Capsule hotel Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma introduced a new plan on September 6 which gives guests the chance to go and see sacred places across Kyoto associated with Japanese swords.

October 4th is known as “Japanese Sword Day” in Japan. In Kyoto alone, the number of people visiting from distant places to see sacred sword places, as well as collect goshuin stamps from shrines and temples, is on the increase－as is the number of people staying at Anshin-Oyado Premiere Kyoto Shijo Karasuma. That’s where this new guest plan comes into play.

The plan will take guests around different parts of Kyoto, so the hotel as prepared three options to cater to all guests’ needs: one that offers a rental bicycle, a ticket to use the subway or bus, or the normal plan. You will receive a map which shows you the most efficient way to get around all the locations. There is also a QR code on the map which not only shows where you can park your bicycle if you go for that option, but also where to collect goshuin stamps.

Moreover, to really slash home those sword memories, guests will be lent a free selfie-stick which also acts as a tripod. There is also a separate powder room for guests wanting to dress up in full sword cosplay gear too which can be used until checkout.

Guests can also rent a portable power bank for their phone so they don’t have to worry about their battery running out when snapping photos amongst other amenities, and have free use of the massage chairs, foot baths, open-air baths, and more to rest up after their long pilgrimage around Kyoto seeing the different swords.

At MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON, we have introduced a lot of kawaii bubble tea drinks you can in enjoy in Kyoto. However, we have much more to offer you than just bubble tea news! Today we have summarised the top soda drinks you can enjoy in Kyoto which both look and taste amazing. With the help of kyoto cafe life tiara ‘s phenomenal photos, we will be introducing you our top six picks.

SHIN-SETSU /Nakagyō-ku

Blood Orange (left)  Blue Curaçao (right): ￥690

The history of Yamashina dates back over 1,400 years when Kyoto, then known as “Heian-kyō,” was the official capital of Japan. Located in the southeastern part of Kyoto, Yamashina is rich in history, abound with nature, and has maintained a traditional industry that has gone unbroken since ancient times.

This year, with the arrival of Japan’s new emperor and the opening of a brand new era, five of Yamashina’s great temples are set to unveil several cultural assets, which until now have never been shown to the public.

They are as follows.

Anshoji Temple’s Wooden Jūichimen Kannon Statue (Important National Treasure)

Kajū-ji Temple’s Sliding Door Panel Artwork  – “Eight Views of Ōmi” & “Tatsuta River Autumn Leaves” (Important National Treasures)

Zuishinin Temple’s Gold Lacquered Fan Inkstone Case & 4-Panel Folding Screen

Bishamon-do Temple’s Imperial Prince Flag & Tortoise Shell Doors

Honkokuji Temple’s Kyōzō (Important National Treasure)

Get away from the hustle and bustle of central Kyoto and steep yourself in its history with this very special once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

MERCER BRUNCH TERRACE HOUSE KYOTO is a restaurant located by the Kamo River in Kyoto which serves brunch-style lunches with French toast during the day while in the evening it offers the chance to casually enjoy a gourmet dining experience. The restaurant has whipped up all-new dinner menu dishes that focuses on “steak, Kyoto-produced vegetables, and Italian.”

MERCER BRUNCH TERRACE HOUSE KYOTO can be found on the 3^rd and 4^th floors of PONTONITE which has become a new landmark of Pontocho, a district in Kyoto right next to the Kamo River. From the restaurant one can enjoy a picturesque view of the river, streets and more. The restaurant’s terrace seats are popular with couples, girl get-togethers, and overseas visitors as they offer the closest view of the Kamo River.

Lobster Grill & Bisque Omelette – ¥2,400 (Before Tax)

Fresh Fish Bottarga & Sautéed Manganji Togarashi Pepper – ¥1,800 (Before Tax)

The restaurant’s new menu line-up will be served in the evening from 5pm. This includes the Lobster Grill & Bisque Omelette which is made with luxurious ingredients including Kobe beef fillet and lobster as well as nutrient-packed vegetables grown in Kyoto, the Fresh Fish Bottarga & Sautéed Manganji Togarashi Pepper, and many more. The restaurant is also now starting a “Prefix Dinner Course” which lets you picks your favorite main course amongst other things.

For drinks you can order one of MERCER BRUNCH’s many whiskies or wines as well as fresh a mojito, fruity cocktails and more. There’s even desserts prepared that go perfectly with the Kyoto vegetable and Italian cuisine combination.

With the increase in number of collaborations between contemporary digital art and traditional and historical Kyoto sites, teamLab is getting in on the action with its new digital art exhibition “Digitized Forest at the World Heritage Site of Shimogamo Shrine.”

We are joined by Instagrammer Macchan who recently attended the exhibition and who has provided photos for us.

Shimogamo Shrine is a shrine located between the Kamo River and Mount Kōya. It was registered it as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The shrine is associated good luck in marriage and welcomes sightseers from Japan and around the world. It can be reached by the 205 Bus from Kyoto Station and getting off at either Shimogamo Shrine (下鴨神社) or Tadasu Forest (糺ノ森前). It’s also about a 20-minute taxi ride from Kyoto Station.

This marks the third run of teamLab’s “Digitized Forest” exhibition at Shimogamo Shrine, and this year’s exhibition has been made even bigger. It is running until September 2, 2019.

Floating by the Rōmon Gate of the shrine are spheres of light which change colour and emit various musical tones unique to the colour when touched by a person. They also react to the other spheres around them, changing to the same colour and letting out the same tone, creating a chain reaction.

Egg-shaped orbs of light can be found dotted around the Tadasu Forest by the shrine which illuminate the trees. Like the light spheres, when the eggs are pushed they change colour and play a musical noise specific to that colour, the sound and tone spreading through the forest.

These objects of light can also be found at Mitarashi Pond where they float on the water. The orbs shine brightly and then fade slowly as if breathing. If pushed by people or blown by the wind they will change colour and emit sound.

The best part about teamLab’s art exhibitions is how visitors become part of the exhibition itself by interacting with the installations, offering a much more engaging experience than simply looking. Visit Shimogamo Shrine before the exhibition ends to see digital art meet a traditional Japanese shrine at night.

If you’re looking for more sightseeing recommendations for Kyoto then be sure to follow Macchan on Instagram!

Photos by まっちゃん

Kyoto is the homeland of Japan’s tea. Tea shop Itohkyuemon was first established in Kyoto towards the end of the Edo period of Japan in 1832. It has since become a well-established tea shop that has gained popularity for its high quality tea and tea-based desserts. The shop will be holding a special event called Itohkyuemon X Uji Hojicha Tea Fair from September 2, 2019. This is the perfect opportunity to explore the wonderful flavours of Japan’s famous hojicha tea from the homeland of Japan’s tea. 

Hojicha tea is deeply rooted in Kyoto’s daily culture. At Itohkyuemon, the tea leaves are roasted at a high temperature, creating a wonderful and comforting aroma. The fair will see the release of a wide range of hojicha-infused desserts such as parfaits, a dessert plate, ice cream, chocolate, daifuku, cheesecake, kitkats, chocolate cake, tiramisu and much more.  This is the perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in a range of sweet hojicha flavours. 

The brand new Uji Hojicha Parfait consists of homemade hojicha jelly layered with refreshing hojicha ice cream. This is garnished with a hochicha senbei wafer and drizzled with hojicha syrup. This parfait allows you to taste the variety of wonders of hojicha all in one glass.

Want to tantalize your tongue with more tea? The Hojicha Tea Ceremony set comes with a hojicha daifuku and a drink to complete your parfait experience. 

The Uji Hojicha Chocolate Cake which was previously sold at the Gion-Shijo store has now returned. However, this is in limited supply. The Uji Hoji Dessert Plate includes a slice of Uji Hojicha Chocolate Cake, a Hojicha Mini Parfait, Hojicha Chocolate Ganache, a slice of Hojicha Cheesecake and a Hojicha Daifuku. This is the perfect way to explore hojicha in a variety of dessert forms. 

This is the perfect opportunity to explore the wonderful flavours of one of Japan’s most beloved teas. 

An exhibition centred around Andy Warhol, the American artist who was at the forefront of the pop art movement, is set to roll up to the Kyocera Museum of Art in Kyoto on September 19, 2020.

The exhibition will showcase pieces available only at the The Andy Warhol Museum in Pennsylvania, US. It will be the first Andy Warhol exhibition of its kind to hit Japan and will also touch on his deep knowledge of Kyoto.

The exhibition will be the first to take place in the museum’s new Toyama Cube building which is currently under construction.

More details will be announced on the exhibition’s website and social media accounts below.

Wacoal Corp, the owners of Kyo no Ondokoro―a chain of traditional townhouses turned into hotels―are opening a new branch in the Nishijin area of Kyoto on October 1, 2019.

Kyo no Ondokoro Nishijin Bettei will be the fifth branch of their hotel chain. It was designed by Akira Minagawa―the owner of Japanese clothing label Minä Perhonen―and architect Yoshifumi Nakamura.

The Nishijin area is located a little distance away from the city centre meaning one can avoid the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. The hotel is renovated from a luxurious 95 year old townhouse which was originally set up by merchants in Nishijin silk fabrics to house guests.

It has been renovated to make it feel as if guests are living there and thus feel like they are living in Kyoto.

The first floor features a fully-equipped kitchen with wine cellar as well as a spacious dining area where one can cook up and feast on meals made with ingredients and produce from Kyoto.

Dotted throughout are various art pieces selected by Minagawa to elevate that at-home feeling.

The townhouse also offers lots of convenient services including bagging storage, transport service, guidebooks catered to each season, and more. Staff can also offer information about shops and restaurants in the surrounding areas, and they can also sign you up to food plans packed with Kyoto flavours, and more.

If you want to feel like you’re living in Kyoto then book now with Kyo no Ondokoro Nishijin Bettei.

Coca Cola is adding a brand new design to their famous and stylish regional series. Coca Cola’s Slim Bottle Region Design series features illustrations of famous landmarks around Japan on a slim and stylish bottle.  Yamagata Prefecture will be making its grand debut on the slim and stylish bottle on September 2nd and will be sold only in Yamagata Prefecture. 

The Slim Bottle Region Design series aims to add a refreshing kick to your travels. So far, a total of 31 different designs have been released. These new Coca Colas are the perfect way to splash excitement into whatever new food you discover on your travels in the region and will also provide you with the energy boost you need on a tough day of traveling. In previous years, this stylish Coca Cola bottle has even become a very popular souvenir. 

So far, designs based on regions all over the country have been featured on these bottles. Locations used so far include Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kanto, Hokushinetsu, Tokai, Kansai, Chugoku, Shikoku, Kyushu and Okinawawa. With Yamagata added to the collection, there will be a grand total of 32 different designs.   

Different illustrations to represent the famous foods and culture of Yamagata prefecture cover the entire surface of the bottle. You will notice a person waving a hat decorated with safflowers on a summer night which represents the prefecture’s famous Hanagasa Festival. The illustration of the stylish streets of the Ginzan Onsen will definitely trigger nostalgic memories of the Taisho Era for many. The prefecture’s specialty ー small and sweet sakuranbo cherries ー also make an appearance on the bottle. 

Japan is a haven for bubble tea and tapioca-based beverages. Here on MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON we have covered many shops selling these tasty drinks in Harajuku―the town which started the tapioca boom in Japan―but today we will be heading to the ancient city of Kyoto.

We are joined by Kyoto café life tiara who posts photos of the best drinks and desserts they have tried around the Kansai region of Japan. They have provided us with photos of two must-try bubble teas and two must-try desserts in Kyoto.

ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO in Shijo

ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO is just a 5-minute walk from Shijo Station. The cafe is made from a traditional townhouse along an old-fashioned Kyoto-esque street.

It takes a little while for your drink to arrive placing your order, but that’s because each beverage is carefully handmade from fresh. I ordered the mango smoothie soda and the strawberry smooth soda. Both are fruity and super refreshing and full of chewy tapioca pearls.

▼ROCCA & FRIENDS PAPIER KYOTO

Address: 735-2 Shinkamanzacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Opening Hours: 10:00-18:00

Closed: Mondays

Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/rocca.papier/

&Hana in Shijo

&Hana is located at the back of Kyoto Daimaru. The cheese rose tapioca milk tea I bought is a cute pink colour. It’s a mix of rose which is good for skin and relaxation, sweet brown sugar tapioca, and sour cheese.

Draped at the back of the cafe are bunches of dried flowers which provide an Instagrammable background for your drinks.

▼&hana

Address: 619 Nishiuoyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Opening Hours: Weekdays 11:00-22:00 / Weekends & Holidays 10:00-22:0

No Fixed Holidays

Official Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/and_hana_/

KISSHOKARYO KYOTO in Gion

This honey and tea parfait is special because they only serve 20 of them a day. Tapioca pearls go well not just in drinks but in desserts like this one too♡

The fluffy shaved ice is a perfect match with the homemade Earl Grey tea syrup. The rest of the parfait is made up of milk tea flavoured jelly, tapioca pearls, tea ganache, and other delightful surprises.

I enjoyed mine with lots of syrup and roasted soybean flour!

▼KISSHOKARYO KYOTO Gion Honten

Address: 306 Ishibashicho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto

Opening Hours: 10:00-19:00 (Last Orders 18:30)

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website: https://kisshokaryo.jp/

MASHOLA in Kawaramachi

MASHOLA is a South Korean-style cafe which of course sells tapioca pearl drinks, but also this delicious capo egg brulee tart as well. As soon as you put the order in their fire up the tarts fresh along with hot tapioca pearls for a heavenly melt-in-the-mouth experience.

They also sell bottled strawberry milk packed full of fresh strawberries, and for an extra ¥80 you can top if off with tapioca.

▼MASHOLA

Address: 406 Sakuranocho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture

Opening Hours: 11:00-20:00

No Fixed Holidays

Official Website:  https://mashola.business.site/

Did you enjoy this list? Kyoto café life tiara has lots of other tempting recommendations of drinks and desserts on their Instagram page too, so if you’re looking for something to try while in the Kansai region of Japan be sure to give them a follow.

Text & Photos: ＠happy_pinkrose_tiara

Translation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga

Kyo Yakasa Pudding opened its doors to the world back in April, and since then they have whipped up many different kinds of Japanese custard pudding, known as purin. Earlier this month they released their all new “Yasaka Cider,” a jelly-like drink which became a hit on Japanese Instagram (search with #京八坂プリン).

The shop’s most popular product since launching is the Kyo Yasaka Pudding―named just like the shop. It has a honey and lemon flavoured jelly which is full of agar and mango jelly balls, giving it a cute appearance and very refreshing flavour and completely new kind of texture.

Now, the shop has released its new Yasaka Cider. The word “Cider” in Japanese doesn’t actually refer to the alcoholic drink, but instead is usually a carbonated mixture of lemon and/or lime.

Available this summer only, the Yasaka Cider is the perfect accompaniment for cooling yourself down while strolling the streets of Kyoto, filled with Kyo Yasaka Pudding jelly, agar balls, mango jelly balls, and an in-house made lemon slice and honey mix. The beverage is made fresh to order and comes in a cute bag which you can carry around easily with you.

There are lots of great photo opportunities for Instagram in the store too! If you’re in or travelling to Kyoto this summer then be sure to stop.

Konkaikōmyō-ji, also known as Kurodani Temple, is set to open its doors to the public from November 4 for its autumn illuminations.

Kurodani Temple has a long history, best known as serving as the Kyoto Shugoshoku―the office of the Tokugawa shogunate―during the Bakumatsu period. It has relations to the Shinseigumi, a military force which was active during this time which was dedicated to suppressing anti-shogunate activities. It is also the first place that Hōnen, the founder of Japanese Pure Land Buddhism, spread his teachings.

For the special opening, you will be able to see the famous chicken painting Tori-zu Oshiebari Byobu by Itō Jakuchū as well as treasures associated with Hōnen and more.

The number of tigers on the famous tiger doors of the temple changes as you slide them.

From the temple grounds you can enjoy a breathtaking scene of the gardens where the autumnal colours of the trees reflect from the surface of the pond.

Kurodani Temple is also home to the Gokōshiyui Amidabutu Statue, which became the talk of the town in the media when it was dubbed the “Afro Buddha,” and looks deep in contemplation.

There will also be performances three times a day in the evening using traditional Japanese instruments like the koto and shinobue.

If you pay for the premium entry plan you can enter 30 minutes earlier and will be guided by one of the official gardeners or expert of the gardens.