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
Blues Cafe Ball’n’Chain
Sometimes Mewby and I head back up to north Kyoto to revisit our old haunts. One Sunday afternoon we spent a pleasant afternoon up by Demachiyanagi flying the kite that I'd brought back from Bali. There's a spit of land there where the two rivers meet that's just perfect for it. Many kids (and their dads) were eyeing my paper bird with silent envy, but the two ladies … [Read more...] about Blues Cafe Ball’n’Chain
