In 2015 I wrote a series of monthly articles for Chris Rowthorn’s website Inside Kyoto. To read them check out the links below.
Exploring Daitoku-ji
Visiting the Zen temple complex of Daitoku-ji in northern Kyoto, you will discover temples within temples. Michael Lambe guides us through its rich history, the deep significance of its many meditative gardens, and introduces us to some traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine.
A Day Trip To Ohara
Ohara is many things: a rural retreat, a tourist hotspot, an ancient training ground of spiritual music, and the last refuge and resting place of those who were bested by history. Once, Ohara was considered by the people of Kyoto as a remote outpost in its north-eastern hills. Today, you can get there by bus from the city center in an hour – if the traffic is good. Michael Lambe takes us on a comprehensive tour of this area’s key sites.
Sword Dancing in Kyoto at Samurai Kembu Theater
Kembu is a Japanese martial art that combines sword play with dance. There is a small theater in the heart of Kyoto’s city center, where you can experience first-hand this Japanese way of the sword. The place is called Samurai Kembu Theater and they put on shows and give lessons daily. Our flashing blade, Michael Lambe, reports.
Maruzen Bookstore Returns to Kyoto!
This summer saw the welcome return of Kyoto’s best bookstore, Maruzen Books, after a 10-year interval. Maruzen’s Kyoto branch had a long history in this town, and held a very special place in people’s hearts. Our resident bookworm, Michael Lambe, went to take a look at the new premises and see if the new store matches up to its legendary past.
Walking the Path of Philosophy
The Path of Philosophy is a scenic stroll path in north-eastern Kyoto that offers a quiet retreat from the city and food for thought in the many historic sites that line the way. Michael Lambe guides us through the history of the area and recommends some favorite spots along the way.
A Trip to Uji
To the south of Kyoto lies Uji, a small city famed for its green tea, its World Heritage sites, and its association with the Tale of Genji – the world’s first novel. Michael Lambe takes us on a comprehensive walking tour of this beautiful city and its most important cultural sites.
Exploring Fushimi – Kyoto’s Sake District
To the south of Kyoto lies Fushimi: a famous center of sake production. Michael Lambe guides us through this picturesque area to sample the delights of sake culture and explore its tree-lined canals, historic sites and beautiful wooden brewery buildings.
Kabuki At Kyoto’s Minamiza Theater
Kyoto is regarded as the birthplace of kabuki drama. If you are fortunate enough to be in Kyoto when a kabuki show is on, you should definitely experience this lively extravaganza of drama, music and colorful spectacle. Michael Lambe introduces this unique dramatic form and describes a visit to a typical show.
Walking In Gion
At the heart of Kyoto lies Gion, the city’s most famous entertainment district and the center of its traditional arts. Michael Lambe takes us on a daytime tour of Gion’s most famous landmarks, shops and historic sites.
Kyoto Samurai
150 years ago, Kyoto was a key battleground for Japan’s samurai, a noble class of warriors divided by loyalty to clan and country. Michael Lambe takes us on a tour of the Kyoto sites associated with these legendary swordsmen.
Toka Ebisu
For five lively days in January thousands throng to a small shrine in Gion to pray to Ebisu, the god of good fortune. This past January Michael Lambe of Deep Kyoto joined the bustling crowds for an in-depth look at Toka Ebisu’s traditions.
A New Home for Ancient Treasures – The Heisei Chishinkan Wing of Kyoto 
National Museum
The Kyoto National Museum recently saw the unveiling of an ambitious new extension to the museum – the Heisei Chishinkan Wing. Michael Lambe from Deep Kyoto explains the importance of the “Hall Of New Knowledge”.