The artist, Sarah Brayer, is currently offering a selection of beautiful prints for the winter season to mark the 30+ years she has been in Kyoto, and on Sunday December 12th, from 1 till 6pm she will host a holiday show and get together at her studio. "There will be prints, paintings, note cards for sale in all price ranges," says Sarah, "All are welcome! And those who come, … [Read more...] about The Art of Sarah Brayer
The Photographs of Chris McCooey
Here’s this month’s addition to our ongoing series of profiles of Kyoto-based photographers. Each photographer chooses five of their own favorite pictures and tells us a little about what those pictures mean to them. This time I asked a former Kyoto resident, Chris McCooey. Before leaving Japan, Chris was the photographer for the excellent Time Out Shortlist Kyoto (which I have … [Read more...] about The Photographs of Chris McCooey
The Ultimate Japanese Phrasebook
I've never really used phrasebooks as such. Stopping mid-discussion to look something up always seemed like a conversation-killer. However, Kit Nagamura kindly sent me this one for free and having looked at it I have to admit that it's a pretty good reference and learning tool for improving your colloquial Japanese. Here's the blurb from the publisher: The book contains … [Read more...] about The Ultimate Japanese Phrasebook
Autumn Colours at Kinkakuji & Ryoanji
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
