KYOTO COLUMN

BLOGSouvenior

2019.04.21

When it come to Spring souvenirs, "UCHU wagashi" dried sweets are a must

Have you ever seen traditional Kyoto dried sweets made with modern designs?If you haven't, you will be surprised at those of "UCHU wagashi", the shop that made this concept its objective.This brand was launched by the designer Katsuya Kimoto.They combine traditional methods and contemporary designs, with the concept of "Japanese-style confectioneries that make people happy and excited."They have many inventive ideas, such as animals or landscapes of Kyoto as sweets shapes, and surprising flavors, such as cocoa or jasmine tea.The cute packages are also perfect as a souvenir.For more information about "UCHU wagashi" representative Mr. Katsuya Kimoto, click here"UCHU Wagashi Teramachi honten" 307 Shintomi-cho, Teramachi Dori Marutamachi Agaru, Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto-shi5 minutes walk from the Keihan Line station of "Jingu Marutamachi"

BLOGWalking

2019.04.18

Only in the Spring of Kyoto③ Walk in Kitayama: an area full of lush greenery

When it comes to green areas that are perfect for this season, Kitayama, in the northern part of Kyoto city is a must.Dotted with cafes, general stores and universities, it is known as a fashionable area."Kyoto Prefectural Botanical Garden" is at its center.Opened in the Taisho Period, is a popular spot for seasonal flowers and greenery.In addition, "IN THE GREEN" cafe is annexed to it.You can spend your lunch or coffee time in a full-nature atmosphere.Popular bakeries such as the "Shinshindo Kitayama Store" and the " MALEBRANCHE Kyoto Kitayama Main Store" are also nearby.For more information about "Only in the Spring of Kyoto ① Take a relaxing walk on the philosopher's path", click hereFor more information about "Only in the Spring of Kyoto ②Wandering Higashiyama Spring to Kodai-ji Temple", click hereKyoto Prefectural Botanical GardenShimogamohangi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shiNext to the Subway station of "Kitayama"

BLOGTips

2019.04.15

Wandering around ③ Observe the manners and fully visit the temples

In this season you'll have many opportunities to go visiting temples, both in spring special visits and night visits.Talking about "sightseeing manners" during your holiday might seem a bit strict to you, but you do not need to worry if you just have common sense.Taking pictures only in designated places, avoiding touching things such as old objects, exhibits, buildings, etc. is basic common sense, so please stick to it.Since the buildings themselves are a cultural asset, it is important to make sightseeing as light as possible, so that your luggage or body will not touch walls or sensitive monument parts.Also, you should avoid bare feet when you visit inside a temple or a monument: put a pair of socks in your bag beforehand, and only then go sightseeing.For more information about "Wandering around ① What are agaru (上ル), sagaru (下ル) and iru (入ル)?", click here For more information about "Wandering around ② Let's move around using Kyoto buses", click here

BLOGWalking

2019.04.12

Only in the Spring of Kyoto ② Wandering Higashiyama Spring to Kodai-ji Temple

It's getting warm, and there are many special sights of temples and shrines, especially in Higashiyama by night, where big audiences always gather around to relax.The first temple in Kyoto's history that was dedicated to night viewing was Kodai-ji Temple with its fantastic night-time light-ups events, held from March 8 to May 6.In addition, "Android Kannon Mindar" is gathering topics now at Kodaiji Temple.It is the world's first Android in the image of the Goddess Kannon, combining faith with modern technology.You can make a reservation up to May 6th to have the chance to listen to its Buddha teachings, so please check it on our website.For more information about "Only in the Spring of Kyoto ① Take a relaxing walk on the philosopher's path", click hereKodai-ji Temple526 Kodai-ji Shimogawara-cho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto-shi7 minutes walk from the city bus stop of "Higashiyama Yasui"

BLOGWalking

2019.04.09

You'll want to watch the "Mibu Kyogen" in Mibudera Temple for 10 days in a row

A long holiday is approaching and for sure there are many excited people about it.If you want to taste Spring and Kyoto at the same time, you should try "Mibu Kyogen", in Mibudera Temple.Mibu Kyogen is a religious play that has a 700 year long history, and preaches the teachings of the Buddha without any lines, but through mimics.It is held at Mibudera Temple at Setsubun events in spring and autumn: the spring performance is seven days long, from April 29 to May 5.How about taking this opportunity to see this unique part of Kyoto, which has also become an important intangible folk cultural asset of the country?From Randen Shijo-Omiya Station, which is the nearest station to Mibudera Temple, you can easily reach places that are perfect for spring outings such as Arashiyama, Ninna-ji and Ryoanji.Mibudera TempleBojiro Bukkoji Kita Iru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto-shi3 minutes walk from the bus stop of "Mibuderamichi"

BLOGWalking

2019.04.06

Spring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ⑦ "You are still in time!": The Omuro Sakura in Ninna-ji Temple

Good news for people who couldn't go to see the cherry blossoms this spring.Did you know that inside the World Heritage Site of "Ninna-ji Temple" there is a tree called "Omuro Sakura", which is said to be late-flowering?Omuro Sakura are characterized by a lower height than the cherry trees we see in town, and the best time to see them is from the beginning to the middle of April.Even if other spots with cherry blossoms in the city are scattered, Ninna-ji will still be in full bloom.If you visit Ninna-ji, check out the unique spring charms as well: made from real clover leaves, they ensure happiness and kinship.Recommended for adult women.Spring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ① For the "Beauty sightseeing course" in Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ② For the "Surprising quantity of blossoms of Hirano Shrine" click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ③ For the "photogenic blossoms in the Kyoto Prefectural Government Former Main Building", click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ④ For the "Hidden blossoms" in Daihikaku Senkoji Temple, click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ⑤ For the "Romance feeling blossoms" in Hokongo-in, click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ⑥ Fpr the Okazaki retro cherry blossoms walk,click hereFor more information on blossoms in Kyoto ・ Keihoku Satoyama, click hereNinna-ji Temple33 Omuroouchi, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto-shi2 minutes walk from the city bus stop of "Omuro Ninna-ji"

BLOGWalking

2019.04.03

Only in the Spring of Kyoto ① Take a relaxing walk on the philosopher's path

The Philosopher's walk is located about 2 km south from Ginkaku-ji Temple, lasts about 2 km and is filled with nature.You can spend peaceful moments forgetting the noises of the city, looking at cherry blossoms, fresh and green plants and, during early summer, fireflies. Stopping by the cafés and small temples along the way is one of the fun things to do while walking.What we really want you to visit in this season is the Honen-in Temple, which is characterized by a distinctive gate.It is known that the autumn leaves and camellias are beautiful, but between April 1 to 7, the three major shrines in the courtyard where you can not usually step in will be opened.For more information about the Honen-in Temple Chief Mr. Kajita Shinsho, click hereHonen-in Temple 30 Goshonodan-cho, Shishigatani, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi3 minutes walk from the bus stop of "Minamitamachi"

BLOGWalking

2019.04.01

Spring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ⑥ Okazaki retro cherry blossoms walk

Popular spots such as Nanzenji Temple and Heian Jingu Shrine are gathered together in the area of Okazaki.This area is dotted with places and buildings deeply connected to Lake Biwa, representing a symbol of the modernization of Kyoto.There are many retro spots such as the water channel in Nanzenji precinct or the spring water flowing around Okazaki Park, but the one recommended for spring is "Incline".It is an inclined old railway now restored, made to carry small ships which were used to travel between waterways.Why don't you walk this modern romance scented track while looking up at the arched cherry blossoms?Spring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ① For the "Beauty sightseeing course" in Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ② For the "Surprising quantity of blossoms of Hirano Shrine" click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ③ For the "photogenic blossoms in the Kyoto Prefectural Government Former Main Building", click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ④ For the "Hidden blossoms" in Daihikaku Senkoji Temple, click hereSpring sightseeing of cherry blossoms in Kyoto ⑤ For the "Romance feeling blossoms" in Hokongo-in, click hereFor more information on blossoms in Kyoto ・ Keihoku Satoyama, click here"Incline"Nanzenjifukuchi-cho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto-shi,3 minutes walk from the Subway station of "Keage"