On New Year's Day the Japan Times published a wonderful article by the renowned Japanese scholar Donald Keene, reflecting on the changes he has seen in Japan over the past 70 years. In a fascinating account he tells of life in the immediate post-war years and after; a time of much hardship, but also, a golden age in modern Japanese literature and arts. In particular though, it … [Read more...] about Donald Keene on Kyoto: Then & Now
Snow on Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto
The past couple of days in Kyoto have seen the city's heaviest snowfall in over 50 years - which of course makes for a lot of splendid photo opportunities. One of my essential visits each January is to Shimogamo Shrine, a shrine older than the city itself and my personal favorite. I make a point of coming here for hatsumōde (初詣 - a first shrine visit) every year. Here are some … [Read more...] about Snow on Shimogamo Shrine, Kyoto
Greeting the New Year in Kyoto
For the last post of 2014, let us return to a piece first written by our good friend, John Dougill in 2010. That year I followed John's advice by paying a visit to both Kurodani and Shimogamo Shrine on New Year's Eve, and so I am reposting some photos from that night too. It had been snowing quite heavily on the 31st, so Kurodani in particular was really beautiful; all dressed … [Read more...] about Greeting the New Year in Kyoto
Happy Christmas from Inari Mountain
Unfortunately, Mewby has to work on Christmas Day, so left to my own devices I spent the afternoon rambling over Inari Mountain. And what a wonderfully spooky mountain it is! Here are some pictures. Merry Christmas to you all! … [Read more...] about Happy Christmas from Inari Mountain
A Deep Kyoto Christmas Book List
Here are some last minute Christmas stocking filler suggestions for the Kyoto lovers in your life. Zenbu Zen - Food writer and photographer Jane Lawson, escaped her overworked and stressed out life as a publisher and ran away to her dream city: Kyoto. Here she spent five months exploring Kyoto culture, particularly Kyoto food culture, and her book is a record of that … [Read more...] about A Deep Kyoto Christmas Book List
Hiking the Rice Buyers’ Way
Two of the most rewarding activities I have been involved in during my time in Kyoto, are the events organized by the Hailstone Haiku Circle, and the conservation activities of People Together for Mt. Ogura (PTO). Stephen Gill is a primary organizer of both organizations, and so some of their activities tend to merge. So it was that on October 26th Mewby and I took part in a … [Read more...] about Hiking the Rice Buyers’ Way
Kōtō-in – An Excerpt from “Deep Kyoto: Walks” by Joel Stewart
This month's extract from Deep Kyoto: Walks is taken from a very fine ramble by the artist Joel Stewart, titled "In Praise of Uro Uro". Uro uro is a Japanese expression for aimless wandering. Kōtō-in by Joel Stewart I really don't think much needs be said here about Kōtō-in, other than it's a real escape from the city, right in the city. And beside all the interesting … [Read more...] about Kōtō-in – An Excerpt from “Deep Kyoto: Walks” by Joel Stewart
Deep Nara #3 – The Rose Garden at Ryōsen-ji
Just outside Nara City proper is the temple of Ryōsen-ji. Founded in the 8th century by Indian monk Bodhisena, this temple has a long history and many cultural treasures. But I'm not going to write about those today. Today I'm going to show you the rose garden. This rose garden was made in 1957, as a living prayer for world peace. There are over 200 blooms to … [Read more...] about Deep Nara #3 – The Rose Garden at Ryōsen-ji
Deep Nara #2 – Restaurant & Cafe Bambuno
After visiting the Kojiki Exhibition in Nara last month, Mewby and I wandered into the Nara-machi area in search of a place to eat. A warm glow from Restaurant Bambuno caught my eye, we studied the menu, we liked what we saw, and so we plumped for Italian that night. I'm glad we did. The food was great and service very friendly. I'm happy to recommend this little restaurant … [Read more...] about Deep Nara #2 – Restaurant & Cafe Bambuno
Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Last month Mewby and I went down to Nara and took in the Kojiki exhibition currently ongoing at Nara Prefectural Art Museum. I would happily recommend the exhibition as a fascinating and comprehensive exploration of every aspect of Japan's oldest book. Whether, you are interested in the deepest roots of Japanese culture, ancient mythology and the glorious art it has inspired, … [Read more...] about Deep Nara #1 – Kojiki Exhibition
Up & Down the Ki’ – Two Extracts from Deep Kyoto: Walks by Michael Lambe
This month we have two extracts from Deep Kyoto: Walks. Both are from my own piece on a musical tour of Kiyamachi bars conducted by my good friends Mark (Max) Dodds and Ryotaro Sudo in late November last year. On Saturday November 29th 2014 Max and Ryotaro will again perform this tour for the tenth and final time, so a couple of short excerpts from my account seemed timely. In … [Read more...] about Up & Down the Ki’ – Two Extracts from Deep Kyoto: Walks by Michael Lambe
