New tea, azaleas, and cultural splendor Ian Ropke writes: The country town of Uji is famous for its temples, relaxing river-side scenery and a wide range of interesting cultural attractions. Uji has also been the tea capital of Japan since the 12th century. A short walk out of town in an easterly direction, and you will see the low, dark-green tea bushes covering the … [Read more...] about Wonderful Nearby Uji
Pontocho’s Tanuki Shrine
The stuff of miracles & legend On April 27, 1978, fire broke out in the early morning hours along the narrow street of Pontocho, the heart of one of Kyoto’s oldest entertainment quarters. Before anything could be done several of the quarter’s old wooden teahouses had been destroyed and a young geiko (the Kyoto word for a geisha) was dead. However, when the raging blaze … [Read more...] about Pontocho’s Tanuki Shrine
Donal Lunny @ TakuTaku
Here's a video of Donal Lunny and The Flying Dugong Band at TakuTaku last night. I filmed a few songs but I think this one is the nicest. Thanks due to Mewby for pointing out the info about this show to me when we were in Field a couple of weeks back... … [Read more...] about Donal Lunny @ TakuTaku
Radio Cafe
Radio Cafe is a nice setting in which to listen to local community radio. It also does some very nice cakes. I'll let the pictures below speak for themselves.* Radio Cafe is just south of Sanjo on the west side of Teramachi. Here is a most excellent and convenient map. Open Monday to Friday: 10.00-18.00 (until 19.00 on Tuesday) Closed on Saturday & … [Read more...] about Radio Cafe
Kyoto & Horses
More than just the Aoi Matsuri! If you can imagine the rugged geography of Japan without paved roads or mechanized transportation, you will appreciate the important role which horses played here until fairly recently. There are hundreds of place names in Japan that reflect a long and intimate relationship with the horse. Keage, near Nanzen-ji Temple, is one such … [Read more...] about Kyoto & Horses
antighseinnse
There's a Scottish pub in north Kyoto named antighseinnse (a.k.a. Horie's Bar). The name (pronounced "an ti shayn jay" I think) is Gaelic and means simply "Inn". The owner Toshiyuki Horie named it after a favored pub on the isle of Islay in Scotland and still proudly wears a T-shirt celebrating "The best pub in Portnahaven". Horie-san, a self-described whisky otaku or … [Read more...] about antighseinnse
Maruho Bakery Takarada
This little bakery on Higashioji Dori... ...does a very nice soft white loaf... ...among other things. This in fact is my trusted source for all my toast and sandwich needs. In their cafe section they also do a lunchtime set of pasta, salad and coffee which I've never tried but it seems very reasonably-priced. Maruho Bakery Takarada is on the west side of … [Read more...] about Maruho Bakery Takarada
Metro
19 years old this year, Metro is a popular location for dance events in all genres. Take a look at their schedule and you're bound to find something to suit you: rock, reggae, hip-hop, techno, house, electronica and live music too. Last Wednesday I went to Club '80s night. So much fun! And such a bargain too! For 1,000 yen you get a free drink, a mix-CD of classic '80s tunes … [Read more...] about Metro
Miyako in the Mist
A photograph and poem by Ian Ropke: Miyako in the Mist mist rising from my eyes and I know there's more as when I see mists twisting across the slopes way above Ginkakuji drifting in a haunted motion between the red pines and I imagine brontosaurus feeding calmly in the dawn mists beckoning from a mile away you capture me as easily as when I am having … [Read more...] about Miyako in the Mist
The Enchanted City
Ian Ropke writes: The idea of a city conjures up a thousand images. There are enormous cities of power and wealth. There are dying cities. There are living cities. And yet behind all these adjectives shimmers the idea of the city, the ideal city, the dream of humankind, the showcase for all our best achievements. The city can and should be a symbiotic balance between our … [Read more...] about The Enchanted City
TakuTaku
磔磔 is a live house I've been meaning to check out for donkey's. This converted brewhouse opened as a coffee shop in 1974. In those days the master would spin a few discs for the clientele and there would be one or two live performances a week, but gradually the performances increased and it became the famous live house we know today. I was impressed to see the names of those … [Read more...] about TakuTaku
