Tag: Kyoto
Ancient Treasures at the World Heritage Byodoin Temple
Of all the beautiful and historic temples in Kyoto, there is only one that features twice on Japanese currency. Byodoin temple, located in the city of Uji, is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history dating all the way back...
Behind the Scenes at the Silver Pavilion
Colloquially known as the Silver Pavilion or Ginkaku-ji, Jisho-ji is one of Kyoto’s most popular tourist destinations. It dates back to the late 15th century and was designed by the then-shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa. It is beloved for its wooden pavilion and gorgeous...
Exploring the Oldest Shrine in Japan: Ujigami Shrine
Uji-gami Shrine is a Shinto shrine located in the Kyoto city of Uji. Originally built as a guardian shrine for the nearby Byodoin, it is now quite remarkable in its own right. Dendrochronological studies of the wood have determined that Ujigami Jinja...
Fabulous Kyoto-style Okonomiyaki at Oagari in Gion
Local and authentic—these are the qualities typically associated with restaurants people want to eat at on their travels. In Japan, this means not much English spoken, and ideally, very few tourists—at least, that’s how it used to be. Given the recent tourism...
Suiba – A Standing Izakaya in Kyoto for Solo Diners
In many places, there's often a little stigma attached to dining alone. Not having anyone to eat with can seem sad, something to be pitied. But this isn’t true everywhere: it’s becoming increasingly acceptable to dine alone and even enjoy it. Japan...
The Opposite of Chaos at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto
There are few things more delicious and comforting than a plate of curry rice. Such is my love for the stuff that it’s very possible I eat curry at least twice or thrice a week, but I have never sat down to...
Contemplating the Mysterious Rock Garden of Ryoanji Temple
Ryoanji Temple is a UNESCO listed Zen Buddhist Temple home to Japan’s most famous rock garden. Nobody knows who designed the ancient plot, and visitors come in droves to try and unlock its untold mysteries. The temple, though previously the villa of...
Spice Chamber Serves Keema Curry with a Kick in Kyoto
Japanese curry tends not to be spicy. It’s unsurprising, when most Japanese people have a low tolerance for spicy food at the best of times! It’s more common to encounter sweet, mild Japanese curries. Even at places where you can adjust the...
Perfect Egg Sandwiches at Smart Coffee in Kyoto
Japan seems to have perfected the art of great egg sandwiches. Even the everyday ones from Family Mart are an exercise in inexpensive luxuries–creamy, eggy, mayonnaise-rich filling between two triangles of pillowy white bread. But venture out to Kansai, and you’ll find...
Livin’ It Up at Hotel Intergate Kyoto
Touring Kyoto can be tiring business, which is why you need a comfortable place to rest your weary head. And while it’s great to experience one of Kyoto’s many historic Ryokan or converted geisha houses, they’re not exactly the most cost effective...
