About a week ago, when the sakura was still blooming, we visited Yoshiminedera (善峯寺). This is a mountain temple to the west of Kyoto, and because it is a mountain temple, the air is cooler and the sakura blooms a little later than in the city. This is the sanmon entrance. It's huge. Here you pay your 500 yen entry fee. It's totally worth it. Beyond the entrance are … [Read more...] about Cherry Blossom at Yoshiminedera
Cherry Blossoms at Hirano Shrine
Last weekend we visited Hirano Shrine, famous for it's cherry blossoms. They have a lot of yatai food stalls set up there for the cherry blossom festival. And above them all and around them a gorgeous cloud of pink and white cherry blossom. "As court nobles donated cherry trees handed down in each family from ancient times, there are approximately 400 … [Read more...] about Cherry Blossoms at Hirano Shrine
The Ryōzen Kannon, Kyoto, 1958
...suppose there are immeasurable hundreds, thousands, ten thousands, millions of living beings who are undergoing various trials and suffering. If they hear of this Bodhisattva Perceiver of the Word's Sounds and single-mindedly call his name, then at once he will perceive the sound of their voices and they will all gain deliverance from their trials. If someone, holding fast … [Read more...] about The Ryōzen Kannon, Kyoto, 1958
Kamo’s All You Can Eat Veggie Buffet
Now that Obanzai's organic buffet is closing, it is good to know that there are alternatives. Kamo serves up all organic locally grown vegetables in all kinds of tasty combinations. They take pride in the fact their vegetables are 都野菜 or "Miyako vegetables" which means they are truly local. Apparently the famed label 京野菜 - "Kyo yasai" does not always guarantee that the veggies … [Read more...] about Kamo’s All You Can Eat Veggie Buffet
Jazz Band Fujiya Mountain @ 和音堂
Walking up the Kamo river one day, we saw a lively jazz band playing under the Sanjo bridge that were so good we decided cross over and have a look. They were young, fun and funky, so we picked up a flyer for their next gig, which happened to be on the following day. The location 和音堂 (WA・ON・DO) was convenient and the price was only 1,000 yen (+ another 500 yen for a … [Read more...] about Jazz Band Fujiya Mountain @ 和音堂
Even the hardest hearts will melt at the sight of Jonangu’s plum blossoms
I think it is safe to say that the weeping plum blossoms at Jonangu Shrine were at their peak when we visited last Sunday. Jonangu lies to the south of Kyoto, about 15 minutes walk from Takeda Station, which can be reached on either the Kintetsu or Karasuma Subway lines. When a shrine was originally built here in Heian times the area around it would presumably have been … [Read more...] about Even the hardest hearts will melt at the sight of Jonangu’s plum blossoms
Three years ago today…
On this day of remembrance, I would like to share with you some simple memories of March 11th that have taken me three years to properly digest. I was far removed from the disaster then, but of course the events of the day made a big impression on me. I remember clearly where I was, what was on my mind and those who were about me. I remember most of all their grace, their … [Read more...] about Three years ago today…
Takeuchi Seihō – Japan’s most important modern Japanese-style painter
Takeuchi Seihō (竹内 栖鳳 - his real name was Takeuchi Tsunekichi) lived from December 20, 1864 - August 23, 1942. He was an early master of nihonga art, and prior to World War II led a notable circle of painters in Kyoto. His former residence in Higashiyama still stands as The Sodoh - now a restaurant and event space. Ian Ropke writes, During Takeuchi’s early youth his … [Read more...] about Takeuchi Seihō – Japan’s most important modern Japanese-style painter
the能.com probably has pretty much everything you need to get started with Noh drama…
I have been following Diego Pellecchia's facinating Noh blog for a couple of months now. Diego is training with the Kongō school of Noh, here in Kyoto and his blog offers a kind of portal into that world. Wanting to learn more, last week I asked him if he could recommend any beginner's texts as an introduction to the world of Noh. Rather than a text he recommended this website, … [Read more...] about the能.com probably has pretty much everything you need to get started with Noh drama…
Meltdown – An Anthology of Haiku, Z – A
MELTDOWN メルトダウン (2013) An Anthology of Haiku, Z to A. ISBN: 978-4-9900822-5-3 Edited by Stephen Henry Gill Includes almost 500 haiku and a short 4-part seasonal renku cycle over 228 pages. Cover by Richard Steiner. Price:￥1,500; airmail $20, incl. p&p Dimensions: 19 x 13 cm. Covers feature a tactile matt paper finish. How to order: details are at the Hailstone Haiku … [Read more...] about Meltdown – An Anthology of Haiku, Z – A
Bellota Concha on Tominokoji
Bellota Concha is a Spanish style restaurant specializing in seafood fresh from the market. Mewby and I ate there once last year and enjoyed it, so I thought it would be a nice spot to celebrate our anniversary. They have two floors, so if you are upstairs you get one of these funky bells to call for service. We started our meal with a white asparagus and anchovy … [Read more...] about Bellota Concha on Tominokoji
