The Essence of Kyoto: Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) and Its Surroundings
This is the West Gate of Yasaka Shrine. This beautiful gate stands at the east end of Shijo Street, which runs through the center of Kyoto. Actually, this West Gate …
How To Kyoto
Local information in Kyoto
Kyoto International Manga Museum
Do you like Japanese manga? Japanese manga is highly popular worldwide and serves as one of the gateways for people from overseas to learn about Japanese culture. Furthermore, many Japanese …
What to See, Do, and Eat in Kyoto Tower!
Kyoto Tower: the iconic landmark of Kyoto that stands right in front of Kyoto Station. Can you guess what inspired its design? You might think it resembles a candle since …
Exploring the Hidden Gems of Kyoto Station!
Have you seen the stunning glass structure at Kyoto Station? It’s hard to believe it’s part of the ancient capital, right? This uniquely innovative, aesthetic, and eccentric Kyoto Station Building …
How to Enjoy Buddhist Statues in Kyoto!
Buddhist statues, which were introduced to Japan in the 6th century from the Korean peninsula via India and China along with the arrival of Buddhism, have been objects of Japanese …
Which is right, the right or the left?〜How to ride escalators in Japan
“Which side am I supposed to stand on—right or left?”Whenever I travel from Osaka to Tokyo or from Tokyo to Osaka, the different rules for escalator etiquette in each city …
Fushimi Sake District in Kyoto
Fushimi (伏見), in the southern part of Kyoto City, has long been a town of sake breweries and is known as one of the three major sake brewing areas in …
Uji City ~ the town of history and tea ~
Byodo-in Temple, one of the World Heritage Sites in Uji, was originally a villa of Fujiwara no Michinaga (藤原道長), an aristocrat in the Heian period. The aristocrats preferred Uji, as …
Hidden Kyoto, Yawata City
In the Kansai region, Osaka and Kyoto are well known cities that many tourists visit. However, have you ever heard of Yawata City? It is located in the middle of …
Explore Arashiyama to your heart’s content 〜part 2〜
I introduced several spots in the center of Arashiyama in “Explore Arashiyama to your heart’s content ~part 1~.” In this part 2, I’ll share some beautiful and deep sites in …