- DESTINATION
- THINGS TO DO
ALL
- ALL
- Tokyo
- Hokkaido
- Tohoku
- Kanto
- Chubu
- Kansai
- Shikoku / chugoku
- Kyushu
- Okinawa
ALL
- ALL
- Food
- Shopping
- Accommodation
- Culture
- Entertainment
- Tour
-
The Most Colorful Spot in Kyoto: Yasaka Koshindo (八坂庚申堂)The Higashiyama area is a must-see for any visitor to Kyoto. Between the major Yasaka Shrine and Kiyomizudera Temple, the popular Ninenzaka and Sanenzaka shopping streets, and all the little gems hidden throughout. Yasaka Koshindo Temple is one of these tucked-away treasures, with a vermillion gate hiding the supremely instagrammable interior from sight. Peek inside, and you'll see thousands of colorful little kukurizaru "monkeys" snuggled up against the buildings!,Enter the gate of Yasaka Koshindo Temple, and without a doubt the first thing to strike you will be the numerous colorful balls, hung all around the temple. These are called "kukurizaru" (くくり猿), literally "bound monkeys," and they're talismans sold by the temple. They're no gimmick, though! The temple is dedicated to Koshin, a blue deity with origins in a unique folk-religion also called Koshin, which is where the three see/hear/speak no evil monkeys come from. Because of this connection to monkeys, the little stuffed talismans are shaped a little like monkeys hanging from a branch. Traditionally the Buddhist idea was that you would transfer your worldly desires to one of the monkeys. These days you can write your wish on one, tie it up with the rest, and see if Koshin will help it come true. Either way you'll add one more burst of color.,As you near the main temple buildings, you'll see more vestiges of the Koshin folk religion these monkeys come from.#kansai#culture#kyoto
The Totally Photogenic Organic Treats of Kyoto's Koe DonutsLooking for a sweet treat while you're in Kyoto, or maybe just an atmospheric place to sit down and take a break? Might we recommend Koe Donuts, a hot spot among Kyoto's younger crowd? Between their attractive artisanal donuts made with ethical and organic ingredients, and the shop's interior that is both uniquely Kyoto-esque, and definitely modern, it's a must-see when you're in the Shijo Kawaramachi area.
Koe Donuts is a relatively recent addition to Kyoto's Shingkyogoku shopping street, and while plenty of people are intrigued by the tasty treats inside, many new visitors are drawn in by the contemporary interior design. Architectural designer Kengo Kuma worked to give the donut shop a clean and calm atmosphere, while also bringing interesting Kyoto-style elements into the mix. Travelers are attracted by the woven, basket-like Japanese bamboo decorations clustered on the ceiling, and flowing down the walls.,Koe Donuts is a relatively recent addition to Kyoto's Shingkyogoku shopping street, and while plenty of people are intrigued by the tasty treats inside, many new visitors are drawn in by the contemporary interior design. Architectural designer Kengo Kuma worked to give the donut shop a clean and calm atmosphere, while also bringing interesting Kyoto-style elements into the mix. Travelers are attracted by the woven, basket-like Japanese bamboo decorations clustered on the ceiling, and flowing down the walls.,The slogan for the shop is "life happens, donut helps," which is something the JAPANKURU team can certainly get behind. Koe helps by coming out with relatively low-calorie donuts, made with naturally sweet, organic, and local Kyoto ingredients.,Koe Donuts collaborated with illustrator Yu Nagaba to create a logo featuring the iconic Albert Einstein... admiring a donut.
Which toppings do you think Einstein would have chosen? Strawberry? Green tea?,Koe Donuts is our recommendation for tasty sweets in the Shijo Kawaramachi area of Kyoto, but it's also a great place to relax and take a break from your busy travel schedule. Sit down with your donut, let the air conditioning cool you down, and take a couple snapshots with the architecture (and Einstein!) for your instagram before you leave!
Koe Donuts
Address: 557 Nakanocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto
Access: Hankyu Kawaramachi Station - 1 min. from Exit 9
Hours: 8:00 - 20:00
Official Instagram, この投稿をInstagramで見る ・ お好きなドーナツを選んだら ボックスに入れて手土産にも、おすすめです🍩 ・ ※食材在庫の関係により商品の品切れの可能性がございます。恐れいりますが予めご了承ください。 詳しい状況は店舗までお問い合わせください。 ・ 🍩koe donuts open：2019.3.21 thu. address：京都府京都市中京区新京極四条上ル中之町557番地京都松竹阪井座ビル1F opening hours：AM8:00 – PM8:00 (不定休） sheets：65席＋スタンディング HP： https://donuts.koe.com ・ ・ #koedonuts #koeethical #donutsinnovation #koe #donuts #cafestagram #genic_cafe #genic_sweets #cafetour #コエ #コエドーナツ #カフェ #ドーナツ #オーガニック #エシカル #エシカルドーナツ #地産地消 #無添加 #カフェ巡り #カフェスイーツ #京都カフェ巡り #映えカフェ #関西カフェ #京都カフェ #四条カフェ #隈研吾 #長場雄 #카페 #도넛 #手土産 koeさん(@koe_official)がシェアした投稿 - 2019年 6月月9日午後7時23分PDT #kansai#food#organic
Maiko in Kyoto - A Traditional Culture Struggling in a Modern WorldKyoto, the traditional capital of Japan, whose name even means capital.
With this it is home to a number of traditional cultural points, with maybe one of the most famous being Geisha. In Japanese, these performers are known as Maiko (舞妓 まいこ) and Geiko (芸子 げいこ) and can be found wandering around the old capital as well as performing at restaurants doing Ozashiki Asobi. ,Maiko can be found all over the capital, on walks between training sessions, or even just in their free time. Dressed in either beautiful Yukatas in Summer or gorgeous Kimonos in Winter, they are painted with a white as snow makeup, heralding back to a time where heavy white makeup would be used to have it reflect better in the candlelight at performances. Even with modern lighting, the culture hasn't changed, and it has led to both intrigue and misconceptions, of thinking that geisha use white makeup to appear westerner, which is quite far from the truth.,With all the kimonos and yukatas, and belts and accessories costing a lot, it normally falls to the house that they live at to provide everything to in training Maiko. With this many of the different kimonos and yukatas have a very unique look, all the while being gorgeous to look at. ,With such a hard path to follow through with, the numbers of Japanese girls becoming Maiko and Geiko have drastically decreased over the past decade. From its peak in 1925 of 1929 Maiko and Geiko living in Kyoto to the current number of 260 (80 Maiko and 180 Geiko), the number of Geiko in Kyoto are slowly in decline. ,What's more the training to become a Geiko is intensive. Girls that wish to be Geiko after being a Maiko in Kyoto have to follow an amazing tough regime which can last up to 6 years. They have to focus on learning the shamisen, a traditional type of guitar, intricate dances, and Kyoto Dialect. By doing so they are able to make the step up to Geiko. On top of this training, the girls that wish to become Geiko, enter knowing that they won't be allowed to use mobile phones, or to watch TV or be a part of the digital age. They do this as they feel that being a Maiko is an amazing opportunity and lets them become part of a age old tradition. ,Ozashiki Asobi (お座敷遊び おざしきあそび) is a tradition were the Maiko and Geiko entertain guests with music and dances as well as talking with the guests. While the name is the name of a game played during these parties, the whole dinner is also known as such. With drinks and food flowing, it is a great way to learn about Maiko and Geiko culture in a rather relaxed fashion. What's more each session lasts about 2 to 2 and a half hours which means you have plenty of time to talk to a Maiko!
By getting this chance to talk in a relaxed manner with these beautiful Maiko and Geiko, it is an opportunity to learn about them and the age-old traditional culture!,Geisha Japan and Maiko Club was made with the idea to allow for many people to enjoy the culture of the Hanamachi (or Kagai to locals) area , in particular the Maiko culture, and to allow people from all over.
With this, a large community has slowly grown, but with this many different opinions have been heard such as:
[I would love to join one of your events in the future!]
[I'll be in Kyoto in the near future, but where should I go to meet Maiko?]
[I can't speak Japanese but I would love to join in with Ozashiki Asobi!]
After seeing these comments, the team running the community realised that the amount of people that are visiting Kyoto already have a large interest in Japanese culture, and they wish to be able to not just learn about this culture but also be able to participate in it.
However, at the moment with the culture of refusing first timers to the many different shops, it's hard for Japanese and even harder for foreigners to experience the area. So partnering with different Maiko establishments, they started to look at helping bring first timers to watch these amazing performances.,Right now, one of the biggest bases for Geisha culture in Kyoto is looking toward crowdfunding to help open up this culture to the rest of the world! With the project it looks to raise money to bring in English speaking staff, and through this allowing for foreigners coming into Kyoto to be able view these amazing banquets and participate. It will also allow for us to be able to expand and create a base among foreigners to is able to support and cheer on the girls that give there childhood to carry on this beautiful art.
The crowdfunding project can be found at https://en.japankurufunding.com/projects/maiko-club #kansai#culture#geisha
Exploring the World of Udon in JapanNowadays, Udon is well known amongst the travellers. It is said that the prefecture that is most famous for its Udon is Kagawa. The simple dish has many different flavours in each prefecture and that is why we are taking a look at the world of Udon this time.
What are you waiting for...?
Let's begin!,As we mentioned earlier, Kagawa is well known for its Udon.
Not that it was first created there, but the rate of production is the highest in Japan.
From simple udon to the most unique ones. Kagawa is definitely a one-stop Udon exploration site.
Sanuki Udon (讃岐うどん), is the famous Kagawa style Udon available all around this prefecture.,Saitama is the second largest when it comes to Udon production rate in Japan.
They also have a unique udon called the Ippon Udon (一本うどん), simply translated, this means a single long piece of udon.,Another popular Udon dish available all around Japan!
This particular Udon has a piece of Abura-age (油揚げ), deep fied tofu, that's been cooked in sweet soy sauce.,So, how did you think of our Udon tour?
Check out our website for new articles everyday! @ JAPANKURU.COM
and subscribe to our Facebook page and follow our Instagram account!#kansai#food#udon
Going to Osaka? You've got to try the ORIGINAL Kitsune Udon!Many of you might have already been to Osaka and if we ask you which food you've tried there, you may say, Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き), Takoyaki (たこ焼き), Kushi-Katsu (串カツ), like we've got on our list.
Kitsune Udon is one of them that we have on this list, but what exactly is this Kitsune Udon?,Basically, "Kitsune Udon" is a bowl of Udon noodles topped with pieces of deep fried tofu (油揚げ：あぶらあげ) that’s been braised in sweet soy sauce.
Some places may serve this with shredded spring onions or with any other toppings, but that is pretty much it.
"Kitsune" means fox in Japanese, but theres no fox used in this dish.
So why is this dish called a fox noodle?
There are a few reasons why this dish has got its name.
Some say, foxes love eating this deep fried tofu.
Some say it's because of the colour of the deepfried tofu. That is golden brown for us, but Kitsune-Iro, fox colour, in Japanese.
It is also said that when the deepfired tofu is curled up, it looks like a fox curled up,The resturant started its business back in 1893 (back in time when the period was called Meiji).
Yes, belive it or not, this place has been in business for 126 years and the current owner is the third generation!
This name comes from the business owners' family name, which is Usami.
The first generation opened a restaurant called Matsubaya, and that's where it all begun.
,This place is within a ten minute walk from the "Shinsaibashi" station.
Other articles related to Osaka.
One of Osaka's Best Hostels in the Amerikamura District | STAY in the City AMEMURA
Osaka Castle: What to Know and What to Do While You're There!
Kuromon Market: Where Osaka Natives and Travelers Alike Chow Down
Omurice Lovers! Eat at the Restaurant That Created Omuraisu (Japanese Rice Omelet) in Osaka - Hokkyokusei (北極星)#kansai#food#udon
IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL: A Chic Budget Hostel in a Great LocationSo the JAPANKURU team went to Kyoto, and we had an amazing time! (We found the origin of fortune cookies, which is surprisingly in Japan! And we headed to Arashiyama, to get ourselves a healthy dose of Rilakkuma in the mountains of Kyoto.) But when we found out that there was a new branch of IMANO Hostel opening in Kyoto, we knew we had to check it out. After all, we've visited a few of the IMANO Hostels before. The branch in Osaka, and the two in Tokyo's Shinjuku and Ginza, were all super nice places to stay! We had some idea that this branch would be pretty sleek as well, so off we went, to see what the Kyoto Kiyomizu hostel was all about.,When backpackers imagine a hostel, the first image to come to mind might not be all that great. But Japan, especially Japan's hospitality sector, really prioritizes clean and stylish accommodation. A stay at IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL is a unique experience, with its stylish touches, social atmosphere, and wealth of special Kyoto elements around the hostel.,The IMANO Hostels always include a comfortable space for relaxation as part of their series of youth hostels, making good use of their lobbies. These spaces give travelers a great place to enjoy breakfast or dinner, or just a cup of coffee. The hostels will even sometimes host a variety of fun activities, which are great for visitors looking to make some new friends, or just have a good time. Travelers who are interested in such events can check out the schedules on their website!
🍞Breakfast: 7:30am～10am
☕Cafe: 11am～2pm (last order 1:30pm)
🍺Bar: 5pm～10pm (last order 9:30pm)
,Lots of hostels provide you with a bed, and a shower, and not much else. IMANO KYOTO, on the other hand, has all of the facilities you'd hope for at a hotel, without the price tag! There's a table to eat your own food at, and you can store extra food or drinks in the refrigerator. And if you're in the mood for a relaxing bath, you can just head right to the basement! There's even a little coin-laundry room that you can use at your leisure, complete with washer and dryer. The laundry room is placed quite conveniently next to the area with the fridge, so there's a place for you to sit and wait while you clean your clothes.
If there's anything you forgot at home, the hostel also has a variety of supplies available either for free, or for a small fee. Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash are free to use, while there's a small charge for things like ear plugs, towels, toothbrushes, or razors.,IMANO KYOTO has a few different dorm-type rooms, with different numbers of beds, along with a few private options as well!,🏨 IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL
563-11 Bairincho, 5-chome, Gojodori Yamatooji Higashiiru
⏰: check-in time from 4pm, check-out at 11am
📞: (+81)075-532-0101
Free WIFI Available
IMANO KYOTO KIYOMIZU HOSTEL Official Website (English)
🏩 Make reservations HERE!,Fushimi Inari-taisha
(伏見稲荷大社)
The head shrine of Inari, who is seen as a patron of business, worshipped by merchants and manufacturers. Business people will still come to pray to Inari for good luck, sometimes!
But this shrine is now the #1 sightseeing spot for foreign visitors to Japan. The Fushimi Inari Taisha's Senbon-torii (thousands of torii shrine gates) are a favorite spot for photo ops, and people around the world recognize the gates after seeing them in the film Memoirs of a Geisha.
Access:
7-min walk from Inari Station (5-min ride), Nara Line bound for Nara at JR Kyoto Station
Official Website
Google Maps,Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU🐶!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures. 💖🗾
#kansai#accommodation#hostel
Osaka Castle: What to Know and What to Do While You're There!Osaka Castle is a major sightseeing spot in Osaka, and there's certainly good reason to go! With plenty of history in the area, a visit to the castle can teach you a lot about Japan and some of its famous historical figures. With a modern, information-packed museum inside the building itself, you can spend quite a while there catching up on the last few hundred years of battles and other happenings in Japan. Take advantage of the modern elevator right inside, or climb up a few flights of stairs, and admire the scenic views of Osaka City from the top of the main tower. Or, especially popular during the spring season (but certainly beautiful all year 'round!), stroll through the castle grounds and gardens. If you visit in late March or early April, Osaka Castle is one of the most popular spots in the area for viewing cherry blossoms. During other seasons you'll still be able to admire the lovely foliage and views of the castle itself, of course. Osaka Castle is a must-see spot during any trip to Osaka!,As it stands now, the main tower of Osaka Castle is only about 90 years old, having been rebuilt in 1931. Don't let its relatively recent construction fool you, though— the structures that have occupied that space have a much longer history. All the way back in 1496, a small temple was built on the land, followed by the larger and more important Osaka Honganji Temple. This is where the three unifiers of Japan enter the story, Oda Nobunaga and his retainers Toyotomi Hideyoshi and Tokugawa Ieyasu. Part of Oda's attempt to unify the country included going to war with the temple, eventually burning it to the ground. After Oda Nobunaga's death, Toyotomi followed in his master's footsteps gathering power, and built a castle where the temple had been. He wanted to make the castle great and impressive, and put a strong emphasis on gold leaf! (If only that had survived.) This was the first incarnation of this now famous building, and was the largest castle in Japan at the time.
After Toyotomi died is when things around the castle really heated up, though, as Toyotomi Hideyoshi's son Hideyori grasped at his father's power and based himself in the recently completed Osaka Castle. Japanese history buffs may know... this did not work out particularly well for Hideyori, in the end. Tokugawa Ieyasu, who had been a supporter of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, was less of a fan of his son. The famous Sekigahara War began, and Tokugawa won, claiming power for himself and changing the history of the country. During this struggle, Tokugawa Ieyasu again ruined the structures built on this land, severely damaging Osaka Castle. This meant that the castle was then rebuilt in the 1620's, version number two. The castle walls built during this era still stand, if you're looking for some genuinely old structures during your visit!
Unfortunately, the castle grounds clearly don't have a history of good luck. Fires in 1660 and 1665 damaged large parts of the building, and proper repairs weren't made until the mid-1800's. Not more than 30 years later, in 1868, the castle was captured and then burnt to the ground, a part of the Meiji Restoration. At this point the grounds were used for military barracks for a while, until 1931, when the most recent edition of the castle was finally constructed. The castle didn't get through World War II entirely unscathed, but for the first time in its history, it mostly survived the ordeal. After some major repairs in the '90s, the castle is now a major sightseeing spot, with an entirely modern interior taken up by a historical museum. If you want to read more about the history of the area, Japan, and the three unifiers of Japan, the museum is worth a visit!,While visitors can certainly take a quick look around the museum inside the castle and then be on their way, a relaxing day at the castle grounds is also a great possibility! After you've looked out on the city of Osaka and read up on your Japanese history, take a relaxing stroll along the paths surrounding the mote and take in the really lovely view. There's even a shrine dedicated to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, so you can go thank him for the work he put into making Osaka Castle what it is today. And although it requires an extra entrance fee, the Nishinomaru Garden is also a popular attraction, with a selection of buildings related to the castle (some of which are much older than the main tower), and some great picture-taking angles. Spend a day enjoying all that Osaka Castle has to offer, and let us know what you think!
Osaka Castle/Museum
Hours: 9:00~17:00
(Cherry Blossom Season: 9:00~19:00, Golden Week Holidays: 9:00~18:00)
Admission Fees: 600 yen, free for children in middle school or younger
Nishinomaru Garden
Hours: 9:00~17:00 (Mar. to Oct.), 9:00~16:30 (Nov. to Feb.), 9:00~20:00 (cherry blossom season)
Admission Fees: 200 yen, free for children in middle school or younger
,If you're looking for a place to stay while you enjoy Osaka, check out our article on Imano Osaka Shinsaibashi Hostel!
Or if you want to do some shopping while you're there, head to Kuromon Market for something to eat, and URBAN RESEARCH Shinsaibashi for some new duds!
Be sure to look out for more exciting articles every day at JAPANKURU🐶!!
And add us on Instagram and Facebook to share your Japanese pictures. 💖🗾#kansai#tour#osaka
12345...5
Weibo
Pinterest
Blogger
Naver
Sina
Pixnet
Vimeo
All Contents and pictures are