NEGA・POSI is a very cool live music venue a little way south of Marutamachi Dori on Ainomachi Dori (間之町通り). They have live music here several days a week and the entry fee ranges from ￥1500 to ￥3500 (cheaper if you book in advance). In addition to the well stocked bar (ice-cold draft beers at ￥600!) they also have a food menu which I haven't tried yet, but judging by the gusto … [Read more...] about NEGA・POSI
BAR Cafezinho
Bar Cafezinho owes its existence to it's owner's love of Brazilian music; Samba, Bossa Nova and Pagode. A cafe/bar, Bar Cafezinho's strongest point is the cheap, cheap menu. You can get good, strong, Brazilian coffee at only 200 yen a cup and the whisky here is also remarkably cheap at roughly half the price you'll find elsewhere. Here's my lunch; a vegetarian coconut curry … [Read more...] about BAR Cafezinho
Zanpano
Zanpano is on Higashioji Dori overlooking the railway crossing at Mototanaka. Take a seat by the windows, order a coffee and watch the cute little toy-like trains of the Eiden line busily rumble by. The café is decorated with instruments, lots of vinyl records and the owner’s own manga collection. It feels like a treasure trove. Spend a little time listening to the music here … [Read more...] about Zanpano
進々堂
Not to be confused with the chain of bakery/restaurants that litter Kyoto’s thoroughfares, but sharing the same name and founder, Shinshindo (進々堂) is a famous café/bakery just opposite Kyoto University that is well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area. Hitoshi Tsuzuku founded Shinshindo in 1930, a few years after becoming the first Japanese baker to study authentic … [Read more...] about 進々堂
The Miho Museum
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
