日本語はこちら If you're in the Saga area, the cafe Saganoyu is a pleasant spot for lunch or a cup of coffee. Originally built as a public bathhouse in 1923, the building has been thoroughly renovated and was reopened as a cafe in 2006. You can still see the original tiling on the floors and the faucets along the walls. Here's what we had. Miu chose a cheese … [Read more...] about Saganoyu Cafe
Deep Kyoto Walks Used for University English Reading Course
I was delighted (and somewhat stunned) lately to learn that our book, Deep Kyoto: Walks, is being used as the basis of a university course here in Kyoto. The course at Kyoto Prefectural University is taught by Dr. Eleanor Yamaguchi and is called "欧米から見た京都", or "Kyoto viewed from the West". Eleanor, who has used supplemental materials on the course, such as our Deep Kyoto: Walks … [Read more...] about Deep Kyoto Walks Used for University English Reading Course
Maiko Masquerade: Crafting Geisha Girlhood in Japan by Jan Bardsley
Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links from which I will earn a commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. "Contemporary maiko are young women, typically between fifteen and twenty years of age, who have chosen to train in an arts profession with roots in the merchant culture and pleasure quarters of the Edo period (1603–1867). … [Read more...] about Maiko Masquerade: Crafting Geisha Girlhood in Japan by Jan Bardsley
Alex Kerr Book Launch Party – Another Kyoto
Last night I attended a book launch party for Alex Kerr's latest book, Another Kyoto. The setting was a lovely old machiya townhouse in the Kamishichiken area of Kyoto where his friend and co-author, Kathy Arlyn Sokol has been living. Apparently about 70 people attended the event, and it certainly did feel like a crowd in the unseasonably hot weather. It was a nice occasion … [Read more...] about Alex Kerr Book Launch Party – Another Kyoto
Wacky Racers on Kyoto Station’s Grand Staircase!
Every year on the third Saturday in February a racing event is held at Kyoto Station’s Grand Staircase (or “Daikaidan”). Contestants take part in teams of 4 and attempt to cover the 30 meter 171 step climb with the best time. This event has been held since 1998, shortly after the station building was first opened, and has become a popular local event as well as Kyoto Station’s … [Read more...] about Wacky Racers on Kyoto Station’s Grand Staircase!
