Today we have a special guest post from our old friend, Lisa Y. Allen. Traditional Japanese Craftsmanship: Tatami in the 21st Century An interview with award-winning tatami craftsman, Mitsuru Yokoyama Tatami is a rush-covered straw mat used for flooring and dates back to the Nara Period when the word, tatami, first appeared in the Kojiki, the oldest Japanese book written … [Read more...] about Crafting Tatami in 21st Century Kyoto: An Interview with Mitsuru Yokoyama
Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – Discovering Nihonshu in the Fushimi Brewing District
Today I would like to introduce the Kyoto Insider Sake Experience; a wonderful brewery tour and sake tasting that Mewby and I recently enjoyed with our friendly guide, Kotaro Hashimoto, in the historic Fushimi district of Kyoto. These days Kyoto's Fushimi district is best known among international travelers as the location of Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine and the … [Read more...] about Kyoto Insider Sake Experience – Discovering Nihonshu in the Fushimi Brewing District
Seimei Jinja Shrine
Last summer I happened to be up in Kamigyo-ku Ward in north-west Kyoto and took the opportunity to visit Seimei Jinja Shrine. This is a little shrine, and easily missed, but it has a very special character and history, and I had long wanted to take a look at it. You will notice as soon as you arrive here the ubiquitous design of the five-pointed star or pentagram. This … [Read more...] about Seimei Jinja Shrine
Craft Beers at Kyoto Brewing Company Taproom
Here's a pleasant way to spend a lazy weekend afternoon. Head down to Kyoto Brewing Company's Taproom and enjoy the very freshest craft beers in a super relaxed and casual space. If the weather is good you can sit outside, and if not, you can chat to the friendly brewery staff indoors as they pull your pints. In the colder months they will also set up a tent outside with … [Read more...] about Craft Beers at Kyoto Brewing Company Taproom
Ramen Factory Kyoto
Ramen Factory Kyoto is a new place near Tofukuji Temple where you can experience both making and eating your very own Kyoto style ramen. This shop is a side project of Menbakaichidai, a famous "fire ramen" restaurant that has been serving and entertaining ramen fans in Kyoto for the last 30 years. Check out the video for Ramen Factory below. Updated Details Ramen … [Read more...] about Ramen Factory Kyoto
