Event Information: Sake Fair

Cocon Karasuma in Shijo Karasuma is holding Fushimi Sake Fair until October 31. They set Sake Bar at the fair, where sake tasting (3 types) is popular (500 yen). Please enjoy Kyoto's Sake with sakana (=accompaniment to alcohol) that the Bar offers (approx. 500 yen per plate).

Acrophobia

This crane says "I'm acrophobic."

Hello Kitty's Amulet

Shin-Kyogoku area was a land of temples in the 16th century, and now is the place for young crowds in Kyoto. In this busy shopping district, the very famous Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine is situated and you can get this Hello Kitty Amulet.

Kitty is holding a Koi fish (= carp). The word "love" is also pronounced KOI in Japanese. Therefore, the amulet is for the success of love!

End of Rainy Season

The rainy season in Kyoto is officially over, and it's "Kakigori" season!

Kakigori is a Japanese shaved ice dessert. If you see this flag in front of restaurants/shops, it means they serve Kakigori. The flag says Kakigori, of course.

Man in charge of Gion Matsuri

These elderly men in kimono are so-called "higher ranking" people of the Festival.

Gion Matsuri (Festival)

Kyoto is enjoying the Gion Matsuri from July 1: festival ends on July 31. The highlight of the festival is "Yamahoko-junko" which takes place on the 17th of July. It is the procession of colorful floats through downtown Kyoto.


Groups of people started to build Yamahoko today. A total of 32 Yamahoko floats are presented in the festival. The 25 meter tall, 10 ton floats are made from wood and rope without using a single nail or piece of iron. (Yamahoko is the holy place for devine spirits.)

Rainy Season

Japan is currently in rainy season. After many rainy days in Kyoto, it's clear sky today and here is the beautiful evening glow.

Ayu (=Sweetfish) Fishing Season

Kamo river ayu fishing season opened on May 31. Ayu is one of the leading delicacies in Japanese cuisine.

Restaurant "Nakau"

Nakau is a Japanese fast food restaurant chain which has become extremely popular recently, and there are many Nakau restaurants in Kyoto.

They specialize in gyudon (bowl of rice topped with beef), oyako donburi (bowl of rice topped with chicken and egg), and Japanese noodles. Not only the food is served fast, but it's cheap and tasty!

Photo: Prawn and vegetable tenpura on rice (340 yen) and cold plum noodle (390 yen)

Swallows

I've been back in my hometown Shimane and swallows are back to the nest in my parents house again this year! There are six babies and it's so fun to observe them grow every day. Having swallows (=bluebird) back in the house is the "symbol of happiness"!