Deep Kyoto

Here is the latest installment from Edward J. Taylor's ongoing exploration of Kyoto’s streets. The air rings with the chimey clang of the ubiquitous ‘theme song’ for the Gion festival, supplanting the rains that had taken center stage for the previous six weeks. At least, that’s how it usually works. Rainy season this year continues to linger, and a peek at the weather … [Read more...]

Here is the latest installment from Edward J. Taylor's ongoing exploration of Kyoto’s streets. The weather over the weekend had proven a surprise, with the blemish-free bluebird skies of May bringing with it temperatures of 29°C. (It’s going to be a hot summer.) So I decided to set off early, which isn't terribly ideal as things in Kyoto don't begin to open until 10 am. … [Read more...]

Here is the latest installment from Edward J. Taylor's ongoing exploration of Kyoto’s streets. History is written by the victors. A well-known expression of course, but I’d go one step further and say that history is also rewritten by the victors. (Quotes too are attributed to victors, but nowhere is there evidence that Winston Churchill actually said this.) Likewise, … [Read more...]

Here is the latest installment from Edward J. Taylor's ongoing exploration of Kyoto's streets. Prior to setting off on these walks, I sit awhile with a Kyoto map before me, reading the street names and choosing those that are most familiar, or ones that resonate somehow. For today I chose a street that will take me from the heart of the city nearly to my doorstep. It … [Read more...]

Here's this month's walk with Edward J. Taylor on the historic street of Rokkaku-dō Dōri. Though I’d already decided on Rokkaku-dō Dōri for this month’s walk, my actual starting point was unexpectedly predetermined. A few days before, I’d gone to see a special performance by local dancer Heidi S. Durning. The nearby bicycle parking lot was full, and an alternative too … [Read more...]