Tourists who came from afar were apt to think that the Gion Festival consisted of only the parade of floats on the seventeenth of July. Many also came to Hiezan on the night of the sixteenth. But the real ceremonies of Gion Festival continued all through July. In the various districts in Kyoto, each of which had its own Gion float, the festival bands began to perform and the … [Read more...] about Gion Festival
Feeling Blue?
Here's Ian Ropke with some advice for beating the summer blues... Nine tips for residents who are feeling a bit low or a bit homesick For foreigners who find themselves in Kyoto and who are feeling lonely or homesick, here are a few simple things you can do to get through the day with a smile. 1. Try to get to know as many dogs as you can. When you can't get human … [Read more...] about Feeling Blue?
Walder
Walder is a German style bakery on Fuyacho Street, just south of Rokkaku Street. They have an impressive range of tasty looking loaves, pastries and treats... … [Read more...] about Walder
Fleur de Farine
Today I bought my lunch at the bakery Fleur de Farine. This tiny little store sells french style loaves in a variety of shapes and sizes. Apparently, they also sell a British style loaf but it is always sold out when I go there. … [Read more...] about Fleur de Farine
Gokou-yu
Whether you are worn out after a stressful day at work, or from trawling round temples, or from working out at the gym, or whatever - nothing beats a good soak in the tub for physical and mental repose. And if you go to a public bath like a Japanese sento or onsen, the negative ions there will boost your mood and relax you much more than would a private bath. Two years ago I … [Read more...] about Gokou-yu
