Old, quiet memories in a wild, new world The Takasegawa Canal Ian Ropke writes... This month, if you have the time, consider strolling down the Takegawa Canal along the lively, yet always interesting, world of Kiyamachi and Pontocho. Though the Takasegawa is called a river in Japanese, it is actually a canal, built with thousands of laborers. This is quite amazing, … [Read more...] about Along the Takasegawa: Pontocho and Kiyamachi
Wonderful Nearby Uji
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
