TWILIGHT ADVENTURES IN THE OLD CITY...
I don’t usually venture too far south these days but if I am anywhere around Gojo Kawabata, I always try to stop in at efish to enjoy the great view, soak up a little cosmo chic and sample some quality food that, like the interior, is simple and comfortable yet tasteful. efish’s location definitely adds to its charm – the broad sweep of the Kamo River on one side and quiet greenery of [...] Read more »
Escape the heat of summer by spending an afternoon in Kibune, enjoying the breeze emanating from the cascading waterfalls and literally “grabbing” a bite to eat. Tucked away in the northern mountains of Kyoto alongside a serene river is the tiny village of Kibune, a perfect retreat for those ready to enjoy a completely unique dining experience designed to deflect the summer heat. As any overly ambitious traveler will tell you, sightseeing in [...] Read more »
Whether you are in Kyoto short-term or long, your time here is likely to include at least some shrine and temple viewing. Kyoto is traditionally known as the city of a thousand temples, but the number is probably much higher, with 1,600 being the most often quoted figure. There are also apparently around 400 Shinto shrines, not counting the various neighborhood altars and other sacred spots. Definitive figures are hard to come by but [...] Read more »
Japanese festivals capture a wide variety of moods but Tanabata (七夕) is maybe the most magical, particularly the evening illuminations. The festival was originally introduced from China in around the 8th century but has since undergone various changes to become a uniquely Japanese celebration. Also known as the Star Festival, Tanabata is based on the Chinese legend of the princess and the cowherd. In the Japanese version, celestial lovers Orihime and Hikoboshi (represented [...] Read more »