Kyoto: Central Story's Rokkaku-do, also known as Choho-ji Temple, the birthplace of Ikebana.
There are many works set in Kyoto, spanning across various genres such as movies, dramas, novels, manga, and anime, and the Nakagyo Ward also appears in various works. In this series, we will introduce how Nakagyo Ward is depicted in these works, spot by spot. This time, we will focus on Choho-ji Temple, also known as Rokkaku-do, which is considered the birthplace of Ikebana. Rokkaku-do (Shiunzan Choho-ji) Overview Rokkaku-do is a temple of the Tendai sect, officially known as "Shiunzan Choho-ji." It has been affectionately called "Rokkaku-do" as a nickname for a long time due to the hexagonal shape of its main hall. Perhaps even if you mention "Choho-ji," not […]
From Experience to Growth: Children's Space, "YUME School Kyoto Nijo Campus"
In recent years, alternative education options such as free schools have been gaining attention as choices for children who are not attending regular schools. This time, we had the opportunity to hear from "YUME School Kyoto Nijo Campus," a free school in Kyoto known for its experiential classes! About YUME School Kyoto Nijo Campus YUME School Kyoto Nijo Campus was established in 2021 with the aim of providing a place for children who are increasingly not attending regular schools nationwide to have opportunities to learn and interact outside of school. Our school aims to create a space where communication and social skills can be developed. Additionally, attending our free school […]
Feeling like a cowboy! This year's nights in Kyoto, let's toast at the trendy BAR in Saiin♪
Last year was dominated by stay-at-home vibes, but this summer seems to be in a mood of lifting various restrictions. Many people might be planning events, shopping, and trips, wondering where to go. Especially distant in memory was the night at the BAR. While enjoying a relaxed drink at home is nice, spending special time in an adult atmosphere at a BAR is also desired! You want to enjoy a special drink prepared by a knowledgeable bartender! Introducing "BAR Ouch & Oops," a stylish spot in Saiin that you definitely want to know about from now on. Located a 10-minute walk from Saiin Station, we hope you'll stop by casually. […]
For outdoor enthusiasts! Exquisite and Instagrammable yokan that you'll want to eat for any occasion.
Introducing the collaboration product "Outdoor Yokan" (tax excluded 1350 yen) between Tsutomatsuan, a red bean confectionery specialty shop in Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto City, and an outdoor equipment store, Fumichuudoku Ten, in Oyamazaki. It's available for purchase in-store and online. I presented this yokan to an acquaintance who loves both the outdoors and Japanese sweets, and it was very well received. At first glance, with its stylish packaging, their initial reaction was, "What's this? Soap?" However, inside was a yokan with meticulous attention to detail that impressed even the outdoor enthusiast. Later on, when they went to the mountains, they brought it along and took stylish photos with rivers, mountains, and the […]
Kyoto students and local community development event 'Temple Marche'
Event report by iroiro kyoto, a Kyoto-based organisation that promotes Kyoto's coffee culture through 'community development activities' led by young people in Kyoto. The report reveals the real picture of the relationship between university students and local community development. At the root of this is the 'attachment to Kyoto' that weaves the links. iroiro kyoto is a group of young people, mainly university students, who take the initiative in planning and organising events where they can enjoy coffee and other local activities. The venue, BUTSUGENJI Temple, is a much-talked-about temple that places importance on cooperation with the local community. Under the theme of ' Tomarugi', the temple is actively involved in community development […]
I found a catering robot in a nearby family restaurant
The moment when you feel the near future in your daily life. It may be when you meet a robot. We are finally in an age when we can witness catering robots working alongside people in shops. Children are very excited! Where are the restaurants near Kyoto where catering robots bring meals? The latest summary of the catering robot situation in Kyoto. Huh? What's with the cat robot? The waiter shows you to the table you came to. I immediately look inside the restaurant and see a robot moving quietly across the floor! It is apparently not a person bringing food from the kitchen aisle. On the table where you sit, it […]
Delusional European orchestra with a story in mind Piemonterno
We would like to introduce Piemonterno, a delusional European band that expands its musical activities with its roots in Saiin Negaposi, a live music venue located not far from Saiin Station.The band's delusions, which originated in Kyoto and swelled via Europe, burst forth in a big way.The band has a rare and unique personality, delivering a story-like view of the world with music that evokes the sound of film music writer Ennio Morricone and the world of film director Federico Fellini. Their music is like a fantasy The colourful colours and rich images will come to the listener's mind. Vocalist Ayatsuki Shimizu, a.k.a. Satsukine, recreates the world of the songs […]
Antique small-scale art complex near Omiya Station, Kyoto
Contemporary artistic space There is an art space quietly tucked away in a back alley off Goin Street in Shijo-Omiya. Originally famous for its art accommodation, it was renovated in 2021 in the form of a fusion of a coffee shop and gallery. Currently, it hosts exhibitions and events, and houses art shops run by Kyoto creators. The kumagusuku, a hideaway-like complex, has a minimalist, contemporary atmosphere that mixes the old and the new. On the other hand, it also holds seasonal marches and offers lunch, and is attracting attention from local residents as an easy place to drop in. Powerful white-walled architecture of a converted Kyoto townhouse The interior of the […]
Tengudo Unno Bakery, a nostalgic bakery in Chukyo
"Bye!"A cheerful voice can be heard from the shop, sending customers on their way, along with the delicious aroma of baked bread. This bakery was established on 23 April 1922 and celebrated its 100th anniversary this year. Let us introduce you to Tengudo Unno Bakery, where you can see the many loaves of bread on display and the smiling faces of the third-generation owner, Shigeru and his wife, Kimiko, through the show window. The taste of 100 years - here it is! Since its establishment, local people have loved its 'anpan', made with homemade koshian (red bean paste). It is made from the finest azuki beans from Hokkaido, which are […]
Live music club at Nijo Station, Kyoto: 'A musical hub aimed at cultivating young talent'
'Nijo, isn't this area kind of nice? It's like..." GROWLY is an 11-year-old live music club in a residential area behind a large supermarket, just behind Nijo Station on the JR. Formerly a band member, manager Anzai-san says he has been to most of Kyoto's live music venues and is famous for being a "nice guy", even in the music community where he has an image of being difficult to approach. He has been involved in the project since its beginnings. I thought, 'This place looks good,' and I moved on with a lot of energy, but later I realised how difficult it is to get to know your neighbours. Well, maybe […]