KYOTO COLUMN

BLOGWalking

2020.07.03

"Takoyakushi-do Eifuku-ji Temple" which has an anecdote about octopus called

I introduced "Hangesho" and "Tako (octopus)" in this "KYOTO CHISHIN" the other day.Talking about "Tako (octopus)" in Kyoto, "Takoyakushi-dori Street" may be inevitable.It is one of the streets from east to west in Kyoto, from Kiyamachi-dori Street in the east to Sai-dori Street in the west.Located at the intersection of Shinkyogoku-dori Street, the "Takoyakushi-do Eifuku-ji Temple" is the temple from which the name Takoyakushi-dori Street was derived.There is a stone statue of Yakushi Nyorai called "Takoyakushi" in the precincts.There is also a wooden carved octopus "Nade Yakushi".It is said that rubbing "Nade Yakushi" with the left hand heals all kinds of diseases.Takoyakushi-do Eifukuji has the following anecdote.Long ago, the mother of Zenko, a monk of Eifuku-ji Temple, fell ill and asked for his favorite octopus.Despite hesitating to buy raw octopus as a monk, Zenko, who cares about his mother, goes to the market.When he was bringing back a box of octopus, the people in the town were looking at me and they rushed me to open the box ......Then he prayed to Bhaisajyaguru for salvation, oh, my god! the octopus legs transformed into eight-volume Myohorenge-kyo!Thanks to that, Zenko escaped from the trouble and it is said that her mother's illness was cured by the light emitted by the octopus.Since then, it has been affectionately called "Takoyakushi" and worshiped as a temple with miraculous effects.The origin of the name of Takoyakushi-dori was the image of a monk who cherishes his mother.Its formal name is "Jorurisan Eifuku-ji Temple ".Currently, "Daihannya-e" is performed on the 8th of every month and is crowded with people praying for cancer control and recovery from illness.Many of the Ema (votive tablets) and Omamori (amulets) given in the precincts of the shrine have an octopus motif.This cute Takoyakushi-sama" is dedicated with your wish and name written on it.You can buy it and dedicate it to the precincts.You can also take it home without dedicating it.Takoyakushi-do Temple Eifuku-ji Temple503 Takoyakushi Higashita-cho, Shinkyogoku-dori, Nakagyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City5 minutes walk from Hankyu Kyoto Kawaramachi Station*Photography is prohibited in the precincts.Here is for What is "Hangesho" and "Octopus Day"?

BLOGEvent

2020.07.01

"Time spent at home" exhibition held at "Hirayama-ten (Daily-use Store)" in Uji, Kyoto

Now that you have more time at home, why don't you think about furniture to make that time comfortable?Solid wood furniture that becomes more tasteful and beautiful with use.Growing up like a member of each family is a joy that is unique to wooden furniture.An exhibition called "Ie-de-sugosu-jikan (time spent at home)" will be held at "Hirayama-ten (Daily-use Store)" in Uji, Kyoto.The husband of a craftsman and the wife of a designer work together to make solid wood furniture "Hirayama-ten (Daily-use Store)".The venue will also display a table that Mr. and Mrs. Hirayama used with their sons at home.In addition, there are new chairs, round tables and bookshelves that were made to coincide with the exhibition.You will be able to feel the gentle warmth of solid wood.An annual exhibition sale is also held during the period.You may find a way to spend more comfortable and rich time at home.The session will be held from July 4, 2020 to 12th (10 to 17 o'clock).Be sure to wear a mask when you come to the venue.For details such as the outline of the event, please check the official website of Hirayama daily necessities store.Hirayama grocery store official websitehttps://hirayama-ten.com/

BLOGLiterary Calendar

2020.06.30

What is "Hangesho" and "Octopus Day"?

The 11th day after the summer solstice around June 21 is called "Hangesho".It is one of the Zassetsu.The year 2020 falls on July 1, when the leaves of the Saururaceae plant turn white.The plant is also called "Hangesho" because it blooms in the middle of summer.It is also said that the name comes from the fact that green leaves turn white as if they were half made up.In Kyoto, Ryosokuin Temple, a sub-temple of Kennin-ji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple, Daikaku-ji Temple, and Tojiin Temple are famous for Hangesho.At the Kyoto Botanical Garden and Kyoto Gyoen, it's the best time to enjoy the summer.Also, do you know that July 2 is "Octopus Day"?This is the time for farmers to finish rice planting and settle down.It is said that it was established with the hope that crops will be firmly rooted on the earth like octopus feet.In Kyoto and Kansai, there is a custom to eat octopus on this day to build up physical strength for the hot summer.I love the pure white half-summer life, and I eat the octopus boiled to red ......The combination of red and white seems to bring good luck.

BLOGShop

2020.06.29

"Yasaka Cider" Appears From "Kyo-Yasaka Pudding"

The symbol of Kyoto and Higashiyama is "Yasaka-no-to Pagoda (Hokan-ji Temple)".On Yasaka-dori Street, which leads to "Yasaka-no-to Pagoda" are various shops from old shops to new ones."Kyo-Yasaka Pudding", which opened in April 2019, is one of them.The signature product is "Kyo-Yasaka Pudding" named after the name of the store.The colorful agar ball and mango jelly ball are in the honey lemon flavored transparent jelly.This product is carefully made in the workshop using Kyoto materials such as "Kyoto Oishii Gyunyu (Delicious milk in Kyoto)"."Yasaka Cider" which is a drink made from the jelly of "Kyo-Yasaka Pudding" is also popular!With round slices of lemon, it is a refreshing drink for the coming season.It comes in a bag with a handy handle, so it's perfect for a stroll!How about checking it together with "Kyo-Yasaka fruit shaved ice" which has appeared since June 11?Below the Yasaka Pagoda is a hand-made "hoopoe" hung from the eaves of shops and private houses.The five monkeys are called "Goen monkey" and are said to have the blessing of "Enmusubi (matchmaking)"."Kyo-Yasaka Pudding" but the humorous "Monkey Art" will greet you.Kyo-Yasaka Pudding87-4 Hoshino-cho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto CityCity bus stop, 2 minutes' walk from Kiyomizu-michi

BLOGShop

2020.06.28

Takagi Coffee Takatsuji Honten (Main Store)

There are many Maiko and Geiko purveyors gourmet in the Kagai of Gion.Typical examples are "Fukuya Rice" by Grilled Tomikuya and "Mamezushi" by Gion Mame Tora.The menu is designed to be eaten elegantly in one bite, so ordinary women will be happy too.There is an unexpected menu that you can eat in one bite around Shijo-Karasuma, a business district a little far from Kagai!It is "Pork cutlet curry" in "Takagi Coffee Takatsuji Honten (Main Store)" and the cutlet is cut into bite-sized pieces and served.The cutlet curry that can be eaten easily is also recommended for hungry women.It's easy to scoop the cutlet with a spoon, so I think I can carry it to my mouth gracefully."Takagi Coffee Takatsuji Honten (Main Store)" has a variety of lunch menu which is attractive!In addition to pork cutlet curry, omurice, pilaf, doria, and spaghetti are all Western food standards.The set menu includes hamburgers, pork cutlets, fried fish, and mixed fries.Snacks include sandwiches, hot sandwiches, cheese toast, and pancakes.The food is also delicious!There is also a Karasuma-branch on the east side down the Takatsuji of Karasuma-dori, right away from the Takatsuji main store.Takagi Coffee Takatsuji Honten (Main Store)175 Kotsuya-cho, Muro-cho Higashi, Takatsuji-dori Street, Shimogyo-ku Ward, Kyoto City6-minute walk from Shijo Subway StationHere is for Western food of Kyoto, "Yoshoku Norakuro"

BLOGEvent

2020.06.26

'Metamorphosis', a collaborative project based on Franz Kafka's 'Metamorphosis' will be performed

The audience of "with Corona era" may share a space that has never been seen before.The pleasure of standing on the stage or going to the theater is invaluable.The young theater troupes "Suimin Jikan" and "LaiLai Shilai " are based in Kyoto.'Metamorphosis', a collaborative project based on Franz Kafka's 'metamorphosis' will be performed.It will be held on August 30, 2020 at the gallery on the second floor of "Light Shokai Sanjo", a bar and cafe in Teramachi-Sanjo.On the day, there are 2 performances scheduled from 14 o'clock and 17 o'clock.The unique seat setting using various antique chairs from Light Shokai which is also an antique shop is nice.*This photo is an image.The layout and some seats are different from the actual performance.There are six types of seats in total.Each table is named in German after the chess in which the pieces "metamorphosis" toward the end.First of all, the "K (König)" which means "King" is 3000 yen.You can have only one seat at each time and monopolize the largest antique sofa in the store.Next, "D (Dame)" 2800 yen comes from the "Queen".It is a special seat with only one seat each time, with a big sofa that you can sit down comfortably.The 2500 yen "L (Loifer)" which is likened to a bishop is a floor seat where the front row is guaranteed.With the floor seats looking up at the stage, you may be able to catch the expression of the actors who cannot be seen from the chair seats!?It is a seat for people who have confidence in their legs and waist because they sit on the floor even though they can borrow cushions."S (Springer)" 2000 yen of the "Knight" is a chair with a backrest.The 1800 yen chair with no backrest "T (Tulm)" is inspired by "Luke (castle)".The 1500 yen "B (Bauer)" called "Pawn (infantry)" is a standing room at the back of the line.Although it is a little far from the stage, you can see the whole stage from almost the same viewpoint as the actors.Tickets are on sale. All seats are limited, so please come early if you are interested!*Your seat may be sold out.Please check the official website for details such as performance information and how to reserve tickets.Sleep time x official website of Kyoso Planning "Metamorphosis"http://lailai.main.jp/suiminshilai

BLOGShop

2020.06.23

Western food of Kyoto, "Yoshoku Norakuro"

There are many famous Western restaurants in Kyoto.The authentic Western food that was out of the reach of ordinary people in the Meiji period was arranged for the masses in the Taisho period.With the spread of casual lunches for Japanese, Western-style restaurants have opened one after another.Especially in the Shimogamo area, there are famous old-fashioned Western-style restaurants.This time we will introduce you to "Yoshoku Norakuro", which is located on Shimogamonaka-dori Street, one street west of Shimogamohon-dori Street.Established in 1934, the shop is named after the famous old manga "Norakuro".You can enjoy various set meals such as hamburgers, fried prawns and crab cream croquettes.The recommended menu item is the Hamburg steak, fried shrimp and crab cream croquette set "B Set Meal".Fried bread crumbs are crispy and light, and hamburger is juicy!The large fried shrimp is also plump and comes with homemade tartar sauce."Turkish rice" which is served only during lunch time is one of the specialties."Norakuro Omelet Rice" with chicken rice topped with soft-boiled egg and sliced cutlet.This dish goes well with rich corn soup and makes you want to eat it whenever you think of it.Yoshoku Norakuro69 Shimogamo Miyazaki-cho, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto CityNear the city bus stop, Tadasu-no-Mori.

BLOGExperience

2020.06.18

Have new Kyoto Experiences at Ninna-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site

Why don't you experience a new kind of sightseeing in Kyoto this summer?Shingon sect Omuro school "Sohonzan: Ninna-ji Temple" founded in 880.A new experience tour that avoids "3 mitsu (Closed, dense and close)" and introduces culture and history is attracting attention.During the exhibition, a restored folding screen of the wall painting (The front and side wall of the Shumidan are Kannon statues.) of Kannon-do Hall is displayed.You can experience the world of Kannondo in "VR (virtual reality)".In addition to a reservation system for a small number of people, there is plenty of space available at the venue, so you can relax and enjoy yourself.Let's go through VR to the world of ultra-coloured Buddhist paintings that were painted about 370 years ago.The viewing time of "Ninnaji VR" is about 13 minutes (It takes about 30 minutes including the preparation.).This is a limited time special plan from June 19, 2020 to July 31.They also hold "World Heritage Ninnaji Special Private Tour".You can see Kusho Myojin, which has a national treasure Kondo, Kyozo (scripture storehouse) with national writings, a five-storied pagoda, the first story inside, and the main shrine with national writings.The fact that there are only cultural properties that are not usually open to the public seems to enhance the special feeling.Each group is guided by the monks of Ninna-ji Temple, so you can truly appreciate it in a private space.This plan is available from June 19 to September 30, 2020 (It takes about 2 hours.).Please check the official website of Ninnaji for details.On the official website, there are online tours you can enjoy at home.Ninna-ji Temple Official Websitehttp://www.ninnaji.jp/