Yesterday Mewby and I braved the autumn weather to see the autumn leaves at Kinkakuji and Ryoanji. The Golden Pavilion at Kinkakuji and the rock garden at Ryoanji are two of Kyoto's most iconic sites and worth a visit any time of year. Right now though the autumn leaves make it just magical! Ryoanji's gorgeous gardens are a twenty minute stroll away from Kinkakuji if you … [Read more...] about Autumn Colours at Kinkakuji & Ryoanji
月と六ペンス
I was talking to my friend Yutaka one day and telling him that I couldn't find the right sort of cafe. "Of course, I know lots of nice cafes," I said, "but they don't serve my needs. They are too popular, and crowded. I want somewhere quiet, and unpopular, where I can go by myself, be anti-social and just lose myself in a book without being bothered by anyone. I can't find … [Read more...] about 月と六ペンス
“A Lively Evening” by Murayama Kaita
Here's another post on Kyoto poets and poetry by our guest contributor, Keiji Minato. Keiji writes... Last time I took up Yosa Buson, a great poet-cum-painter in the 18th century. The topic this time is a man who also both wrote poetry and left great paintings, but in a totally different era. MURAYAMA Kaita (村山槐太; 1896-1919) was born in Yokohama but grew up in … [Read more...] about “A Lively Evening” by Murayama Kaita
One Hundred Poets on Mount Ogura, One Poem Each
朝に夕 眺めし小倉の 山にきて 幼き頃の 山路楽しむ To Ogura I have come, the hill I have looked at every morning and eve: enjoying again it's mountain paths I once walked as a child (Yoshihiro Tsuchida from the collection One Hundred Poets on Mount Ogura, One Poem Each) In a previous post I wrote about the environmental action group P.T.O. (People Together for Mt. Ogura) and the … [Read more...] about One Hundred Poets on Mount Ogura, One Poem Each
A Hokku of Yosa Buson
This is Keiji Minato's second article on the poets and poetry of Kyoto. Keiji writes... Yosa Buson (1716-83), one of the most popular haikai masters from the Edo period, lived most of his adult life in Kyoto City. ほととぎす平安城を筋違に 与謝蕪村 Hototogisu heianjo wo sujikai ni --- YOSA Buson lesser cuckoo crossing diagonally above Heianjo “Heianjo (平安城)” is the same as … [Read more...] about A Hokku of Yosa Buson
Kerala Indian Restaurant
Mewby and I ventured over to this fine establishment one evening when we were badly in need of a curry fix. Hands down this is the best Indian food I've eaten in Kyoto. The service is excellent too. The waiter (a charming, soft spoken chap) actually took the time to talk us through the various items on the menu and give his own recommendations. Here's what we … [Read more...] about Kerala Indian Restaurant
The Artist Daniel Kelly
A few weeks ago I had the good fortune to meet and spend some time with the artist Daniel Kelly. After meeting by chance in Tadg's one night, Daniel invited me over to his studio in northern Kyoto to get to know him and his work. Upon arrival one Saturday evening, I was immediately accosted by his gorgeously beautiful but extremely cheeky collie Max. I'm a bit shy around dogs … [Read more...] about The Artist Daniel Kelly
Introducing Keiji Minato
I am very happy to welcome a new regular guest contributor to Deep Kyoto: Mr. Keiji Minato. Keiji is going to introduce us to the wonderful world of Kyoto poets and poetry! In his own words... Kyoto was the center of Japanese poetry for a long time, as of most other cultures in Japan (Am I writing the obvious?). Since the old capital was founded in 794 the royal family, … [Read more...] about Introducing Keiji Minato
People Together for Mt. Ogura – The Poets’ Mountain
...to feel the presence of this graceful Poet's Mount, we should go there. If possible, climb up a bit and take in the view. Listen, as the sounds of the city dwindle and those of nature take over. The trail at your feet will soon turn to earth and rock... - Stephen Gill For the last two weekends I've been taking part in conservation work with the environmental action group … [Read more...] about People Together for Mt. Ogura – The Poets’ Mountain
The Photographs of Jeffrey Friedl
Here is the fifth in a continuing series of profiles of Kyoto-based photographers. Each photographer chooses five of their favorite pictures from around Kyoto and tells us a little about what those pictures mean to them. This time I asked local photo-blogger Jeffrey Friedl to contribute - and I am so glad that I did! Jeffrey's pictures are breathtakingly beautiful! Jeffrey … [Read more...] about The Photographs of Jeffrey Friedl
Kirishitan Kyoto
John Dougill writes... In the heart of Kyoto there once stood a Southern Barbarian Temple (Nanban-ji). It was located not far from Rokkaku-do, the city’s belly button. The three-storey structure was built in 1576 and was an exotic addition to a city in the midst of revitalisation. For a while it was the height of fashion for the city’s leading figures to go visit the … [Read more...] about Kirishitan Kyoto
