Many independent business in Kyoto have been suffering during the pandemic and it seems the future of the legendary performance center Urbanguild is also under threat. Urbanguild has provided a space and community for all things wild, weird, and wonderful for many years now, and it would be a terrible shame to lose it. A highly creative online campaign to save this fine … [Read more...]
Writers in Kyoto Event: Meet Jeff Kingston on Zoom; May 23
Here's a quick message from our friends in Writers in Kyoto: Writers in Kyoto is delighted to present author and commentator, Jeff Kingston, as our main speaker for 2020. Due to the Corona crisis, this will be a Zoom event starting at 4.00 on Saturday May 23. Jeff will be interviewed by Japan Times columnist Amy Chavez, following which the floor will be open for participants … [Read more...]
Deep Kyoto in National Geographic Traveller UK
Many thanks to Kavita Favelle for alerting me to the presence of a short piece I wrote in the current issue of National Geographic Traveller Food (UK). For those who are curious enough to buy a copy, you can find me in the "Ask the Experts" section on page 29 answering the question, "Where in Kyoto can I buy a traditional, handcrafted kyusu teapot?" Gratitude is also due … [Read more...]
Three Arcades – The Bad, the Good, and the Bubbly
This is the final guest post from Edward J. Taylor and marks the end of a series of articles in which he explored Kyoto’s streets. Many thanks to Edward for his long-term commitment to this project which he actually set out on two years ago. To read more of Edward's wanderings and ramblings both in Kyoto and further afield, please visit his blog: Notes from the 'Nog. This month … [Read more...]
Top Dining Recommendations in Kyoto
It's been a while since I have posted any restaurant recommendations on here. However, my top dining recommendations for Kyoto are now up on the Work in Japan Today website. In this two-part article I introduce some of the main ingredients and elements of Kyō-ryōri cuisine – and also recommend the best places to eat them! To read my full list of recommendations check the … [Read more...]
Dumb Type Premiere New Work “2020” at ROHM Theatre, Kyoto – March 28th & 29th
Many thanks to Juliet Knapp of Kyoto Experiment for letting us know about this upcoming event. Dumb Type Premiere "2020" at ROHM Theatre Kyoto 2020.3.28 (SAT) – 3.29 (SUN) Legendary multimedia performance group Dumb Type have announced that the premiere of their first new work in 18 years will take place at Kyoto's ROHM Theatre this coming March. Comprising a … [Read more...]
Christmas Dinner at Tadg’s 2019
Folks in Kyoto hankering for a traditional Christmas will be delighted to know that Tadg McLoughlin will once again be serving up a full gala Christmas dinner with all the trimmings at Taigu Craft Beer Pub. Christmas dinner will be served up on two days: the 24th and 25th with three servings at 18.00, 19.00 and 20.00. Dinner includes seasonal soup and Irish soda bread … [Read more...]
Fifth Annual Writers in Kyoto Writing Competition Now Open for Entries
Writers in Kyoto (WiK) have announced the opening of the Fifth Annual Kyoto Writing Competition. Submissions are accepted from anywhere in the world. THEME: Kyoto (English language submissions only) DEADLINE: March 31st, 2020 (Midnight JST) GENRE: Short Shorts (unpublished material only) WORD LIMIT: 300 Words (to fit on a single page) FORM: Short poems, character … [Read more...]
Revisiting Shinmachi
Here is the latest installment from Edward J. Taylor's ongoing exploration of Kyoto’s streets. Back in my piece about the Gion Festival, I mentioned that I was intending to revisit Shinmachi, due to its old-timey shopping arcade that I often patronized during the three years when I lived close-by. Had I reread my own words, I would have forgone starting the walk at its … [Read more...]
Autumn Hiking & Rubbish Collection with PTO Conservation Group Dec. 1st 2019
This Sunday (December 1st) local conservation group, People Together for Mt. Ogura (PTO) will be holding a hiking and rubbish clearance event on Mount Ogura in Kyoto's Sagano district. This from their website: In the vicinity of Mt. Ogura’s northern flank, especially at Rokucho Pass, we are working to remove large quantities of illegally dumped rubbish that has built up over … [Read more...]
What’s On with Writers in Kyoto – Upcoming WiK Events
Now seems like a good time to remind you all that Writer's in Kyoto (WiK) will be hosting a Heritage and Tourism Symposium at Ryukoku University’s Omiya Campus this Friday (November 8th). This event's featured speakers include authors Alex Kerr, Amy Chavez and John Dougill together with Akie Hoshino (from the Agency for Cultural Affairs). This symposium will begin at 18.30 in … [Read more...]
Strolling in Reel Time along Fuyamachi
Here is the latest installment from Edward J. Taylor's ongoing exploration of Kyoto’s streets. A funny thing, serendipity. It’s as if life is springing a pop quiz, to see how well you’re paying attention. I was watching a new box set containing Akio Jissoji’s controversial Buddhist Trilogy, which included as a bonus his beautiful period film, It was a Faint Dream. The … [Read more...]
Writers in Kyoto Heritage and Tourism Symposium, November 8th 2019
The big event from Writers in Kyoto (WiK) this autumn will be a Heritage and Tourism Symposium held at Ryukoku University's Omiya Campus. This event includes individual presentations and a panel discussion. The featured speakers include the authors Alex Kerr, Amy Chavez and John Dougill together with Akie Hoshino (from the Agency for Cultural Affairs). This event will take … [Read more...]
Twilight Garden Party & Autumn Foliage Illuminations at Murin-an
Many thanks to Mayumi Sasaki of Ueyakato Landscape for contacting us about the following event. The celebrated garden of Murin-an will be having a special evening opening this fall for a twilight garden party. While admiring the illuminated autumn foliage guests can listen to a talk by the garden concierge and enjoy drinks from a special bar counter serving both soft … [Read more...]
