KYOTO COLUMN

BLOGSouvenior

2021.07.21

Enjoy the taste of Kyoto's famous restaurants at home

Restaurants in Kyoto have been severely damaged by the prolonged coronavirus.Why don't you enjoy the taste of the famous restaurant that Kyoto is proud of at home now that you can't go out easily?Special orders from the Kyoto Food Premium Food Consortium are on sale.The "Kyo no Shoku" Premium Food Consortium was established in cooperation with the food industry and producers.An assortment of "Kyo no Ryofu Zen" prepared by famous restaurants in Kyoto will be offered at a bargain price for a limited period.You can support the food industry and producers while enjoying the dishes of famous restaurants in Kyoto at home.The menu consists of a set meal, meal kit, and pot set, and the "assortment of Kyoto's tastes" that you can choose from."Kikunoi," "Ginkakuji Onishi," and "Moritaya" serve meals, meal kits and hot pot sets.You can choose one of your favorite dishes from the many famous restaurants in Kyoto, so it's a must-see.Among them, Gozen was developed using ingredients from Kyoto, and it is a special menu only here.Here is an example of the set meal, meal kit, and pot set.Kikunoi, a long-established restaurant that represents Kyoto, has been selected as one of the three Michelin stars."Hamo nabe with Kyoto vegetables" is a dish in which you can enjoy seasonal foods of Kyoto such as conger pike, Kamo eggplant, Manganji red pepper and Mibu vegetables."Kyo Ryori Toriyone" is located near Arashiyama and Matsunoo-taisha Shrine with a short curtain.They serve "Kyo no Ouchi Gohan" where you can reproduce Kaiseki cuisine at home.It is said to have been jointly developed by the same restaurant, "Kyoyuba Yubasho," "Kyo-Konbuho Tanaka," and "Matcha Ryori Tatsumiya.""Onikudokoro Ginkakuji Onishi" offers the best quality beef at a reasonable price.Enjoy Kyoto Tamba Hirai beef, Kujo leek, Kyoto mizuna, and Kyoto tofu in the "Kyoto vegetable sukiyaki set".You can enjoy Sukiyaki at home that is unique to a restaurant directly managed by a long-established butcher shop that is particular about buying one head.Established in 1869, Moritaya is known as a pioneer of beef restaurants in Kyoto.We deliver 450 grams of Kyoto black beef (shoulder roast, kata) including Kujo green onions and Kyo tofu.Matcha Ryori Tatsum 10 iya started as a tea wholesaler in Uji City in the late Edo period in 1840.The "Colorful Uji Gozen" that is filled with seasonal ingredients is visually enjoyable.It is including "Kyoto Taste Assortment", the total will be 20,000 yen.This is a special price of 10,000 yen (tax and shipping included), which is a great chance only for now.You're also curious about the Kyoto Taste Assortment."Sake" made from rice grown in Kyoto, "high-grade gyokuro tea" or "Matcha" from Kyoto."Suguki" and "Shibazuke" that uses vegetables from Kyoto.These assortments are chosen randomly from several brands, so look forward to which one will　delivered!Special online salesThe "Kyo no Ryofu Zen" introduced this time can be purchased from the website of the "Kyo no Shoku" support project.Both are on sale for a limited time until Thursday, September 16, but they are sold out when the total number of orders reaches 20,000.Participating stores will be changed one by one, so please come to the store you are interested in as soon as possible!Of course, there are menus of shops other than the ones we introduced this time.Please check the website of "Kyo no Shoku" support project for details such as participating shops and how to order.Kyoto Food Support Project Official Websitehttps://premiumfood.stores.jp/*The pictures are all images.

BLOGEvent

2021.07.20

Amanohashidate: One of Japan's three most scenic spots

July 21 is "Nihon Sankei no Hi (Japan's three most scenic spots day)".This year, July 22 is "Umi no Hi (Marine Day)".The three most scenic spots in Japan are Matsushima (Miyagi Prefecture), Miyajima (Hiroshima Prefecture), and Amanohashidate (Kyoto Prefecture).It began when Shunsai HAYASHI, a Confucian scholar in the early Edo period, introduced it as' Nihon Sankei '(Three Views of Japan) in his' Nihonkoku Jisekiko '(On the History of Japan).July 21 was designated as "Nihon Sankei no Hi" (Japan's three most scenic spots day) because of the birthday of Shunsai.Amanohashidate is a place of special scenic beauty interwoven with the white sand and green pine trees that are found along Miyazu Bay in the Sea of Japan in the northern part of Kyoto Prefecture.The unique landscape with about 5,000 pine trees is a product of nature over a long period of time.It is called "Sashi" because of its beak-like shape.It's about 20 - 170 meters wide and 3.6 kilometers long.One of the best places to see Amanohashidate from the south is the observation deck at Amanohashidate View Land.It is named "Hiryu-kan" because it looks like a dragon soaring into the sky when viewed upside down from between the legs.Not only do you enjoy the panoramic view of Mata Nozoki, but we also recommend cycling and walking around Amanohashidate!The beach will open on July 22, so you can enjoy it in various ways.Also, from this summer to autumn, there will be an event you can enjoy after sunset.At Monju Amanohashidate Park in Miyazu City, Kyoto Prefecture, "Amanohashidate Beach Illumination " is being held until Thursday, September 30.During the period, the sandy beach to the south of Amanohashidate is brilliantly illuminated.I think I can immerse myself in a mysterious world where colors change with time."Miyazu Amanohashidate Yale Fireworks" will also be held from July 22.It is scheduled to be held 17 times until Sunday, October 24, and about 75 fireworks are set off from Miyazu Bay.It's a time when you can't travel freely, but why don't you think about the superb scenery that Japan is proud of?"Amanohashidate Beach Illumination " will be held from July 10 to September 30.Every day from 19 o'clock to 22:30"Miyazu Amanohashidate Yale Fireworks" will be held from July 22 to October 24.From 20:30 to 20:35 * A total of 17 launches are scheduled during the period.Please check the official website of Amanohashidate Tourist Association for details.https://www.amanohashidate.jp/lang/en/

BLOGShop

2021.07.19

Enjoy Kanazawa's Famous Turban Curry in Kyoto

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on July 17 that the Kinki region was "believed to be the end of the rainy season."This year's rainy season lasted 62 days, the longest ever recorded.The long rainy season is over and the summer season in Kyoto is finally in full swing!One of the things I want to eat on a hot day is curry.I will introduce Kanazawa's famous turban curry that can be enjoyed while in Kyoto.Turban curry refers to 'Kanazawa curry' which was born in Kanazawa City, Ishikawa Prefecture in 1971.In 2001, Turban curry restaurants opened in Kyoto."Curry House Turban Hankyu Katsura Station West Entrance" and "Kitchen Cafe L" in Kawaramachi Marutamachi.The features of Turban curry are "roux colour" and "thickened", and the ingredients are blended in.It has a rich yet refreshing taste, and it is so delicious that you will want to have another helping.There are various menus such as "roast cutlet curry", "hamburger curry", "eggplant curry", etc.I think the retro stainless steel also curry plate seems to bring out the original taste of curry.At Kitchen Cafe L, salad is served instead of shredded cabbage.We can also take out the roux and enjoy Turban curry at home.Heat the roux in a pot over low heat until it starts to bubble, add hot water and heat.It is nice that we can enjoy a lot because it is 1 pack for 3 people.It can be said that eating curry to warm up a cold body by air conditioning is a trick to get through summer.Kitchen Cafe El is located in an alley two blocks east of Kawaramachi Marutamachi.The sign of "Turban Curry" is the landmark.In addition to Turban curry, reasonable breakfast and lunch menu are also available.It's a cozy coffee shop loved by the locals.If you go to Katsura, you can also visit "Curry House Turban Hankyu Katsura Station West Entrance Shop"!Kitchen Cafe L558 Komano-cho , Kamigyo Ward , Kyoto City (2 blocks east from Kawaramachi Marutamachi, and about 50 meters south)5 minutes walk from Marutamachi Station of Keihan Jingu ShrineCurry House Turban Hankyu Katsura Station West EntranceB1F, Yamanouchi Building 128 -3, Katsura Minamitatsumi-cho, Nishikyo Ward, Kyoto CityA short walk from the west exit of Hankyu Katsura Station

BLOGLiterary Calendar

2021.07.17

Gion Matsuri Festival 'Mugon Mairi' (silent prayer)

The 'Otabi Kyoto' (Shijo Center) in Shijo Teramachi is a souvenir shop that deals with Kyoto's most famous local products.During the Gion Matsuri Festival, souvenir shops disappear and become "Gion Matsuri Yasaka-jinja Shrine Otabisho (sacred place where the sacred palanquin is lodged during the Gion Matsuri Festival)".Every year, on July 17 of the Shinko-sai Festival, three gods are carried to the otabisho from Yasaka-jinja Shrine and stay there until the 24th of the Kankosai-Festival.This year's Shinko-sai Festival, "Mikoshi togyo," which uses a portable shrine to carry gods, was also cancelled.Therefore, 3 portable shrines are not lined up in the Otabisho, but the most important event in the Gion Matsuri festival is Mikoshi togyo.Although it is not carried in a portable shrine, 3 gods are staying in this Otabisho this year.By the way, do you know the custom of Gion's Kagai that has been performed quietly at night in this period from long ago?It is "Mugon Mairi (silent prayer)".Maiko (apprentice geisha) make wishes that they cannot say to anyone.Between July 17 and 24th, seven and a half round trips are made by walking from Yasaka-jinja Shrine to the Otabisho without talking to anyone.It is said that if you keep silent on the way and during the visit, your secret wish will come true.If you talk to someone even once, you will have to start over from the beginning, so you have to pay attention to it.Susanoo no Mikoto is the shusaijin (main enshrined deities) of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.And Kushinadahime no Mikoto and Yahashira no Mikogami are main enshrined deities, too.It is said that Kushinadahime no Mikoto has the blessings of love fulfillment, child treasure and easy delivery, and a happy married couple.Originally, it started when Maiko (apprentice geisha) visited the shrine to pray for the fulfillment of romance.I wonder that it is also important to visit quietly even while Yamahoko Junko and Mikoshi togyo are not held.Yasaka-jinja Shrine Otabisho (sacred place where the sacred palanquin is lodged during the Gion Matsuri Festival)Minami Teian Maeno-cho, Teramachi Higashi-iru, Shijo Street, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi StationHere is for Open only during the Gion Matsuri Festival "Mitaraii Well"*Due to the coronavirus, it has not been open for 2021.

BLOGEvent

2021.07.13

Yamahoko Junko (floats parade) seen in Japanese paintings

For the first time in two years, the Yamahoko floats of the Gion Festival have been seen in Kyoto.Yamahoko Junko (floats parade) has been cancelled since last year, but some hoko floats have been built to pass on the technique.Why don't we enjoy the world of Yamahoko Junko (floats parade) in "Japanese-style painting" although we don't see Yamahoko parades?The Yamahoko Junko (floats parade) painting tour was revived for the first time in two years at Japanese-style painter, Hideo Tokura's Japanese art exhibition, "Ougon Kouro no Yoi, Dai 6 Ban (The Evening of the Golden Route, No. 6)".In addition to the paintings of Yamahoko Junko (floats parade) in the Gion Festival, works that were selected for the 2020 spring exhibition and new works will be exhibited.The venue is Shimadai Gallery and Gakubuchi no Yamamoto.At Shimadai Gallery, "KUZI-TORAZU HOKO-T shirt" by Mr.Tokura is also on sale.It is said that the T-shirt is designed from "Kuji torazu", the work of "Yamahoko Kaiga Junko" series.Many works except Yamahoko floats are also exhibited, and the exhibition is full of highlights.Why don't you think about the Gion Festival through the work that contains the prayer for the eradication of the plague?The predecessor of the Shimadai Gallery was a silk tally merchant founded in 1608.​The present building was built in 1883, and it boasted a large site at that time.​It is a traditional townhouse in Kyoto, and various works such as paintings and ceramics are exhibited and shown now.​Please take all possible measures against infectious diseases before going out.​Shimadai Gallery​Northwest corner of Higashino-toin, Oike-dori Street, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City​A short walk from Exit 1 of Karasuma Oike subway station​Hideo Tokura's Japanese art exhibition, "Ougon Kouro no Yoi Dai 6 Ban (The Evening of the Golden Route, No. 6)" will be held until Saturday, July 17. ​From 10 to 18 o'clock (last day is from 14 o'clock)* During the period the artist will stay in the gallery.​Gakubuchi no Yamamoto522 Tenshojimae-cho, Teramachi-dori Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City5 minutes walk from Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae Station on the subwayHideo Tokura's Japanese art exhibition, "Ougon Kouro no Yoi Dai 6 Ban (The Evening of the Golden Route, No. 6)" will be held until Saturday, July 31.10 to 19 o'clock (closed on Sundays)Hideo Tokura's official website​https://www.tokurahideo.com/Here is for Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration

BLOGWalking

2021.07.06

Dairen-ji Temple for Lotus, Running Monk, and Praying Safe Childbirth

You know, the Gion Festival, a festival of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.It's a month of Gion Festival, a festival at Yasaka-jinja Shrine, but it's been quiet this year as well.Why don't you think about the temple that used to be at the location of Yasaka-jinja Shrine?Until the Ordinance Distinguishing Shinto and Buddhism of the Meiji Restoration, it is said that there was a temple called 'Gion-sha Kanjinin' at the current location of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.The name "Gion" in Kyoto is said to come from this Gion-sha Shrine.This time, I would like to introduce a temple that had a deep connection with Gion-sha Shrine in the Edo period.It is also known as the "Temple of Prayer for Safe Childbirth" at "Dairen-ji Temple" in Higashiyama Nijo.Due to Haibutsu-kishaku (a movement to abolish Buddhism) in the Meiji period, Gion-sha Shrine was abolished.At that time, it is said that all Buddha statues and Buddhist altar fittings that were in Kankei-ji Temple of Gion-sha were moved to Dairen-ji Temple.Bhaisajyaguru, an important cultural property that was the principal image of Gion-sha Shrine, is a hidden Buddhist statue and cannot be seen.The 11 Kannon Pilgrimage, The No. 8 fudasho (temple where amulets are collected) of the Rakuyo 33 is said to be open to visitors throughout the year.Amitabha Tathagata, the principal image of Dairen-ji Temple, is called 'An-san' (Safe Childbirth) and is said to bring divine favor for safe childbirth.In the Edo period, Emperor Gokomyo ordered Dairen-ji Temple to pray for the safe delivery of Naishi no suke (a court lady of the first rank) Hideko NIWATA.It is said that it became the place of imperial prayer for Emperor Gokomyo because the first princess Takako was born safely.In the Meiji and Taisho periods, the temple became a topic of conversation as a temple of 'Hashiri Bo-san' (Running Monk) who ran around inside and outside of the capital Kyoto.At that time, it was a monk of Dairen-ji Temple who ran to deliver charms to pregnant women who had difficulty in walking.It is said that 'Hashiri Bo-san (Running Monk)' ran through his life as a messenger of Dairen-ji Temple and Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) .At present, a "amulet of good health of legs and waist" of "Hashiri Bo-san" (Running Monk) is awarded at the temple office.In Kyoto, the birthplace of the Ekiden (Road Relay Race), it is said to be highly worshipped by citizen runners and athletes.It is also good to deliver like 'Hashiri Bo-san (Running Monk)' it to family and friends who feel uneasy about their legs and waists.Dairen-ji Temple is said to be built at Gojo Wakamiya (around present-day Gojo Nishinotoin) in 1600.In 1945, it was relocated to its current location, Higashiyama Nijo, due to forced evacuation during the war.As the name suggests, it is also known as the "Temple of the Lotus" and the blooming season lasts from late June to mid-August.There are more than 40 flower lotus pots on the grounds, and you can enjoy colorful flowers from early to late blooming.Every year, lotus flowers said to be at its best after the rainy season, and the flowers bloom rapidly during the fine season.In July, the end of rainy season, the peak season begins around 7 AM to 10 o'clock on a day when the summer heat continues.The end of rainy season in Kyoto in an average year is around the time after Yamahoko Junko (Parade of decorated floats) in the Gion Matsuri Festival.I think how about this year?When we think about lotus flowers that bloom beautifully under the sun, we may be able to ​put up with the heat.The blooming situation is uploaded on Dairen-ji Temple's official website and YouTube channel.If we have a hard time going out, how about enjoying the flowers of lotus while we are at home?Dairen-ji Temple 457 Higashiyamanijo-nishi-iru 1-sujime-sagaru, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City each 5 minutes from Higashiyama Nijo or Higashiyama Nio-mon City bus stopDairen-ji Temple's official websiteDairen-ji Temple's YouTube channelHere is for Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration

BLOGWalking

2021.06.30

Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration

The Gion Matsuri Festival starts on July 1 and lasts for a month.During the Gion Festival, special Goshuin stamps will be awarded for the Moto-Gion Nagi-jinja Shrine and the Hachidai-jinja Shrine.The two shrines will start distributing a limited number of their "Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration" on Thursday, July 1.Both shrines are known to enshrine Susanoo no Mikoto (pre-Meiji Restoration Emperor Gozu) as their main deity.Susanoo no Mikoto is drawn on the goshuin of Nagi-jinja Shrine, and Emperor Gyuto is drawn on the goshuin of Hachidai-jinja Shrine.If these two goshuin are lined up, 'Yamata no Orochi' appears.It is written in double page size, so the width will be 42 centimeters.There will be no Yamaboko Junko or Mikoshi togyo in this year's Gion Matsuri Festival, but the true meaning of the Gion Matsuri Festival is to "ward off the plague."And Susanoo no Mikoto (Gozu Tenno before the Meiji Restoration) is a god who rules the Ekijin.Why don't you get to know the real meaning of Gion Matsuri Festival through these Goshuin stamps?"Goshuin stamps for praying Elimination of Epidemics Collaboration" is scheduled to be distributed from Thursday, July 1 to Tuesday, August 31.*They will be finished as soon as the scheduled number is reached.*The Goshuin stamp of Nagi-jinja Shrine is given only at Nagi-jinja Shrine, and the goshuin of Hachidai-jinja Shrine is given only at Hachidai-jinja Shrine.*From Sunday, August 1, correspondence by mail (Yohai Goshuin stamps) is also accepted.For more information, visit the official website of Nagi-jinja Shrine or Hachidai-jinja Shrine.The Gion Matsuri Festival is a well-known festival of Yasaka-jinja Shrine and boasts a 1100 year tradition.Nagi-jinja Shrine in Mibu is also called "Moto Gion-jinja Shrine" because it is the ancient site of Yasaka-jinja Shrine.869 is the year when the plague spread throughout Kyoto.At that time, they made a kanjo (ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity to a new location) of the divine spirit of Susanoo no Mikoto from Hiromine, Harima Province (Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture).The origin of Nagi-jinja Shrine is believed to be when a Mikoshi (portable shrine) was placed in a forest of nagi trees and enshrined during a pacifist festival.Later, the divine spirit of Susanoo no Mikoto (Gozu Tenno) was moved to Yasaka (Yasaka-jinja Shrine).It is said that the local people sent the Mikoshi to Yasaka while holding an elegant umbrella, waving a pike and playing music.This is said to be the beginning of the "Gion-e" (present-day Gion Matsuri Festival).In 1918, Hayabusa-jinja Shrine was relocated to the site of Nagi-jinja Shrine.Hayabusa-jinja Shrine is a shrine with a long history whose name is recorded in the 'Engishiki Jinmyocho' (Register of Deities of the Engishiki) compiled in 927.For this reason, the main halls of Nagi-jinja Shrine and Hayabusa-jinja Shrine are built side by side in the precincts.The Hachidai-jinja Shrine in Ichijo-ji Temple is an ancient shrine that originated from the kanjo (ceremonial transfer of a divided tutelary deity to a new location) of the Hachidai-Tenno in 1294.Like Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Nagi-jinja shrines, Susanoo no Mikoto (Gozu Tenno before the Meiji Restoration) is enshrined here.Because of this, it is also called 'Kita-tenno (the northern Gion-sha Shrine)'.The Hachidai-jinja Shrine is also known for its connection to Musashi Miyamoto.Before a duel with the Yoshioka clan at the 'Ichijoji Sagarimatsu' in the precincts of the shrine, Musashi worshipped them.On the grounds of the temple stands an old pine tree from the time of the duel and a statue of Musashi.In addition to this collaboration Goshuin stamp, there are various Goshuin stamps such as ones with Musashi one.Moto Gion Nagi-jinja Shrine18 -2 Mibu Naginomiya-cho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto CityA short distance from Mibuji-michi City bus stophttps://motogion-nagijinja.or.jp/Hachidai-jinja Shrine1 Ichijoji Matsubara-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City10 minutes walk from Ichijoji Station on the Eizan Electric Railwayhttps://www.hatidai-jinja.com/

BLOGSouvenior

2021.06.29

The Japanese confectionery shop "Honke Tsukimochi-ya Naomasa"

June 30 is "Nagoshi no harae".It is an ancient ritual to drive away evil and pray for good health for the remaining six months after the evils of the past six months.In Kyoto, people pass through a "Chinowa" set up at a shrine and eat "Minazuki."Minazuki is a traditional Japanese confection consisting of a triangular Uiro that resembles ice and adzuki beans to ward off evil spirits.In this season, Minazuki is lined up in many Japanese confectionery shops, and you can feel the arrival of real summer.This time, we will introduce "Honke Tsukimochi-ya Naomasa" in Kiyamachi Sanjo.It is a long-established store that was established in 1804, and it has many Japanese sweets that have been loved by people in Kyoto for a long time.This "Minatsuki" is characterized by chewy Uiro topped with adzuki beans and chestnuts.We can choose from plain and matcha, and if you order it, it will cut not only into triangles but also into squares.There are many kinds of fresh sweets in particular, and I want to go there every day because they are reasonable even though they use high quality ingredients.There are many types of "Kanoko" such as "Kyo Kanoko" and "Tora Kanoko."We can enjoy various tastes and expressions depending on the beans used, such as white beans and tiger beans.For example, "Kyo Kanoko" has a mild taste with white bean paste, white beans and candied chestnuts."Tora Kanoko" has white bean paste, Toramame beans and Kinkan seaweed, and the refreshing flavor spreads in our mouth.It looks cute and is wrapped in beautiful wrapping paper, so it is perfect for gifts.The light blue wrapping paper is inspired by the Takase River and Kamogawa River that flow near the store.The fluffy "Warabi Mochi" with lots of koshi-an has a unique look and taste."Warabi Mochi" is so popular that it sells out quickly, so I recommend you to reserve it at the store.If we eat Japanese sweets in the shade of a tree in Kamo gawa River, we might be able to forget the heat.Honke Tsukimochi-ya Naomasa530 Kamiosaka-cho, Kiyamachi-dori Sanjo-agaru, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto City3 minutes walk from Keihan Sanjo Station