New tea, azaleas, and cultural splendor Ian Ropke writes: The country town of Uji is famous for its temples, relaxing river-side scenery and a wide range of interesting cultural attractions. Uji has also been the tea capital of Japan since the 12th century. A short walk out of town in an easterly direction, and you will see the low, dark-green tea bushes covering the … [Read more...] about Wonderful Nearby Uji
Culture & Tradition
Pontocho’s Tanuki Shrine
The stuff of miracles & legend On April 27, 1978, fire broke out in the early morning hours along the narrow street of Pontocho, the heart of one of Kyoto’s oldest entertainment quarters. Before anything could be done several of the quarter’s old wooden teahouses had been destroyed and a young geiko (the Kyoto word for a geisha) was dead. However, when the raging blaze … [Read more...] about Pontocho’s Tanuki Shrine
Kyoto & Horses
More than just the Aoi Matsuri! If you can imagine the rugged geography of Japan without paved roads or mechanized transportation, you will appreciate the important role which horses played here until fairly recently. There are hundreds of place names in Japan that reflect a long and intimate relationship with the horse. Keage, near Nanzen-ji Temple, is one such … [Read more...] about Kyoto & Horses
Miyako in the Mist
A photograph and poem by Ian Ropke: Miyako in the Mist mist rising from my eyes and I know there's more as when I see mists twisting across the slopes way above Ginkakuji drifting in a haunted motion between the red pines and I imagine brontosaurus feeding calmly in the dawn mists beckoning from a mile away you capture me as easily as when I am having … [Read more...] about Miyako in the Mist
The Enchanted City
Ian Ropke writes: The idea of a city conjures up a thousand images. There are enormous cities of power and wealth. There are dying cities. There are living cities. And yet behind all these adjectives shimmers the idea of the city, the ideal city, the dream of humankind, the showcase for all our best achievements. The city can and should be a symbiotic balance between our … [Read more...] about The Enchanted City
