The bustling Kyoto Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan, adored for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture for which it brings in tourists every year both Japanese and foreign.
Summertime in Kyoto is renowned for being very hot. We’ve compiled a list of 3 must-visit locations where you can cool down during the summer heat―each of which have beautiful sights―and how to get to them.
Explore the Caverns of Shizushi Limestone Cave Park
The only limestone caves in Kyoto Prefecture, Shizushi Limestone Cave Park offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities from cave exploration to camping, bird watching and much more. The caves are a designated national monument of Kyoto Prefecture. Many fossils have been collected from the caves that date back to before the Permian period (which ended 252.2 million years ago) including fusulinida and crinoids. The temperature of the caves sits between 12℃-15℃ throughout the year making it a very popular spot for cooling off during times of hot weather.
▼Shizushi Limestone Cave Park
Address: Shizushi, Kyotamba, Funai District, Kyoto
Access: Board a JR bus from Sonobe Station (JR Sagano Line) bound for Enpuku (園福線) and get off at Hinokiyama (桧山). Change onto a Choei (町営) bus. Get off at the Shizushi Limestone Cave entrance (鐘乳洞口) and walk for 5 minutes.
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Website: http://www.kyotamba.org/質志鐘乳洞公園/
Beach Swings and Sunsets at Yuhigaura
Yuhigaura sits on the coast of Kyoto’s Tango area and is known for its iconic sunsets. Every year during summertime, giant swings made from driftwood and other materials are placed onto the beaches. Sitting on these during the evening sunset make for an incredibly picturesque scene.
And this year they’re serving an original drink called the “Magic Hour” for a limited time.
▼Yuhigaura
Address, 390 Aminocho Hamazume, Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture
Access: Board the Limited Express Hashidate (特急はしだて号) train at Kyoto Station and get off at Yūhigaura-Kitsu-onsen Station (夕日ヶ浦木津温泉)
Homepage: http://yuukan.com/news/17/?view_oft=0
Amanohashidate Sandbar Illuminations
Last year’s illuminations at the Amanohashidate sandbar brought in over 30,000 people. The sandbar is one of Japan’s three scenic views. The illumination event is held annually with this year’s running from July 13 to September 1. The lights turn the sandbar into a truly magical spectacle.
A special bar is also open for the light-up where you can get drinks along with several other exciting events surrounding it.
▼Amanohashidate Light-Up
Address: Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto
Running: July 13, 2019 – September 1, 2019
Event Details: https://www.facebook.com/amanohashidate.machiakari/
Stay cool this summer in Kyoto by hitting up one of these tourist hot spots!
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Kyoto is renowned for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture, but did you know it’s also home to some extremely cute and delicious desserts? Their sweets and desserts are actually pretty popular, some of which contain motifs and little nods to the city.
Today, Instagrammer meme takes us on a tour in Kyoto to try out 4 popular desserts.
JEREMY&JEMIMAH
JEREMY&JEMIMAH is a shop selling cute and colourful cotton candy. Their staple Wata-Hako cotton candy comes in 10 different flavours! In the photo we have yuzu, rose and matcha flavours. Of the two branches of the store, there is one along Furukawacho Shopping Street where you order your cotton candy for takeout, and another in Yasaka that serves cotton candy on long sticks.
We picked up a few different ones since there are so many flavours and designs. It was fun lining them up to take a picture.
We took them home to eat and they stayed nice and fluffy the whole way back. The yuzu one tasted a little herbal, like it was healthy for you.
▼JEREMY&JEMIMAH (Furukawacho Shopping Street Branch)
Address: Furukawacho Shopping Street, 444-3 Hachikenchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00
Official Website: http://www.jeremyjemimah.com/
ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK
At ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK, you can order these iced dessert matcha and houjicha lattes which are topped with yatsuhashi―a confection sold in Kyoto―shaped into various sights across the city including Kyoto Tower, Hōkanji Temple, Daimonji, a Torii gate, and more.
I ordered the matcha latte. The drink itself isn’t sweet at all so you can enjoy the full original rich and bitter flavour of the matcha. The fresh cream however is quite sweet so you can mix it into the drink as much as you want to get your desired flavour.
There are lots of great spots in the area such as the Hōkanji Temple pagoda and Yasaka Shrine so you can snap some great sightseeing photos♡
▼ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK
Address: 370 Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocca.truck/
Jumondo
We also visited Jumondo which sells Kyoto-style dango, or “sweet dumplings.” We shared three different orders amongst three people: Danraku (団楽) which comes as a set with a drink, Dandan (だんだん) which comes with matcha, and Zenzai to Aburi Kuri Kinton (ぜんざいと炙り栗きんとん).
Once you order, the dango are made fresh so are served hot and chewy. Each dumpling is on the small side so are nice and easy to eat.
The Danraku comes with five different dumplings including sweet soy glaze, mashed sweet bean paste, soy sauce and black sesame seed, fried, and white miso. The Dandan comes with three types of your choice and a wafer filled with mashed sweet bean paste. The Zenzai to Aburi Kuri Kinton with mashed sweet potatoes with sweetened chestnut dango. The final one comes with matcha which can be served hot or cold.
Everything was tasty but my personal favourite was the yuzu flavoured white miso dumpling.
The one that everybody raved about was the Zenzai which is a thick soup that the dango are placed into. These dumplings are bigger, not too sweet and light. The soup went really well with the dango, it was super tasty.
▼Jumondo
Address: 76 Tamamizuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
TEL: 075-525-3733
Official Website: http://jumondo.jp/index.html
Kyo Yasaka Pudding
Yasaka is a particularly popular tourist spot in Kyoto, and that’s where the cute purin shop Kyo Yasaka Pudding is located.
Purin is a type of custard purring sold in Japan. The first pudding we picked up was the store’s recommended option named after the store itself, the Kyo Yasaka Pudding. It contains a transparent lemon and honey flavoured jelly inside which there are small and colourful agar agar balls and mango jelly balls.
It has an enjoyable texture and a refreshing sweetness that I’ve never experienced before with other purin. It’s very tasty!
There are five flavours to choose from, the others being hard, smooth, matcha and black soy bean, and houjicha black soy bean. All are served in tiny cute jars. Not only do they look great, they taste amazing too. Each is made with ingredients sourced in Kyoto including the milk, Uji matcha, houjicha, and black soy beans.
They also sell soft serve ice cream topped with candy balls, very Kyoto-like! You can choose from vanilla, matcha, or a mix of both. I think it’ll be really fun if you can snap a photo of your ice cream with one of Yasaka’s stylish locations in the background! Speaking of which, there was a cute illustration on the wall of the store so we took our photo there.
Be sure to pay a visit to Kyo Yasaka Pudding to pick up your own pudding whether as a souvenir or for yourself.
▼Kyo Yasaka Pudding
Address: 87-4 Hoshinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
TEL: 075-533-8338
Official Website: https://kyo-yasaka-pudding.co.jp/
Kyoto is full of shops selling desserts and sweets perfect to walk around and munch on while you walk its ancient streets, or to take home as a souvenir. Enjoy all the tasty things you can during your visit to this beautiful city♡
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Photos/Text: meme
Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga
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For a limited period, popular Ujicha and Matcha (green tea) sweets shop Gion Tsujiri will release the Summer-Coloured Matcha Milkshake.
Summer-Coloured Matcha Milkshake: ￥700 (after tax)
Specially-selected, rich-flavoured matcha and mild milk is deliciously blended to make a matcha milkshake. This is topped with fresh fruity peach whipped cream and a generous serving of juicy yellow peach pieces. This summer-limited drink is the perfect balance of sweet and sour.
Gion Tsujiri stays true to its traditional sweet-making values whilst developing new ways to enjoy them. Make sure you pop by!
Information
Summer-Coloured Matcha Milkshake
Price: ￥700 (after tax)
Gion Tsujiri main store
Address: 573-3 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto
Website: https://www.giontsujiri.co.jp
Online shop: https://www.kyoto-wel.com/shop/S81095/
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BnA Alter Museum is a new art hotel set to open Kawaramachi-Takatsuji, Kyoto on May 17 that will showcase Japanese artwork to guests from across the globe. Its 31 rooms feature artwork from 16 up-and-coming artists, there is a gallery on the 10th floor, and more. The hotel hopes to serve as a hub to promote new culture from the Kansai region through unprecedented and experimental artwork.
Each and every room is its own unique art project. This is the third hotel that BnA has opened. The hotel chain has been picked up by over 250 media companies around the world including The Guardian and Conde Nast for its approach to compensate artists by giving them part of the revenue earned from guests.
The number of hotels using art and artwork is in the increase, but at BnA this isn’t simply a painting on the wall. The entirety of each room is a whole art piece from the furniture to the materials used.
9 art directors are also on board with the project in addition to the 16 artists to ensure the hotel becomes an important player in Kansai’s art scene. There will be a room in the hotel with a 24-hour video produced by Daito Manabe who has worked on Perfume’s performances and is a key player in the upcoming Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
There’s also a room with interactive sounds and lights created by BOREDOMS vocalist Yamantaka EYヨ, and room that plays with water and produced by Tetsuya Umeda who has created various installations and art performances around the world, and more. Art directors include Noboru Tsubaki from Kyoto University of Art and Design, Ogaki Gaku of ASITANOSIKAKU, and more.
There will also be a bar called Untitled, a cafe, gallery and art shop, all of which can be used by non-guests.
As you climb the stairs of the 10th floor gallery of the BnA Alter Museum you are met with a towering 6 meter tall art piece. Events will also be held at the hotel so that non-guests can enjoy the facility too.
Information
BnA Alter Museum
Address: 267-1 Tenmacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
Business Hours:
・Front: 24 hours
・Staircase Gallery: 11:00-18:00 (Also open 7:30-11:00 for guests only)
・Cafe: 12:00- 18:00
・”Untitled” Bar: 18:00-02:00TEL: 075-748-1278
BnA Official Website: https://www.bna-hotel.com/
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Kyoto, also called the “old capital,” is known as a cultivator of Japanese culture which it has developed over the past 1,200 years. Today we take a look at some must-visit places when travelling to Kyoto along with some useful sightseeing information.
Motoise, Japan’s oldest power spot
Ise Grand Shrine is located in Mie Prefecture and is home to the inner shrine which is dedicated to Amaterasu, the Japanese goddess of the sun and the universe. Kono Shrine in Miyazu, Kyoto is known as Motoise, or “former Ise,” as it was here that Amaterasu was originally enshrined before being moved to Ise grand Shrine. Motoise celebrates 1,300 years since being erected this year. The shrine houses Amanohonoakari no Mikoto, the sun goddess’s grandchild. Deeper in the vicinity is Manai Shrine which has been a ‘power spot’ for over 3,000 years. The term power spot is Japanese for a spiritual spot where one can feel in-tune with nature and the surrounding elements.
Manai Shrine doesn’t have the usual Komainu guardian lion-dogs at its entrance but Komaryuu, guardian dragon-dogs. As you head deeper in you will come to a well of holy water known as “Amenomanai’s Water” which is visited by many people to receive happiness and blessedness. “Manai” is the highest honorific possible given to water in Japan as it is said to be water from the world of the gods. The water is also known for granting strong marriage ties.
Here there is also the Iwakura, a large rock where Izanagi and Izanami―from Japan’s creation myth―dwell. It is known as the oldest power spot in Japan so is perfect for those wanting to calm down or rediscover themselves.
Aomomiji Tunnel wrapped in fresh verdure
Shuuonan in the city of Kyotanabe gets the name “Ikkyu-ji” as it is the place where Japanese Zen Buddhist monk Ikkyū spent his final years. The location is known by everyone for the autumnal colours in fall, but it is also a sight to behold in spring too when fresh verdure sprouts. A long tunnel of beautiful maple trees whose leaves have not yet turned red rolls out from the main gate. Moss too blooms fresh and lush, wrapping the entire area in bright green hues.
Green arches welcome walkers along the maple shrine road
Also easily accessible from the city is Komyo-ji temple, known locally as “Momiji Temple” for its maple trees. In Autumn, the stone pavement leading up to the shrine is called “Momiji Shrine Road” for the red leaves that adorn the trees. In the spring season however they call it “Aomomiji Shrine Road” as the trees on both sides stretch and form leaf green arches.
A world of green aboard the “Aomomiji Train”
Board the Eizan Electric Railway to experience a slow ride between the “Momiji Tunnel.” Passengers can gaze outside the windows from their seats to admire the green maple trees. For a limited-time this year, the trains will be painted maple green to fit the theme and season.
Fireflies light up the magical summer evenings
Located in the northern part of Miyazu is Tahara which is home to just 20 country fields. In early summer, genji-botaru and heike-botaru fireflies appear from early to late June. Every year the village locals hold a festivals to celebrate them where people can stroll along the fields to see them. Surrounding restaurants also participate in the festival and serve up delicious food made using local ingredients.
Kyoto is home to countless wonderful experiences. Make sure visiting it is on your bucket list.
Information
Kono Shrine
Address: 430 Ōgaki, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 7:00-15:00
TEL：0772-27-0006
Shuuonan Ikkyu-ji
Address: 102 Takigisatonouchi, Kyotanabe, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00
Admission Fee: ¥500
TEL: 0774-62-0193Website: http://www.ikkyuji.org/access/
Komyo-ji Temple
Address: 26-1 Saijo Ao, Nagaokakyo, Kyoto Prefecture
Opening Hours: 9:00-16:00
Entry: Free
TEL: 075-955-0002Website: http://www.komyo-ji.or.jp/
*There are no car parks at Komyo-ji Temple or in the nearby area so please arrive using public transport.
Aomomiji Train Ride
Running: April 27, 2019 – May 31, 2019
Route: Ichihara Station to Ninose Station via Eizan Electric Railway
Time:
[Weekdays] 9:02-16:20 (On trains bound for Demachiyanagi Station) / 9:41-16:59 (On trains bound for Kurama Station)
[Saturdays & Holidays] 9:00-16:30 (On trains bound for Demachiyanagi Station) / 9:34-17:04 (On trains bound for Kurama Station)
Information: https://eizandensha.co.jp/event/detail893/
Tahara Firefly Festival
Date: June 8, 2019
Time: 17:00-21:00
Location: Tahara Nousan Kakou Center, 81 Tahara, Miyazu, Kyoto Prefecture
Entry: Free
TEL: 0772-45-1609
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Confectionery wholesaler Ohashi Chinmido opened its first ever pudding shop on Yasaka-dori on Monday 15th April 2019.
Yasaka-dori is a popular tourist destination among girls. You can see many strolling the street wearing traditional Yukata robes. The area is also famous for its famous temple called Yasaka Koshindo. Here, you will be welcomed by many colourful ‘Kukurisaru‘. You can write a wish on one and hang it up for it to come true! This is a famous Instagram photo spot! It’s this very culture-filled area that the new pudding shop “Kyo Yasaka Pudding” was born. The pudding perfectly represents the colourful street.
The Kyo Yasaka Pudding is made of two layers. The first layer takes on the appearance of Yasaka’s street view. The clear lemon and honey jelly contains colourful agar balls and mango jelly balls. The second layer consists of smooth, melt-in-the-mouth pudding.
The smooth and rich pudding is made with locally-sourced milk and vanilla pods. It goes perfectly with the lemon and honey jelly! The colour of the pudding and jelly also look cute together. The pudding also has a fresh, new texture!
The shop also sells “Matcha black soybean pudding” which uses matcha sourced from Uji, Kyoto and black soybeans sourced from Tanba. Hoji tea sourced from Uji, Kyoto, and the black soybeans sourced from Tanba are also used to make another shop speciality called “Hoji tea black soybean pudding”. There are many more items on the menu, and they are all made from ingredients that really allow you to taste the true flavours of Kyoto.
Enjoy the flavours of Kyoto to your heart’s content at this newly-opened pudding shop!
Information
Kyo Yasaka Pudding
Address：87-4, Hoshinocho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, 605-0853
Opening hours：10:00 ー 17:30
Website: http://www.kyo-yasaka-pudding.co.jp
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Oniku no Chirashi had its grand opening in Ninenzaka, Kyoto on March 28 this year. This restaurant serves chirashizushi, or “scattered sushi,” combining an assortment of Kyoto ingredients and produce from Japanese black beef and saikyo miso to things like kyotsukemono, Kyoto-style pickles.
Food is served in traditional Japanese-style and combines beef and scattered sushi to fully bring out the delicious flavour of the meat.
Oniku no Masu Chirashi: ¥2,680 (Before Tax)
This scattered sushi dish comes with everything from beef flakes to Japanese black wagyu roast beef, roast beef with salted kōji, roast beef with saikyo miso, and more.
Oniku no Hana Chirashi: ¥2,280 (Before Tax)
This luxurious bowl is filled with Japanese black wagyu roast beef and kyotsukemono with added wasabi for accent.
To celebrate their grand opening, the restaurant is currently handing out the above-pictured springtime water warabimochi until May 6.
Information
Oniku no Chirashi (Kyoto Ninenzaka Branch)
Business Hours: 11:00-18;30 (Last Orders 18:00)
Address: 349-21 Masuyachō Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture
TEL: 075-744-0829
Closed: Tuesdays
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Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto.
On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.
After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.
Don’t miss this curious exhibition!
Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
～GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD～
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00
Tickets on sale until 15:30 each day.
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators.
Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako
Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland – Sunshine by Ono Tako
Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.
A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece.
Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements.
A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade.
Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato
Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato
Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits.
Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.
A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon.
Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.comEnjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.
Information
NFT Marketplace HINATA
Release Date: November 25, 2022
Official Site: https://hinata-nft.com/company
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The cities of Hirosaki and Hakodate in Hokkaido have announced that they will team up with Hatsune Miku’s popular iteration Snow Miku to promote tourism in the area this winter. A number of activities will begin in December 2022.
[Snow Miku x Hirohako] Collaboration Project
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Poster Featuring Snow Miku
・Period: Mid-November~February 28, 2023
・Locations: Facilities in both cities, tourist facilities, hotels, shopping areas
■Snow Miku Illustration Contest Exhibition Event
Over 50 illustrations have been submitted under the theme of Snow Miku and Hakodate / Snow Miku and Hirosaki. These will be on display through the winter!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Venues: Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center (Hirosaki)
Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse (Hakodate)■Snow Miku Photo Spot
Snow Miku panels featuring shamisen and apples from Hirosaki will be on display, while the Hakodate version will include references to squid fishing and footbaths.
・On Display: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: JR Hirosaki Station, Chuohirosaki Station (Hirosaki)
JR Hakodate Station, Hakodate Airport (Hakodate)
■Digital Stamp Rally Using the Mikunavi App
A number of panels will be installed at five checkpoints in Hirosaki and Hakodate. A total of 1,000 people–500 in each city–will win original merch including a Snow Miku mask case and decorated masking tape. All you need to do is check in!
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: (Hirosaki) Hirosaki Municipal Tourist Center, Hirosaki City Machinaka Information Center,
Hirosaki Tourist Information Center, Hirosaki Castle Information Center, Tsugaru-han Neputa Village
(Hakodate) Kanemori Red Brick Warehouse, Yunokawa Hot Spring Footbath, Goryōkaku Tower,
Hakodate Green Plaza C Block (Hakodate Lumi-Pop), Old Public Hall of Hakodate Ward
■Hirohako Winter Tourism Campaign Theme Song and Music Video
The tourism theme song will get a new music video that will be broadcast on YouTube, at local tourist facilities, and on TV and radio!
・On Air: December 1, 2022~
・Theme Song: Mahou no Keshiki (Lyrics/Composition: ryuryu)
■Snow Miku Welcome Announcements to be Broadcast at Tourism Facilities, etc.
A one-minute welcome announcement by Snow Miku will air at tourist facilities!
・Running: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
・Locations: Tourist areas in both cities
■Snow Miku Filters Using AR
When each barcode is scanned with a smartphone, Snow Miku will appear on the screen! Visitors can take pictures with Snow Miku to commemorate their winter trip to Hirosaki and Hakodate.
・Available: December 1, 2022 – February 28, 2022
Information
Hirosaki x Hakodate x Snow Miku Tourism Campaign
Beginning December 2022
Details: https://www.hirosaki-kanko.or.jp/edit.html?id=hirohako
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From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.
This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.
NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
NAKED Distanced Lanterns
NAKED Tsukubai
Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping
DANDELION PROJECT
Virtual Fashion Show
Limited Edition Paper Goshuin
This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace.
This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter?
Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Ninna-ji
Venue: Ninna-ji (Five-storied Pagoda, Main Temple)
Running: December 10 – December 18, 2022
*No admission on December 17 due to a private event.
Hours: 17:30-21:30 *Last entry at 21:00
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/kyoto/ -
monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World
Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!
Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture.
Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.
While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!
We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world.
Information
monopo × Shokuraku Asano
Official Site: https://obiproject.monopo.net/
Video Link: https://vimeo.com/724915502 -
From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition.
Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto
*The products shown are under development and may change slightly.
Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard
*The postcard’s design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.
*Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.
*Postcards will only be available while supplies last.
Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!
©芥見下々／集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会
Information
Jujutsu Kaisen Product Exhibition: Kyoto
Running: November 17 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Special event space in front of West Ticket Gate at JR Kyoto Station
Official Site: https://bussan-ryoikitenkai.com/
Twitter: https://mobile.twitter.com/bussanryoiki
*More information will be shared on the official website, so check back often. -
From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum.
A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive.
NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.
At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event!
Information
Light and Food Ensemble
Running: December 10 – December 25, 2022
Hours: 18:00-21:30 (Last entry at 21:00)
Light and Food Ensemble ~Evening Flower Banquet Directed by NAKED~
Venue: Kyoto National Museum
Tickets / Official Site: https://ensemblekyoto.com/
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Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto.
The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.
“I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter.
The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala.
Information
Golden World: Infinite Light by Yoshitaka Amano
～GOLDEN VIEW OF THE WORLD～
Running: November 23 – December 8, 2022
Venue: Myoshin-ji (1 Hanazonomyoshinjicho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto)
Hours: 9:00-12:00 / 13:00-16:00 *Tickets sold until 15:30
Admission: Adults ¥700 / Children ¥400
Details: https://goldenworld.jp/
Official Site: https://www.myoshinji.or.jp/
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From November 11 until December 4, NAKED will hold the unique NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO event in Uji. The one-of-a-kind art project is being produced through a partnership with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Several events and art exhibitions will appear in the Kyoto area until December 25, 2022.
The project first began on September 15 at Kyoto City Hall, and it will move to Uji on November 11. NAKED’s unique digital art will bring color to Uji, a place steeped in Japanese history and the heart of Japanese tea culture. The Asagiri Bridge, appearing in The Tale of Genji, will be illuminated, and the Zen temple Kosho-ji will be offering tea ceremonies and a digital teamaking experience for guests to enjoy. NAKED’s popular Distance Lanterns will return, allowing visitors to explore Uji at night while properly socially distancing.
At Kosho-ji, guests can enjoy the renewed DANDELION PROJECT. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff with their name on it to the metaverse version of Kosho-ji and beyond, eventually causing a digital flower to bloom.
Why not come take a quiet walk through the streets of Uji, Kyoto?
Works
Urasenke Tea Ceremony and Digital Teamaking Experience
『DANDELION PROJECT』by RYOTARO MURAMATSU / NAKED
NAKED Distance Lantern®︎
Asagiri Bridge and Kotosaka Interactive Illuminations
NAKED Tsukubai®︎
Chazuna’s New Mobility C⁺walkT Experience
Information
NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Uji
Venue: Uji, Kyoto (Near Kosho-ji)
Running: November 11 – December 4, 2022
Kosho-ji Exclusion Dates: 11/19-28, 12/3-4
Hours: 17:30-21:00*Kosho-ji is open from 17:30-20:00 (Last entry at 19:30)
Tickets: https://www.kkday.com/ja/product/134386
Official Site: https://garden.naked.works/venue_kyoto/1450/
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The 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii will be held at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art from October 7 until December 11, 2022. Cinnamoroll, the grand prize winner of the 2022 Sanrio Character Awards, visited the event on opening day, and second place winner Pompompurin visited on October 8.
The exhibition itself traces the long and storied history of Sanrio, as the company celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. Guests will be able to learn more about ‘kawaii culture,’ something that has since garnered worldwide attention and become massively popular with audiences around the globe. Fans of specific Sanrio characters will be able to see how each was designed, and rare drawings and products will be on display.
Visitors will be able to trace how Sanrio developed each character’s personality and style over time, and will surely see how the company placed major importance on communication with audiences. Sanrio’s characters continue to transcend time, popular with people of all ages.Information
60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii
Venue: Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art, Main Building,
North Corridor 2F (124 Okazaki Enshojicho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto)
Running: October 7 – December 11, 2022
Details: https://www.ktv.jp/event/sanrio/
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At the 5th annual Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022, a collection of Attack on Titan playing cards made in traditional Japanese style took the Gold Prize in the Craft Design category. In Japanese, monozukuri means ‘to make something by hand.’
The Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards aims to revitalize business between the anime industry and local companies and organizations. It honors outstanding collaborative products, inviting those with a creative streak to try their luck at designing something uniquely anime-inspired. This year’s awards show saw 157 total entries, with one winning the grand prize, seven winning both gold and silver, and six winning bronze.
Charaditional Toys was launched this year, and the company aims to create items for adults who love anime characters. The Gold Award was granted to the company after judges were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and high quality shown in the final product. Made by Oishi Tengudo, a company founded in Kyoto in 1800, the cards were made using classic methods. These 48 original playing cards are like nothing fans of Attack on Titan have seen before.
A second project is scheduled for release in winter 2022, so stay tuned!
©諫山創・講談社／「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会
Information
Attack on Titan x Original Playing Cards
Price: Wooden Box Version ¥3,800 / Framed Version ¥18,000 (Both Excluding tax)
Details/Purchase: https://charaditional-toy.myshopify.com
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Fans of the Sound! Euphonium anime will want to visit Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande from September 23 until November 20, 2022! The second-floor restaurant Octava will be holding a special collaboration cafe with the series in conjunction with the Keihan Electric Railway. The project is part of the collaboration between the series and the local railway that began in August, and fans will be able to order food and drink items inspired by their favorite characters.
Collaboration Menu
Kumiko’s Omurice
Reina’s Pasta with Sweet and Spicy Tomato Sauce
Hazuki’s Matcha Ice Cream & Sapphire’s Macarons
Mr. Taki’s Spicy Curry Pizza
Sound! Tuba-kun’s Fruit Cake
Drink Menu
Kumiko’s Strawberry Milk
Reina’s Butterfly Pea
Hazuki’s Blue Soda
Sapphire’s Orange Juice
Band President & Vice President’s Matcha au Lait
Straw Tags
Bonuses
Bonus for Dining In-store: Lunch Mat
Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (5 varieties, 1 secret)
*Coasters will be given at random.
Life-size Panels
From omurice and pasta to fruit cake and spicy curry pizza, there is certainly a dish perfect for everyone at the cafe. Guests can also enjoy five different types of drinks, and a coaster will be handed out at random for each order. Those dining at the cafe will enjoy their meal on a special lunch mat, and life-size character panels will be perfect for snapping some photos for social media. Music from the series will be played on-site, so come enjoy while you can!
Information
Keihan Electric Railway x Sound! Euphonium 2022
Running: September 23 – November 20, 2022
Lunch: 11:30-14:30 (Last order at 14:00)
Dinner: 17:30-22:00 (Last order at 21:30)
*From 2:30 to 5:30, only items from the take-out drink menu are available.
Reservations Now Open
Reservations: https://bit.ly/3RFPf4i
Venue: Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande, 2F Restaurant Octavar
https://www.hotelkeihan.co.jp/kyoto/restaurant/
