corns! Very lovely♪

I trust these were from "popcorns" which our guests made during their stay! I miss the family who stayed at our machiya a few months ago -- especially their 3 year old beautiful Princess...

I took these corns to my house and planted in my planter.
But, can we harvest corns from planters...!?

Yaoi's Pickles

2010-04-19T00:01:00.003+09:00

The standard of Kyoto's souvenirs is tsukemono (=pickles). There are a lot of pickles shops, and you can sample tsukemono in most shops.

My favorite pickles shop is Higashiyama's "Yaoi."

Their original product is "Kaiseki Takuan" which is a mix of chopped pickled radish called "takuan," shiso (Japanese herb), ginger and sesame seeds.

The store's recent popular item is "Yamaimo (Japanese yam) pickled with horseradish." This is truly delicious!

Hokkaido Food Fair

2010-04-18T09:57:00.008+09:00

Takashimaya Department Store (7th Floor) is having Hokkaido Food Fair this month.

Lots of "bento" boxes (lunch/dinner in a box) are also sold at the fair.

Hokkaido is famous for many delicious foods. And ramen noodle is one of them. I tried a miso ramen (950 yen) from Asahikawa's ramen restaurant "Ichikura" in the eat-in area. The braised pork belly called "kakuni" was more than 2cm thick!! It was not oily but very crunchy. Kakuni in ramen is a good idea!

Kyoto Zoo

2010-04-14T23:51:00.004+09:00

Kyoto Zoo is more than 100 years old and the 2nd oldest zoo in Japan (Tokyo's Ueno Zoo is the oldest, and was established in 1882).

They have more than 700 animals, 170 species in the zoo.

There is a small recreation ground with a few rides for kids.

Asahiya

2010-04-14T12:35:00.003+09:00

I had lunch at "Asahiya," soba (buckwheat noodle) and saba (mackerel) sushi restaurant that recently opened in Shimo Kawara Dori Avenue of Higashiyama.

They took me to a counter seat with a garden view.

Soba with yuba (tofu skin) and maitake mushrooms was 1,400 yen and saba sushi (2 pieces) was 400 yen. I found the soup of soba was a bit light, but the saba sushi was awesome!

Mimikou

2010-04-13T13:00:00.003+09:00

Mimikou is a curry noodle & soba restaurant in Kawaramachi Sanjo.

I ordered "ama kitsune curry noodle" (730 yen). The combination of sweetened deep fried tofu and spicy curry was very nice!

Cherry blossoms along Lake Biwa Canal

2010-04-13T12:15:00.002+09:00

Lake Biwa Canal is one of many travel attractions in Kyoto.

View from the bridge of Nijo-dori avenue

The National Museum of Modern Art has a cafe terrace by the canal.

Boat cruises are limited to this time of the year.

Cherry blossoms in Nene no Michi (The Path of Nene)

2010-04-11T01:28:00.006+09:00

Kyoto was hit by the unseasonable cold weather recently, but we are enjoying the normal spring weather now, and the cherry trees have opened about half of their blossoms so far.

And "fake" maiko girls can be seen here and there...

Snow!!!!!

2010-04-08T11:59:00.003+09:00

It has been pretty cold in Kyoto recently, and at last we got snow!

It became snowstorm when I got to Kawaramachi from Yasaka Shrine.

Full moon, Mt. Hiyashiyama covered with snow, and Minami-za Theatre in the evening on the way back to home...

And a sudden blizzard again! Who'd ever thought that we were able to see "cherry blossoms" and "full moon" and "snow" at once!!!

Long approach to "Tsukihi" restaurant

2010-03-24T12:05:00.005+09:00

This long and narrow approach to the restaurant was entertaining to walk through.

"Tsukihi" Lunch

2010-03-24T11:59:00.020+09:00

"Tsukihi" is a contemporary Japanese food restaurant, opened about one year ago and is situated at the very back of a condominium complex near Cocon Karasuma. (It's approx. 5 minute walk to Tsukihi from our machiya guest house "Maeniiya.")

There are three course menus at lunch time and we ordered the smallest one. Today's appetizer: tuna salad, Japanese style spinich salad called "ohitashi," and yuba (made of tofu).

Today's main dish: renkon (lotus root) ball with minced chicken and ginger sauce. This was very delicious, especially with their rice, blended with eight grains and beans.

Miso soup of tofu and wakame seaweed, and cucumber pickles.
Rice is free for refills.

And dessert and drink at the end.

Our lunch course of 1,000 yen (about US$10)!!!
No tip also!!

Setsubun Mask

2010-02-03T20:25:00.011+09:00

Today (February 3rd) is Setsubun.

On this day, mame-maki (bean-throwing) is performed, which is the special ritual to clean away all the evil of the former year, and roasted soybeans are thrown either out the door or at members of the family who wear demon or ogre masks. Mask making is an essential part of Setsubun festival.

On Setsubun of 2006, I got this mask, designed by the Japanese cartoonist Fujio Akatsuka. It's called the "bow wow mask" (2006 was the year of the dog).

Good bye, demon.

And hello, fuku-no-kami (god of happiness).

Tsubo Niwa Garden: Before and After

2010-01-31T18:31:00.009+09:00

Tsubo niwa is a very small courtyard garden and our Machiya guesthouse "Maeniiya" has one that the guests can view from the tatami living room.

Our tsubaki (camelia) tree was not doing very well, so we replaced it with nanten (nandina) tree. Nanten is regarded as a lucky tree from its name: Bad (=nan) things turn (=ten) good things. Nanten is a very popular tree for Japanese gardens.

*BEFORE*

*AFTER*

Bontan Candy

2010-01-30T21:00:00.006+09:00

"Bontan Ame" is a soft and chewy candy made from a citrus fruit called bontan, which is similar to a grapefruit. It's been made since 1926 in Kagoshima, southern part of Kyushu.

My two nephews who live in Canada absolutely love this candy. Whenever they come back to Japan, they make sure to pack as many boxes as possible when they leave Japan.

Recently, there is a half sized box.

And a mega sized one also!!!

Each candy is wrapped with an edible film "oblate" made from starch and agar.

Happy New Year!

2010-01-06T06:21:00.004+09:00

I've tons of things I want to achieve in 2010. As the tradition of Japan, I visited Yasaka Shrine to pray for the prosperous year.

There are lines of tables to sell special new year items of omamori (amulets), omikuji (fortune telling papers), ema (votive plaques), hamaya (arrow shaped goodluck charm), etc.

And lots of food stalls along the way. Noodles, fried chicken, tako-yaki...

After my New Year's visit, I walked through the crowds of the Shrine (West Gate) to the Shijo Dori Avenue and then to "Pontocho" for New Year's Party with friends.

Yoji-ya's Cosmetic Product

2009-12-16T12:07:00.004+09:00

Yoji-ya is Beauty Products shop in Kyoto, founded in 1904. Among many popular items such as abura-tori-gami (oil blotting facial papers), I want to recommend this product called "Kinuko." It's a body towel/face towel made by silk. Scrub your body and wash your face with this towel (no need to use soap!) and you will be impressed with the results!!

Kyoto Christmas

2009-12-04T13:18:00.005+09:00

Christmas tree on the 4th floor of Isetan Department Store

Trees near Kyoto Tower are all decorated with lights

Show window of Daimaru Department Store in Shijo Karasuma

And my "tenugui" with Santa Claus...

Minami-za Theatre

2009-11-29T07:28:00.010+09:00

One of Kyoto's landmarks, Minami-za was built in 1615 as a theatre for "Kabuki." Among many performances throughout the year, the December performance is called the all star "Kao-mise" which means "face showing," and is particularly popular.

The huge boards (about 6 feet tall) showing Kabuki actors' names were placed along the wall of the theatre on November 25. Underneath the boards, the colorfully painted bulletins depicting famous scenes from the performance are shown.

Names of sponsors/patrons are written on these boards.

The opening day of the performance is November 30, and you can see many beautifully dressed geisha and maiko girls at the theatre on this special day.

Autumn Momiji @ Kiyomizu Temple

2009-11-27T08:06:00.011+09:00

I visited Kiyomizu Temple to enjoy the autumn color of Japanese maples (momiji) yesterday.

The beautiful red foliage is at their best right now and would last for another week or so.

Kiyomizu temple is very famous for this structure where no nail is used at all!

Behind the temple, there is a shrine called "Jishu Jinja" which is famous for matchmaking. There were seven girls with traditional kimonos and many tourists were asking for photos.

The temple is lit up at 6PM.

Flea Market "Kobo-san" @ Toji Temple

2009-11-25T10:39:00.016+09:00

I went to the Kyoto's most popular flea market called "Kobo-san" on Saturday, 21st (It's held on the 21st of each month).

Hundreds of venders had set up shops.

It's fun just to see items that you cannot find anywhere else!

Vintage kimonos with beautiful designs!

After a few hours of walking and looking around, I finally got three jeans and a UNIQLO's hoodie. 800 yen in total!!!

There are lots of places to eat and bar stands along the way too. I had oden and Japanese sake (^^)

Autumn's Long Weekend

2009-11-24T01:38:00.008+09:00

Beautiful autumn's long weekend in Kyoto!!
Ninen Zaka, just outside of the Kiyomizu Temple, was filled with tourists. The amount of people was overwhelming. Wow!

Ninen Zaka is a very beautiful, sloped stone path in the hills, with many quaint shops in Japanese style buildings who offer traditional items of Japan. It's one of Kyoto's few areas that present a unified wooden cityscape. The path leads you to another beautiful path called "Nene no Michi" and then, Chion-In and Kodaiji Temples.