How to get there: Karasuma Line stops at Kitayama from Kyoto station and walks 23 minutes to Ota Jinja Shrine. Have you ever been captivated by the art of Ikebana, a uniquely Japanese form of artistic expression that breathes life into flower arrangements? Also, flowers are everywhere in Japan, often offered as offerings in temples […]
Starbucks, the renowned American coffee chain, had to adhere to strict regulations set by the Kyoto Council to establish its presence in the historic Higashiyama district. Starbucks Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya is a unique addition to the brand’s global portfolio. Where to find it. Tucked away in the picturesque streets, this Starbucks is a hidden
Takashi Murakami Takashi Murakami is one of the most visible and important Japanese artists working today. Like me, you probably know him through his collaboration with the fashion brand Louis Vuitton. Murakami’s influence in Japan rivals Andy Warhol’s in the United States, and he is known for disseminating and promoting pop art strategies in ways
IN KYOTO: TAKASHI MURAKAMI, IN THE MOOD OF TIME. Read More »
Exploring the Heart of Japanese Culture: The Tradition of Omiyage In the colourful tapestry of Japanese culture, one thread stands out for its unique significance and universal appeal – the tradition of omiyage. Omiyage, which translates to “souvenir” or “gift,” is more than just a token exchanged between friends or colleagues; it embodies the spirit
The town is beaming with places to eat. There is much to choose from, with a wide range of prices and quality. So let me introduce you to the excellent value for only a little money eateries I found for you. We may have a tight budget, but we can still please our taste buds.
Kyoto: Restaurants budget friendly and recommended by Japanese. Read More »
Nara Park’s 660 hectares of primaeval forest are home to world-famous cultural properties. It is on the Wiki page HERE and has 1200 domesticated deers. They are not home pets; their wilderness can sometimes lead to a scary encounter in Nara Park. IT ALL STARTED WELL. On that day, the air was crisp,
When you think of Japanese restaurants, you probably think of sushi and ramen restaurants.The fact is, there are a lot of different ways to eat out in Kyoto. They all have different specificities and specialisations.Let me share the 20 valuable tips for eating out in Kyoto. TEISHOKU 定食 Set menu restaurants. In that type of
GOSHUIN Goshuin 御朱印 could be budget-friendly Japanese souvenirs and collectable pieces of Japanese culture. For me, it all started three years ago while visiting Nara. More precisely, the Todai-ji, the eastern great temple, opened in 752. Unesco listed the main hall, Hondo 本堂, as, until 1998—the world’s largest wooden building. THE ORIGINS According to the legend Gyoki, the
Best value for BUDGET-FRIENDLY Japanese souvenirs. Read More »
FIRST IMPRESSION When I first came to Japan, it was a relief to find out that all stations and leading street names are written in the Roman alphabet, so there was no need to learn how to read the kanjis before coming. But it can be a little daunting to ride the bus for the