I had a bit of free time this afternoon, so I popped over to see the exhibition at Cafe Rokujian of photographs and paintings by our friends John Einarsen and Tiery Le. The cafe forms part of the Kampo Cultural Center, which as I understand it, opened up last month. The center consists of three parts, the cafe, a small gallery space, and a learning center where you can take … [Read more...] about Cafe & Gallery Rokujian
Cafes
Kozmoz International
Kozmoz New York Coffee is an American style cafe/diner tucked away in Fushimi Momoyama, that specializes in such dishes as the Philly Cheesesteak, the Hot Italian Sausage, bagels, muffins, apple pies and cheesecake… What makes this establishment a little bit different from other cafes though, is that every yen made from your hotdog or cheesesteak, (and also all the profits … [Read more...] about Kozmoz International
月と六ペンス
I was talking to my friend Yutaka one day and telling him that I couldn't find the right sort of cafe. "Of course, I know lots of nice cafes," I said, "but they don't serve my needs. They are too popular, and crowded. I want somewhere quiet, and unpopular, where I can go by myself, be anti-social and just lose myself in a book without being bothered by anyone. I can't find … [Read more...] about 月と六ペンス
Blues Cafe Ball’n’Chain
Sometimes Mewby and I head back up to north Kyoto to revisit our old haunts. One Sunday afternoon we spent a pleasant afternoon up by Demachiyanagi flying the kite that I'd brought back from Bali. There's a spit of land there where the two rivers meet that's just perfect for it. Many kids (and their dads) were eyeing my paper bird with silent envy, but the two ladies … [Read more...] about Blues Cafe Ball’n’Chain
Blue Note
A couple of weeks ago, jazz singer Allison Adams Tucker invited me to Blue Note to see her live performance there. It was a great show but also an excellent opportunity to check out this legendary live music venue. I spoke to the current master Ohigashi-san. A mild-mannered chap, he goes by the nickname of Chooper-san (after blues musician Al Kooper), and is as Allison put it … [Read more...] about Blue Note
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
Maruho Bakery Takarada
This little bakery on Higashioji Dori... ...does a very nice soft white loaf... ...among other things. This in fact is my trusted source for all my toast and sandwich needs. In their cafe section they also do a lunchtime set of pasta, salad and coffee which I've never tried but it seems very reasonably-priced. Maruho Bakery Takarada is on the west side of … [Read more...] about Maruho Bakery Takarada
Sheep’s
Sheep's Public Cafe is a place I have been meaning to check out for a while. I kept seeing it as I cycled home from work and thinking to myself "Sheep's. Why Sheep's?" The signboard outside says "Fish & Chips", "Guinness" and looking at the exterior I imagined just another foreign style pub. Once inside though I was impressed by how bright and cheerful it is. The owners … [Read more...] about Sheep’s
Zac Baran
I first met Yoshida Koichi in the music bar Hawkwind. A shakuhachi player, he told me he plays in many styles, not just traditional, but jazz, folk, avant garde, new age, pretty much anything. In Hawkwind we were listening to some hip-hop. "How about this then?" I challenged him with a grin. And do you know, he stood up immediately, he played, and it was wonderful. I was very … [Read more...] about Zac Baran
Woodnote
I had my supper at Woodnote last night; a big plate of sarnies and two bottles of Guinness. And they were tasty. I really like this place. There are a lot of bars and cafes in Kyoto that are dedicated to a particular kind of music; jazz, soul, rock or blues... and finding these places always gives me a real kick. But Woodnote is something else. It's a "99.9%" (says the … [Read more...] about Woodnote
Le Petit Mec
Le Petit Mec is a French style cafe & bakery on Imadegawa just west of Horikawa, which appears to be open only on weekends... They sell a fantastic variety of delicious breads, sweet pastries and sandwiches which you can eat in or take out. Here below are my purchases, left to right: くるみパン - Walnut bread, ジャガイモパン - Potato bread, and チャバッタ - Ciabatta. They look tasty … [Read more...] about Le Petit Mec
