In case you missed it, my recommendations for what to see, do, buy, & eat when in "Japan's most photogenic city" are now up on the CNN Travel site. Everyone should visit Kyoto at least once. It's Japan's best preserved ancient city. Shrines, temples, palaces, gardens ... the city is home to thousands of architectural wonders, including 17 UNESCO World Heritage … [Read more...]
A Change of Tack
The March issue of Kyoto Visitor's Guide is now available and with it my piece recommending other useful websites for online information on our great city. One of the sites I recommend in the article is the new Kyoto Journal site, whose ever shifting deadline for release has now moved from "the end of January" to "spring" (so I'm thinking maybe August). Though the new site … [Read more...]
Sakabe International Clinic
I'm starting a new job soon and so had to have a general health check-up; blood test, blood pressure, x-ray, electrocardiogram, height, weight, the full works. I went to Sakabe International Clinic and it was fast, efficient and the doctor as well as being a fluent English speaker has an excellent bedside manner. No matter how good your Japanese ability is, when it comes to … [Read more...]
Kyoto Prefectural International Center
KPIC is a free resource and information center for foreign tourists and residents in Kyoto. The friendly staff speak fluent English and there is also a free counselling service available in five different languages for those needing advice about employment, housing, medical care or... pretty much anything really. Whether you need to find an English speaking doctor, or you are … [Read more...]
Kyoto International Community House
Situated in eastern Kyoto, not far from Nanzenji is Kyoto International Community House, an essential stop for all foreign visitors to the city. Here you can ask at the information desk for any information you might need; whether you are looking for an English speaking dentist or a martial arts dojo, they can help you. Other facilities include: a library, internet access (¥200 … [Read more...]