OMIKUJI

2015 year is rapidly coming by.

Would you like to know what it is going to bring to your life?

The very first thing I will definitely do in the beginning of January is going to a temple and taking OMIKUJI.

Omikuji is a prediction written on the strips of paper which you can take paying about 100 yen at any shrine or temple.

On the very top of prediction you can see 1 or 2 characters, for instance:

大吉 very good luck

吉 good luck

末吉 ending of your good luck

凶 bad luck

And more detailed fortune (like marriage, long trip or disease) is written bellow. If it happens that you got a bad prediction, it is a custom to fold up the strip of paper and attach it to a pine tree in the temple or shrine grounds.

By the way, in Kyoto Omikuji in English are available at Sanjyusangendo Temple!

Good luck!  

Footbath Cafe

There are many kinds of cafe in Kyoto and I recommend "Footbath Cafe" for this season.

It is already really cold here so it is good to take a footbath to warm up your body.

Or when you get tired with walking, you could relieve your fatigue.

You do not need to bring anything, a towel is included in the price!

Kyoto Syabonya

●Time...11:00～20:00 (From Jan., 2015...10:00～19:00)

●Price...1000yen (footbath 20min. + one drink + Japanese towel)

●Access...5 min. walk from subway KarasumaOike station

　
　http://www.shabonya.com/pages/eng/index.html

Arashiyama Hana-to-ro (嵐山花灯路)

I visited Arashiyama yesterday! ”Arashiyama Hana-to-ro (嵐山花灯路)” is now held until December 21st.

There are some beautiful illuminations of the nature with Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月橋) and some Japanese flower arrangement (いけばな)  , so they let us feel Japanese atmosphare! 

The most magical place is the small lane called ”Chikurin-no-michi (竹林の道) ” surrounded by bamboo thickets.

You can visit there by JR Sagano Line from Kyoto station to Saga-Arashiyama. It takes about 10 minutes to get to ”Chikurin-no-michi” from Saga-Arashiyama Station.

Arashiyama Hana-to-ro

December 12th - 21st

Time: 17.00 - 20.30

New Year's Eve @ J-Hoppers Kyoto

Do you want to see how Japanese people do in New Year's Eve?
Are you traveling by yourself but you want to be with somebody in New Year's Eve?

We will have an event for these kind of travelers!!!



On December 31st night we will cook Toshikoshi-Soba(*1) and watch Kohaku-Utagassen(*2).
Then we go to Tofukuji Temple around 21:30 to ring the Joya-no-Kanel(*3).
If you still have an energy, Let's go to Fushimi-Inari for Hatsumoude(*4).
There will be so many food stands and people also :-P

On January 1st, We will prepare Kyoto Style Ozouni(*5) so you can have it when you want :-D



New Year is the most important day for Japanese and hope you will feel it.
We still have some dorm beds available for December 31st!


Toshikoshi-Soba(*1)





Kohaku-Utagassen(*2)



Joya-no-Kanel(*3)
 

Hatsumoude(*4)
 


Ozouni(*5)
 

Christmas at Universal Studio Japan

Christmas is coming!

Universal Studio Japan prepared a lot of surprises for the guests.

The World’s most illuminated Christmas Tree will definitely make you feel as a part of beautiful and inspiring event!

Children will have opportunity to meet Santa and ask about most desirable gifts.

Meanwhile, your favorite characters, like Snoopy and Elmo, will dance and sing Christmas carols at Santa’s Toy March. 

Christmas celebration at Universal Studio will last until 6th of January!

Morimori Sushi(sushi train) in Osaka

This is my favorite Sushi restaurant. Where I went the branch is in Kumiyama in Kyoto but I introduce a branch in Osaka for this time as the access is easier for the one in Osaka. (The main branch is in Ishikawa prefecture which is famous for fish since the place is Japan sea side.) This is sushi train restaurant but the quality is vary nice as I think! The sushi makes me like want to have them again after I eat them. 'Morimori Sushi at Aeon mall in Osaka dome' *Directly connected from Dome-mae Chiyozaki by subway Nagahori Tsurumi-ryokuchi line. *Pictures are available as below: http://tabelog.com/osaka/A2701/A270401/27073333/

Christmas illuminations 2014 ~ Kyoto Station Building ~

Kyoto Station Building is now illuminated by Christmas lights at night!

We can see Christmas illuminations decorating the Great Staircase with a big Christmas tree!

❄️November 15th - December 25th❄️

▪️Illuminations 17.00 - 22.30

   - The Christmas tree in Muromachi-koji Square: illuminated from 10.00

   - Kuuchu-kairo: 17.00 - 22.00

It is already time for Christmas in Kyoto Station!!

Shorenin Temple Lighting-up

At night, during the light show, the place appears to transform into a mysterious world—trees and flowers fading in the darkness, the five grand camphor trees (national natural monuments) majestically lit up, and a mandala of light, projected on the moss garden.
It appears as if the pure and sacred land comes to life. We hope that all our visitors are able to enjoy the goodness of this holy environment.

■Dates

October 24 –December 23, 2014

■Opening Hours
18.00–22.00 (Entry accepted until 21.30)

■Admission Fees
Individuals: Adults, 800 yen; Grade 18 students and Younger Pupils ,400yen

Why don't you visit there?

LET'S SEE THE LOCAL FESTIVALS TOGETHER!

Cecilia, Our Funky Sexy Staff will take you to see the local festivals!
We do not charge anything. Please just pay for train. (If you have JR pass, it is almost free.)
Please sign up at the reception as soon as possible  :-)

NOV 11th (Sat)
KISHIWADA DANJIRI & LOCAL OSAKA

11am Lobby --> JR train to Kishiwada --> See the festival for few hours --> Go to Shin Imamiya to have onsen or beer! ---> Back to Kyoto 
990yen/one way train







NOV 15th (Wed)
HIMEJI CASTEL AND FIGHTING FESTIVAL

9am Lobby ---> JR train to Himeji --> See the castle for few hours --> Sanyo train --> See the festival for few hours --> Back to Kyoto
2100yen/one way train

Kasagake Ritual

It is getting colder and we can feel that Autumn is here.
Nice season to do everything, and there are a lot of events in Kyoto.

Kasagake, dating back about 800 years, is Japan's oldest horseback archery ritual.
The shooter shot arrows from a galloping horse to the mark which is 5 meters far from them.
You can see Kasagake only at Kamigamo Shrine in Kansai area.

It will be a good experience to see the valuable, dynamic ritual.

Place...Kamigamo Shirine
Date...Oct. 19th, from 13:00

Kyoto illumination events in fall and winter 2014

In Kyoto city, we have many historical places for sightseeing here such as shrines and temples.

We feel quite difficult to visit more than 4 places a day because most of them close around 16.00 - 17.00.

However, we have some illumination events for some special limited seasons.

During the limited periods, you can visit some historical places at night!

Here is some information about the illumination events in Kyoto in autumn and winder!

■ Kodaiji Temple: October 24th - December 14th Sunset - 21:30 (600yen)
　 Access: City Bus #206 Higashiyama-Yasui
■ Shorenin Temple:October 24th - December 23rd 18:00 - 21.30 (600yen)
　 Access: City Bus #5 Jingumichi
■ Chioin Temple:November 1st - November 30th 17.30 - 21:00 (800yen)
　 Access: City Bus #206 Chioinmae
■ Eikando Temple: November 8th - December 7th 18.30 - 20:00 (600yen)
   Access: City Bus #5 Nanzenji/Eikando-michi
■ Kiyomizudera Temple: November 14th - December 7th 18.30 - 21.30 (400yen)
   Access: City Bus #206 Kiyomizu-michi

** Admission fees required respectively.

In autumn, we have some special events to see colored leaves in the city as well!

Hanamaru kushikatsu seisakusho

Do you know what kushikatsu is? It is kind of deep fried BBQ with a stick,comes with a few piece of ingredients and dip in Japanese style sause to eat. There are meet,fish and vegetable available for the ingredients. So that no worry even if you are vegetarian. The place is located near to a cross road Shichijo and Karasuma street,within 5 mintutes walking from the cross road to the West.

Yagike (Shinsengumi’s birthplace)

The Shinsengumi were a collection of ronin (masterless) Samurai who were selected to form a new elite corps in the city of Kyoto, and to police the city during the final days of the Tokugawa Shogun dynasty (right before the Meiji Restoration).

They lived here as their first strongpoint, so Yagike is as known as their birthplace.

Open: 9:00am – 5:00pm

Admission: 1000yen (including tea and some sweets)

 

 

 

Handcraft Paper Boxes

You can choose 3 designs from a hundred of Japanese papers, then make 3 sizes of boxes.
There are really lots of Japanese papers so you may need a long time to choose designs.
It is easy to bring the boxes because those are light and you can put 2 boxes into the largest one.
Why don't you make your own boxes for souvenirs of Kyoto?

Price: 3,240yen
Required Time: 90min.

http://shofudo-shop.jp/user_data/craft/
*They also have other handcrafts

Ciname on the river bank

--- Kamo Cinema vol.10th ---
Aug 23rd (sat)
Start at 19:30
Entrance Free
Between 'Imadegawa Dori' and 'Kojinguchi Dori'
(5 minutes walk from Demachiyanagi station)

This outdoor event has been loved among Kyoto local people Since 2005. This year's film is 'Kamogawa Horumo'. It's a fantasy, comedy and targeted st young people. However you'll see a lot of places in Kyoto in the film, so it's enjoyable even you are not young.

GAZAN no OKURIBI

AUG 16, 2014

GOZAN no OKURIBI is a traditional event in Kyoto.
Five giant bonfires are lit on mountains surrounding the city. It signifies the moment when the spirits of deceased family members, who are said to visit this world during O-Bon, are believed to be returning to the spirit world—thus the name OKURIBI. (送り火 "send-off fire").

20:00　　大 (large)
20:05　　妙法(wondrous dharma)　
20:10　　shape of boat

20:15  　大 (large)
20:20    shape of torii (shrine gate)


Come to the reception! We'll tell you where you can see them! ;-)

Firework Festival in Uji

We have many events in Kyoto during summer holiday.
Have you ever seen any Japanese firework display before?
As one of famous firework festivals, there is Firework Festival in Uji, namely Ujigawa Hanabi Taikai (宇治川花火大会).

Firework Festival in Uji
Date    August 11th, 2014
Time   19:45 - 20:45
*will be postponed until August 14th in the case of heavy weather.
Place  Uji Park Nakanoshima, near the Uji River
*There are some areas for pay seats in the place (Advance booking and tickets required).
Access JR Uji Station (Nara Line)
*17 minutes by "Kaisoku" from Kyoto Station

You can see a display of fireworks on the river. This year, the theme for the firework display is "Genji roman (源氏ロマン),"  which is expressed as the world of "Genji-Monogatari," the Tales of Genji.
Murasaki-shikibu (紫式部) produced a literary work called "Genji-Monogatari" during Heian Era. Nowadays you can read this old novel in English. There is an English book called "the Tales of Genji" translated with an introduction by Edward G. Seidensticker.
You can feel the world of Genji-Monogatari by seeing the display of fireworks!

Entokuin Temple

Entokuin Temple was built by Nene, who was known as Kitano Mandokoro
(wife of Toyotomi Hideyoshi) to mourb her husband in 1605.
She spent her last years here.

Open: Genaral 10:00am – 5:00pm
Special season (illumination show at nighttime) 10:00am – 9:30pm

Holiday: Closed certain days for affairs of the temple. Please confirm by telephone.

Charge: General: 500yen
  High School Student and under: 200yen

 

●Feel heart of Japanese culture

In the tearoom of Entokuin, you will be able to experience the tea ceremony.

The tea ceremony is a traditional Japanese culture.
It has been strongly influenced by Zen.
You will enjoy delicious Japanese sweets and tea.

・Charge: 500yen (also needed admission)

・Time is up to 4:00pm from 10:00am

*The reservation is not needed.

 

 

Ukai Cormorant Fishing

July 1-Sept. 15

Ukai Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama



Ukai is a traditional fishing method in which cormorants (large diving birds) are used to catch sweet river fish or ayu; Carried out on the Oi River, this event is one of the most popular summer tourist attractions in Arashiyama; Tourists can watch the event either from banks of the river or get a seat on a boat which let them watch the performance up close.

Adults: 1,700 yen, Children (4-12 years old): 850 yen; 19:00-21:00; Boat ride: 19:00 & 20:00; No service on Aug. 16; Access: Kyoto City Bus #28, get off at Arashiyama Koen; Arashiyama Tsusen: Tel: 075-861-0302.

Gion Festival

Gion Festival, The most famous festival oh Kyoto will come soon!
Here is the schedule:

• July 7: Shrine visit by chigo children of Ayagasaboko
• July 10: Lantern parade to welcome mikoshi portable shrines
• July 10: Mikoshi arai, cleansing of mikoshi by sacred water from the Kamo River

• July 10 through 13: Building-up of floats（Former parade）
• July 13 a.m.: Shrine visit by chigo children of Naginataboko (in the morning)
  
• July 13 p.m.: Shrine visit by chigo children of Kuse Shrine (in the afternoon)
• July 14: Yoiyoiyoiyama（Former parade）
• July 15: Yoiyoiyama（Former parade）
• July 16: Yoiyama（Former parade）
• July 16: Yoimiya shinshin hono shinji, dedicative art performances
• July 17: Parade of yamaboko floats（Former parade）
• July 17: Parade of mikoshi from Yasaka Shrine to the city

• July 18 through 20: Building-up of floats（Latter parade）
• July 21: Yoiyoiyoiyama（Latter parade）
• July 22: Yoiyoiyama（Latter parade）
• July 23: Yoiyama（Latter parade）
• July 24: Parade of yamaboko floats（Latter parade）

• July 24: Parade of hanagasa or "flower parasols"
• July 24: Parade of mikoshi from the city to Yasaka Shrine
• July 28: Mikoshi arai, cleansing of mikoshi by sacred water from the Kamo river

I guess the Yoiyama of July 14-16 are fun for foreign tourists.
The streets are lined with night stalls selling food such as takoyaki, sweets, and many other culinary delights. Many girls dressed in yukata(summer kimono) walk around the area.
During the Yoiyama evenings leading up to the parade, some private houses in the old kimono merchant district open their entryways to the public, exhibiting valuable family heirlooms. This is a precious opportunity to visit and observe traditional Japanese residences of Kyoto.

 

Kuroda Seiki on exhibition

At The Museum of Kyoto

June 7th - July 21st
Open: 10am - 6pm, until 7:30pm Friday
Closed: Monday
Admission: 1,200JPY
Access: Subway 3 minutes' walk from the 5th exit of Karasuma Oike Station

*** Kuroda Seiki ***
Leading figure in late 19th to early 20th century Western style painting in Japan, who studied in France, exhibited Japan's first nude.
Perhaps Kuroda's greatest contribution to Japanese culture was the acceptance of Western-style painting he fostered on the part of the Japanese public. Despite their initial reluctance, he was able to convince them to accept the validity of the nude figure as a subject for art.

Insho Domoto musium

There is a homy museum in North area in Kyoto,which is called`Insho Domoto museum'. It is not so big,not so crowded. Everything in there is just good balance. If you feel tired of too big museum,you'd better to visit and spend time there. His sculptures which are spread in there is also nice to see! Just cute!

http://insho-domoto.com/index-e.html

Ajisai-Matsuri in Sanzenin

 The rainy season is setting in soon. 

In Kyoto, we usually have such rainy days especially in June.

However, we have special events during the gloomy season.

 The rainy season makes us think of hydrangeas in Japan and the best to see full-blown flowers in a year.

Sanzenin is the temple for Tendai sect of Buddihism in Ohara area in Kyoto.

Its initial opening was 1,200 years ago.

During the rainy season, we can see about 3,000 hydrangeas in the temple.

 For the best season for hydrangeas, there is Ajisai-Matsuri in Sanzenin from June 16^th to Jul 15^th.

 On the first day of the festival, we have a reading ceremony for Daihannya-kyo (Great Perfection of Wisdom Sutra) and Saitougomaku.

Saitougomaku is the general name of religious rites to wish no occurrence of disasters by firing and smoking some holy trees called “Gomagi.”

Ajisai-Matsuri in Sanzenin

June 16^th ~ July 15^th

On June16th：11:00~ Daihannya-kyo, 13:30~Saitogomaku in Konjikifudo-do

Sanzenin

March - October           9:00~17:00 (closing time: 17:30)

November                    8:30~17:00 (closing time: 17:30)

December - February   9:00~16:00 (closing time: 17:30)

Admission: Adult 700yen, Junior high school student 400yen, Elementary school student 150yen

Access: Kyoto Bus no.17 from Kyoto Station (C3) to Ohara

  

 We also can feel cooler in Ohara than the centre of Kyoto city.

 Why don’t you visit Sanzenin so as to forget the heat?