Local film-makers Ted Taylor and Roger Walch have put together a series of short movies showing scenes from our book - Deep Kyoto: Walks. Here is the first video which features autumnal scenes from Kyoto's Path of Philosophy and Robert Yellin reading from his piece, "Not Sure Which Way to Go". Deep Kyoto: Walks is now available as a print on demand paperback and Kindle … [Read more...]
The Gion Festival – Exploring Its Mysteries by Catherine Pawasarat
Links on this page are affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s most famous festival, is held each summer in the month of July. It features gorgeously decorated floats, parades and processions, purification rituals, traditional music, displays of family heirlooms, and a giant street … [Read more...]
Here Comes Kenji – Short Stories for a Worthy Cause this Christmas
Kevin Ramsden is well-known in Kyoto's expat community for his tireless and creative fundraising efforts for charitable causes. This Christmas he has come up with a new fundraising initiative: a collection of eight short stories he has both written and published himself - with all proceeds going to support the educational needs of children in rural areas of Cambodia and … [Read more...]
Deep Kyoto: Walks Paperback Edition Now Available
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...]
The Sixth Annual Writers in Kyoto Writing Competition
It's that time of year again! Thanks to Karen Lee Tawarayama for passing on the news of the 6th annual Writers in Kyoto writing competition. There are a variety of prizes on offer again this year and of course the chance to be published in the next WiK anthology. Here are some details: THEME: Kyoto (English language submissions only) DEADLINE: March 31st, 2021 (Midnight … [Read more...]
Virtual Tours of Kyoto Now Available on Amazon Explore
Explore Higashiyama & Nanzenji Temple with Amazon's New Interactive Livestreaming Service Disclosure: Links in this article to Amazon.com are affiliate links from which I may earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Many people will have had frustrated travel plans this year due to the global pandemic, and worldwide the tourist … [Read more...]
Byodo-in Without the Crowds
In August I was in Uji one day and took the opportunity to visit the Byodo-in temple. As the pandemic has drastically reduced the number of tourists in Kyoto, I thought it was a good opportunity to view the famous Phoenix Hall minus the hordes of visitors that were there on my last visit - a good five years ago. Although this time there were a fair number of domestic tourists … [Read more...]
Kyoto: A Literary Guide – New Translations from Twelve Centuries of Japanese Literature
Today I am very happy to share news of a brand new publication, Kyoto: A Literary Guide, which was launched this month by Camphor Press. This book was born from the shared efforts of the Kyo-centrics: a long-standing poetry in translation discussion group - of which I happen to be a member. In addition to myself, the six Kyo-centrics who collated, translated and edited this … [Read more...]
Writers in Kyoto Event: Meet Jeff Kingston on Zoom; May 23
Here's a quick message from our friends in Writers in Kyoto: Writers in Kyoto is delighted to present author and commentator, Jeff Kingston, as our main speaker for 2020. Due to the Corona crisis, this will be a Zoom event starting at 4.00 on Saturday May 23. Jeff will be interviewed by Japan Times columnist Amy Chavez, following which the floor will be open for participants … [Read more...]
Deep Kyoto in National Geographic Traveller UK
Many thanks to Kavita Favelle for alerting me to the presence of a short piece I wrote in the current issue of National Geographic Traveller Food (UK). For those who are curious enough to buy a copy, you can find me in the "Ask the Experts" section on page 29 answering the question, "Where in Kyoto can I buy a traditional, handcrafted kyusu teapot?" Gratitude is also due … [Read more...]
Top Dining Recommendations in Kyoto
It's been a while since I have posted any restaurant recommendations on here. However, my top dining recommendations for Kyoto are now up on the Work in Japan Today website. In this two-part article I introduce some of the main ingredients and elements of Kyō-ryōri cuisine – and also recommend the best places to eat them! To read my full list of recommendations check the … [Read more...]
Joshua Breakstone & Roni Ben-Hur at Bonds Rosary, Kyoto – September 6th 2019
Here's the latest news direct from our friend Joshua Breakstone about his next big gig at Bonds Rosary: "On September 6 it's going to be a really special night at Bonds Rosary, "First Fridays" for 2 reasons: 1) The special guest coming to play with my trio that night is the great NY guitarist, Roni Ben-Hur who, believe it or not, will be making his first Japan tour. … [Read more...]
Encounters with Kyoto (Writers in Kyoto Anthology 3) Now Available
Here's a short announcement from the good folks at Writers in Kyoto (WiK): Encounters with Kyoto (Writers in Kyoto Anthology 3) On sale now from amazon.com and amazon.co.jp Edited by Jann Williams and Ian Josh Yates Foreword by Juliet Winters Carpenter Inside the covers lies the third collection of enticing works by Writers in Kyoto. From gardens to gangsters, … [Read more...]
Komatsu South – New Machiya Serviced Accommodation in Kyoto’s Gion District
Komatsu South is a new machiya-style residence offering fully serviced vacation accommodation in the heart of Kyoto’s Gion district. Each of the building’s four apartments have their own self-catering and laundry facilities and guests are also provided with daily housekeeping and an e-concierge service. This is the perfect holiday location for independent travelers who want a … [Read more...]
