When you think of the word Zen, what images spring to mind? Perhaps you might imagine a dry garden of raked sand and rocks, a graceful black circle penned in ink on white paper, a black-robed monk seated in the lotus position with eyes half-shut, or the ripples created when a drop of water falls from a bamboo pipe into a stone basin… Such images may seem deeply Japanese, and … [Read more...] about The Origins of Zen – A Flower and a Smile
Biwako Grand Hotel – Our Return to Ogoto Onsen
Not too long ago, having an errand to run in Shiga Prefecture, Mewby and I decided to make the most of our trip and stay overnight at a hot spring hotel. We ended up staying at the Biwako Grand Hotel, which we had actually stayed at before - way back in 2009! Time certainly flies, but not much has changed in sleepy Shiga, and I'm happy to report that the Biwako Grand Hotel is … [Read more...] about Biwako Grand Hotel – Our Return to Ogoto Onsen
From Kimono to Yukata: Japan’s Traditional Clothing Explained
Recently, renting kimono while sightseeing around Kyoto is very popular, and dressing up in traditional Japanese clothing can certainly be a lot of fun. In Japan, traditional clothes are called 和服 (wafuku which literally means “Japanese clothes”), to distinguish them from 洋服 (yōfuku or “Western clothes”). However, there are many different kinds of wafuku, so in this article we … [Read more...] about From Kimono to Yukata: Japan’s Traditional Clothing Explained
Japan Kanji Museum
The Japan Kanji Museum is a place I've been wanting to go to for a super-long time and in December I finally managed it. I enjoyed my visit, but before I proceed I should say right away that this museum might not appeal to you if you can't read Japanese. Apart from in the special exhibition area, all the display information is in Japanese only. There are some English-language … [Read more...] about Japan Kanji Museum
National Foundation Day in Kyoto
On February 11th Japan takes a day off to celebrate the nation's mythic beginnings, and in Kyoto, Shinto priests celebrate with an ancient game of football. February 11th is an annual public holiday in Japan called "National Foundation Day" (建国記念の日, Kenkoku Kinen no Hi). From the rather grand formality of the name, you might assume that it commemorates an event of great … [Read more...] about National Foundation Day in Kyoto
All About Setsubun: The Bean-Throwing Festival
Setsubun is an annual festival in Japan celebrated widely both in private homes and public areas that at first glance seems to consist of equal parts charm and eccentricity. Can you imagine wearing a plastic devil-mask while the rest of your family gleefully pelts you with dried beans? This is a key part of the Setsubun celebration! Devils & Beans Held every year in … [Read more...] about All About Setsubun: The Bean-Throwing Festival
Chinari Ghar – Nepali Restaurant & Spice Shop
Chinari Ghar is a wonderful Nepali restaurant up in Kamigyo Ward that we discovered a few months ago. We happened to be in the area near Kitano Tenmangu Shrine around lunchtime one day, and looking for a place to eat on Google Maps this restaurant caught my eye. Checking the reviews it seemed that the restaurant had built itself quite a reputation for its spicy momos - a … [Read more...] about Chinari Ghar – Nepali Restaurant & Spice Shop
Shiatsu and Dance Workshops With Bridget Scott
Our old friend Bridget Scott has been in touch with fresh details of her shiatsu and dance classes. Bridget has been living in Kyoto for over 30 years, teaching shiatsu since 2002, and teaching butoh dance since 2011. Bridget says, I jumped into the butoh dance world in 1989, started shiatsu training in 1992 and traditional Japanese dance in 2007. So, I can clearly state … [Read more...] about Shiatsu and Dance Workshops With Bridget Scott
Saganoyu Cafe
日本語はこちら 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. Here's what we had. Miu chose a cheese … [Read more...] about Saganoyu Cafe
Dog Cafe
日本語はこちら Dog Cafe is one of Kyoto's "wan-chan" cafes catering to all good dogs and their walkers. A spacious establishment, on the ground floor you can browse among a huge array of dog-related products for your favorite pooch, or dog-themed goods for dog-loving humans. The cafe has a menu that caters for both bipedal customers and their four-legged friends. For dogs … [Read more...] about Dog Cafe
Cafe Kocsi
日本語はこちら This is a really lovely cafe on Aneyakoji Dori. If you're in the mood for a sandwich and you are in the Kawaramachi area, I definitely recommend it. There's plenty of space, lots of comfy chairs, a peaceful bookish atmosphere and a nice view from the windows over the tiled roofs of Kyoto. Check out the pictures below: They have a full bar, and … [Read more...] about Cafe Kocsi
