This is a delightful collection of essays written by a diverse group of writers who share an obvious and contagious affection for Kyoto. – Matthew Stavros (Author: “Kyoto: An Urban History of Japan’s Premodern Capital ”) I am delighted to annouce the release of Deep Kyoto: Walks as a paperback edition. This is a print on demand (POD) edition and has been independently … [Read more...] about Deep Kyoto: Walks Paperback Edition Now Available
Walks
Regarding the Cherry Blossoms in Okazaki, Kyoto
Just over a year ago I took a walk in Okazaki just before the cherry blossoms bloomed, and recorded my thoughts for the book Deep Kyoto: Walks. I was primarily focused on the architecture of the area, a lot of which dates from the Meiji era. Throughout my walk though I was very conscious of those cherry blossom buds which were "just about to pop". So a week later I went back … [Read more...] about Regarding the Cherry Blossoms in Okazaki, Kyoto
Cherry Blossoms on Shimbashi, Kyoto
To the south of Shinmonzen, running east to west is Shimbashi-dori Street, probably the prettiest street in all of Gion. This flagstoned strolling area bordered with traditional buildings and willow trees follows the course of the Shirakawa canal. At its best in the cherry blossom season, it is still a delightful area in any season for a daytime stroll or an evening … [Read more...] about Cherry Blossoms on Shimbashi, Kyoto
Kyoto Botanical Gardens by Izumi Texidor Hirai
In this post we have a special excerpt from Deep Kyoto: Walks written by Izumi Texidor Hirai. In her walk through the Botanical Gardens, Izumi weaves personal recollection with finely observed details of life in the gardens as they pass through the four seasons. Let today's excerpt from Izumi's walk serve as a happy reminder of all the special seasonal joys that the year ahead … [Read more...] about Kyoto Botanical Gardens by Izumi Texidor Hirai
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
