Food court revolution (Kyoto tower)

Food court to me was always a place for family day-out or teenagers' hangout.
Although the new food court on the basement floor of Kyoto Tower building is probably the most hip and stylish one I've been to!

Kyoto Tower Sando - Renewal in April 2017

Finally had a chance to visit, and I was just amazed by their selection of restaurants and cozy atmosphere. You can order food at the each shop and have it at their counter table, or you can have it at the center tables (photo above).

https://www.kyoto-tower-sando.jp/en/shop/floor#floorB1F 

My pick-ups would be
1. Sukemasa (Gyouza dumplings)
What makes this Gyouza unique is their "local ingredients" such as miso or green onion from Kyoto, and their Teishoku (set) is pretty reasonable!
 

2.The Roots of all evil. (standing bar)
I've talked about Kyoto craft gin Kinobi on this blog the other time, this standing bar is their second shop! You can try their unique gin menu!

And also, they have some events at the food court like:

 

OH MY GOSH. DJ is spinning at the food court? Totally mind blowing.

You should definitely pay a visit and try their food and atmosphere!

  

Indulge myself in chocolates

Hi, this is Saho from J-Hoppers Kyoto.

The topic of today is one of my favorite sweets, chocolate.
I come across many chocolatier in Kyoto and I would like to share my favorite chocolate server, "BEL AMER".
This shop has prevailed in all over Japan but it has first root in Kyoto.
The head office is located near Karasuma Oike station so is really accessible and good to stop by for a souvenir hunting or a short break in the middle of shopping or exploring.

They have a lot of variety of chocolates on the first floor and the cafe is available on the second floor.
After having chocolate drinks in the cafe, head to hunt your favorite chocolates !!

Gozan-no-okuribi

One of The biggest summer event in Kyoto (Gozan-no-okuribi)

On 16^th August, five huge bonfires showing up in the night sky.

Gozan-no Okuribi is the most representative of the Obon (an annual Buddhist event for commemorating ancestors) observations and huge bonfires are lit on the five mountains surrounding the city.

(The lighting times, characters, and meanings)

8:00PM Daimonji (大文字), "large" or "great:"
8:05PM Myō/Hō (妙・法), "wondrous dharma" (referring to Buddhist teachings):
8:10PM Funagata (舟形), the shape of a boat:
8:15PM Hidari Daimonji (左大文字), "large" or "great:"
8:20PM Toriigata (鳥居形), the shape of a torii or shrine gate:



(Good paces to see)
①Demachiyanagi station along Kamo River; wide space, but many people
②Funaokayama Park; able to see 4 of 5, but the most popular and crowded
③Kyoto Imperial Palace; Less people than ①、② and wider space.
④ Aeon Mall Gojo; Less people than ①、②、③