If you fancy a day out of Kyoto and a bit of fresh country air, a trip into Shiga to visit the Miho Museum might be a nice little adventure for you. This is a most extraordinary private art collection, held in a most extraordinary building, and in an extraordinary location! The building itself is remarkable, designed by I. M. Pei (he's the guy that designed the glass pyramid … [Read more...] about The Miho Museum
りほう
There's a tree-lined canal that runs between Shirakawa and Higashioji Dori that is one of Kyoto's best kept secrets. Follow it south and then east and it leads on to the far more famous 哲学の道 ("The Path of Philosophy"), but follow it north in the springtime and you can enjoy the cherry blossom here minus the crowds of tourists, and in June it's also a good area to spot … [Read more...] about りほう
The Wellers Club
The Weller’s Club is a spacious bar/club venue on Takoyakushi Dori. The owner, Yamamoto-san is a big fan of Paul Weller (hence the name) and also of British pub culture, and in 1998 opened this club with the intent of creating a space where people could meet and have a drink while listening to British music. The array of musical events that go on each month are not … [Read more...] about The Wellers Club
Chikyuya
Chikyuya serves cheap and cheerful izakaya style booze and nosh a short walk to the south of the Kawaramachi/Shijo intersection. The atmosphere is super casual here; everyone crowds in together and the evidence of many a good night is left pinned to the walls in the form of photos, business cards and obscure notes. Chikyuya has always been popular with students in … [Read more...] about Chikyuya
Tsurugi
On a quiet backstreet, just west of Kawaramachi, sits Tsurugi, a shabby little bar with bad plumbing and uncertain opening hours that I love. Two years ago I strolled into this bar quite by chance and was immediately struck by how friendly both the master and his customers were. People can be a bit stuck-up in Kyoto so this was no small thing. The master, … [Read more...] about Tsurugi
Flea Market at Chionji
"Tezukuri Ichi" is a fleamarket held at Chionji Temple on the 15th of every month. Here you can by all kinds of handicrafts, ethnic clothing, food, pottery... what I tend to think of as "nice-stuff-I-don't-really-need". However, I like the atmosphere there (crowded yet curiously relaxed) and I like people watching, so I went along today with my camera to give you a glimpse of … [Read more...] about Flea Market at Chionji
Prototype Records
Today I paid a visit to my friend Yoshida Kei's vinyl record store Prototype Records. Prototype deals in import and 2nd hand records in the following genres: reggae, soul, funk, jazz, Latin, Brazilian, punk, rock, dance... the list goes on. Though the majority of his customers are DJs or serious record collectors, Yoshida's philosophy is that his shop is not just for the … [Read more...] about Prototype Records
Kyoto International Community House
Situated in eastern Kyoto, not far from Nanzenji is Kyoto International Community House, an essential stop for all foreign visitors to the city. Here you can ask at the information desk for any information you might need; whether you are looking for an English speaking dentist or a martial arts dojo, they can help you. Other facilities include: a library, internet access (￥２００ … [Read more...] about Kyoto International Community House
Introducing Deep Kyoto
After a hard days tramping round shrines and temples, what better than a good meal, and a cool quenching beverage? Or perhaps you would prefer a good cup of coffee and some ambient sounds to help you wind down. But where to go? Well, there are many “British-style” pubs and Starbuckses aplenty if you need to retreat back to your comfort zone, and no blame to you if you do. … [Read more...] about Introducing Deep Kyoto
