Saryo Fukucha has unveiled new Japanese herb tea and dessert pairing sets as well as a batch of seasonal autumntime menu items.   Kyoto is a city where history and tradition come together, and where every single day, people from all around the world come and go, each encountering new experiences. Saryo Fukucha opened inside Kyoto Station back in April this year. It is managed by long-running tea company Fukujuen.   ▼Japanese Herb Tea & Dessert Pairing Menu Herb Tea & Dessert Sets: ¥900 Each (Before Tax) *Herb teas by themselves are ¥500 each Running: From October 10, 2019 (Available all year round)

Hibiscus Blend Houjicha x Crème Brûlée Chocolate Berry Confiture

The tea is a luxurious and fragrant blend of light-roasted houjicha, hibiscus and rose hip. It's perfectly paired with a rich chocolate crème brûlée and refreshing berry confiture.

Cinnamon Blend Kukicha x Mascarpone Cream & Apple Tatin

This kukicha, or twig tea, has a distinct refreshing flavour to it. It has been blended beautifully with cinnamon and chamomile. The kukicha is paired with a caramelised apple tatin which is topped with a dollop of rich mascarpone.

Peppermint Blend Kukicha x Seasonal Fruit Tart

Peppermint and chamomile are the blending ingredients for this kukicha tea. It comes with a tart with a full-bodied almond taste topped with seasonal fruits like strawberries and raspberries.

Ginger Blend Genmaicha x Tart Ricotta with Orange

Genmaicha is combined with roasted brown rice, giving it its characteristic sweet-smelling quality. Blended with ginger and dandelion leaves, it's been matched with a fromage blanc cream-topped ricotta cheese tart with a side of orange.   ▼Autumn Menu Running: October 10, 2019 - Late February 2020 (subject to change)

Sasamaki Okowa (Matsutake Mushroom & Daggertooth Pike Conger/Minced Chicken & Yama no Sachi) Houjicha Set - ¥1,200 (Before Tax)

This set was created by Hisato Nakahigashi from Miyamasou, a highly-rated inn in Kyoto. Enjoy the combination of the houjicha tea with the bamboo leaf-wrapped okowa steamed rice.

Chestnut Houjicha Wafer Cake - ¥350 (Before Tax)

Not only does this wafer cake look cute, it's packed full of autumnal ingredients too, including astringent chestnut and coarse sweet red bean paste.

FUKUCHA Specially Made Matcha Koji Sweet Sake Red Bean Soup - ¥700 (Before Tax)

The koji sweet sake used in this dessert has a gentle flavour and a strong aroma. Added to it is matcha, chestnuts, sweet potato, and rice flour dumplings, all set into a mizu manju sweet water jelly.   Japanese confections are always best paired with Japanese tea, so be sure to stop by Saryo Fukucha when travelling around Kyoto.

The Kyoto by the Sea Destination Management/Marketing Organization (DMO) is a general incorporated association that works over 7 cities in the northern region of Kyoto Prefecture. Aiming to increase the amount of information about Kyoto in English for foreigners, they recently opened a brand new website which was created and is managed by their International Promotions Manager Jesse Efron.  Jesse Efon is an American who moved to Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher in Kyoto. Jesse worked at a local elementary and middle school for four years in Kyotango. After training as a local guide and advisor, Jesse rose to Promotion Manager for the DMO. Standing by his motto of "follow your curiosity," Jesse created the Kyoto by the Sea English website to spread news about Kyoto to foreigners. The English version of the website contains articles and information on what to do in Kyoto and is split into five categories: Sea Nature, Sea Heritage, Sea Food, Sea Stay and Sea Yourself. Within these categories, Jesse has uploaded a series of articles which focus on a specific location or area of culture in Kyoto and provides an in-depth explanation along with photographs. From culture and nature to food, Jesse explains the wonders of his home for other foreigners to learn more.  A Statement by Jesse EfronHello everyone, it is nice to meet you!I assumed the position of International Promotions Manager in April. This puts me in charge of relaying Kyoto by the Sea news to our foreign audience. Before joining Kyoto by the Sea DMO, I worked as an Assistant Language Teacher for four years. I have lived in Taiza, Tangocho for five years. It is a great pleasure to be engaged in this work. Kyoto by the Sea works all over Kyoto so I strive to do my absolute best. My motto is "follow your curiosity" and this is what my articles are all about. Please check out the Kyoto by the Sea website.  

Kyoto is known as the ancient capital of Japan. It is said to be the place where quintessential Japanese culture started, and has charmed the world over with its incredibly rich 1,200-year history.   Autumn is a popular season in Japan, especially amongst tourists and travellers. While in spring you have the bright pink cherry blossoms, when autumntime rolls around, the trees turn into enchanting reds and yellows. People from around the world flock to see this incredible sight, with Kyoto being a very popular location.   KYOTO SIDE, a regional information website run by Kyoto Prefecture, has listed a number of must-visit places around the city for seeing the autumn foliage, which is known as koyo in Japanese. Of course, viewing the beautiful colours of the trees and their leaves is a must during the daytime, but seeing them in the evening has become popular in recent years too. It offers you an entirely different experience and atmosphere. Here's three places you should jot down for your Kyoto trip this autumn.  

Jitokuin Temple: A place of rest created by the chief priest and locals

Jitokuin Temple is located in the town of Yosano in Yosa District. Maple trees were planted almost 11 years ago with the help of locals and the chief priest to create local ties. Every autumn, the trees behind the mountain bloom in vivid hues, leading the temple to be nicknamed "Koyo-ji," or "Temple of Autumn." The locals work hard in the surrounding gardens day by day, so the sights change a little bit every year. The maple trees are planted in a way that it looks like they take an entire side of the mountain. They are a sight to be hold during the day, but for one week in November there will be illuminations in the evenings, creating a magical scene under the night sky.   Light-Up Period: November 9, 2019 - November 16, 2019Light-Up Time: 17:00-20:00 (Temple is open 09:00-20:00)Autumn Foliage Peak Period: Early-Mid NovemberAddress: 2250 Akeshi, Yosano, Yoza-gun, KyotoSupport Fund: ¥300Official Website: http://jitokuin.com  

Nariaiji Temple: The 5-storey pagoda comes together with the autumn colours

Nariaiji Temple, located in Kyoto Prefecture's city of Miyazu, is an ancient temple betwixt mountains overlooking Amanohashidate, one of Japan's "Three Scenic Views." It's home to a grand 5-storey pagoda which is surrounded by hundreds of maple trees, offering an incredible, quintessentially Japanese view during autumn. During the day, you can snap some gorgeous photos with the Sea of Japan and Amanohashidate in the back. For two nights only, on Saturday November 9 and Sunday November 10, the entire area will be beautifully lit up with warm illuminations.   Light-Up Period: November 9, 2019 - November 10, 2019Light-Up Time: Sunset - 21:00 (Temple is open 08:00-16:30)Autumn Foliage Peak Period: Early-Late NovemberAddress: 339 Nariaiji, Miyazu, KyotoPrice: ¥500Official Website: http://www.nariaiji.jp/  

Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park: A bright-red landscape from the mountain peak

Kasagiyama Prefectural Natural Park: is located atop Mt. Kasagi and is also home to Kasagi-dera, a temple with a 1,300-year history. During autumn, one entire side of the park is dyed in autumnal colours. This November, the area will be lit up for a limited period, offering a gorgeous view from the mountain peak of the trees below as well as the flowing Kizugawa river.   Light-Up Period: November 1, 2019 - November 30, 2019Light-Up Time: 17:00-21:00 (Temple is open 09:00-16:00)Autumn Foliage Peak Period: Early-Mid NovemberAddress: Mt. Kasagi, Kasagi, Soraku District, KyotoPrice: Illuminations - Free / Temple - Adults ¥300, Children ¥100Official Website: https://www.kasagidera.or.jp     See Japan's autumn colours in an entirely new way this year at one of Kyoto's many autumn-time illumination events.