Many thanks to Anna Kase for sending in the following information. Much has been written about Kyoto's maiko, the famous apprentice geisha (properly called geiko in Kyoto) who entertain wealthy guests with traditional music, dance, songs, games and good conversation. In the past it was quite difficult for overseas visitors to gain access to the traditional tea houses … [Read more...]
Speak Easy – American Style Diner by Shugakuin Station
Speak Easy is an American style diner up by Shugakuin Station which is famous for its great range of burgers, breakfasts, and Mexican style food. There used to be another branch of this shop in the town center that Mewby and I would regularly frequent back when we lived in that area. I was a big fan of their vegetarian gluten burgers and their crispy onion rings and I was most … [Read more...]
Deep Kyoto on CNN Travel
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...]
Deep Nara #2 – Restaurant & Cafe Bambuno
After visiting the Kojiki Exhibition in Nara last month, Mewby and I wandered into the Nara-machi area in search of a place to eat. A warm glow from Restaurant Bambuno caught my eye, we studied the menu, we liked what we saw, and so we plumped for Italian that night. I'm glad we did. The food was great and service very friendly. I'm happy to recommend this little restaurant to … [Read more...]
Yak & Yeti – Nepalese Curry in Kyoto
Yak and Yeti is a restaurant we go back to time and time again for two reasons. One is the super friendly staff who never fail to put a smile on our faces. And the other is their legendary Vegetable Phuraula, Nepali style spicy vegetable tempura. It's amazing. This restaurant is super popular with vegetarians for the range of tasty vegan options they have on their menu but you … [Read more...]
Honke Owariya with Sean Lotman
On Sunday Mewby and I had the pleasure of lunch with writer/photographer Sean Lotman. Sean's wife manages the Honke Owariya soba noodle business, a family company which is pretty famous in Kyoto. The business actually dates from 1465, though they "only" started making noodles Sean told me about 300 or 400 years ago, as they were originally a confectionary business. They still … [Read more...]
All New Falafel Garden
A couple of weeks ago we went to check out the new location for Falafel Garden. A short walk north of Demachiyanagi on Kawabata, this new shop opened on April 28th. The old Falafel Garden was always a popular spot, but I think I like this new one even more. It's bigger, more comfortable, they have a nice big garden out the back and if you are lucky you can snag a balcony seat … [Read more...]
Tadg’s is back!
Tadg and Mika McLoughlin are opening a new establishment "Tadg's Gastro Pub" on the site of the former Merry Island restaurant this Friday. Here's the good word from the man himself via his blog: Dear Friends, We have moved and are just a three-minute walk north of or original site at the Empire building. Go up Kiyamachi, cross Oike, it’s right on the right (east) side. … [Read more...]
Saganoyu Cafe
If you're in the Saga area, the cafe Saganoyu is a pleasant spot for lunch or a cup of coffee. Originally built as a public bathhouse in 1923, the building has been thoroughly renovated and was reopened as a cafe in 2006. You can still see the original tiling on the floors and the faucets along the walls. … [Read more...]
Kamo’s All You Can Eat Veggie Buffet
Now that Obanzai's organic buffet is closing, it is good to know that there are alternatives. Kamo serves up all organic locally grown vegetables in all kinds of tasty combinations. They take pride in the fact their vegetables are 都野菜 or "Miyako vegetables" which means they are truly local. Apparently the famed label 京野菜 - "Kyo yasai" does not always guarantee that the veggies … [Read more...]
