Author Archives: Lynda Philippsen

Kyoto Kitcho, Kyoto Hotel Granvia

First established in 1930 in Osaka, Kitcho has grown—along with its reputation for supreme attention to season, setting, presentation, taste, and likely the most famous service in Japan—oh yeah—and expense. Continue reading

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Ryoanji, Kyoto

Ryoanji’s rock garden, the ultimate in Zen art, is a simple rectangle of clay walls, gray-white sand, fifteen stones, and a veranda for viewing. That’s it. Continue reading

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Tofukuji Temple, Kyoto

Tofukuji Temple, one of five primary Zen temples in Kyoto, boasts another National Treasure: the oldest Sanmon (main Zen temple gate) in Japan. Continue reading

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Saying So Long to Summer

Overhead, the geese in giant check marks underscore the realization: We are at another summer’s end. Continue reading

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Orbite Bar, Kyoto Hotel Granvia

It’s the kind of room where you are invited to keep your own bottle of whiskey—if you have the good fortune to be that regular here. I wish. Continue reading

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Kyoto Depaato

A depaato is a mercantile microcosm not unlike a museum which truly reflects Japanese culture. The main difference is that it contains artifacts of the present rather than the past. Continue reading

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Tourist or Traveler: Does the distinction matter anymore?

Now-a-days such distinctions have blurred somewhat. Traveller or a tourist, most often each is going somewhere with some anticipation of a good time as well as experiences not to be found at home. Continue reading

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Archery Competitions at Sanjusangendo

Today, as in the past, Sanjusangendo remains the site of annual archery competitions. Continue reading

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Sanjusangendo (Rengeo-in), Kyoto

There’s something other-worldly and even spine-tingling about the sight of 1001 Buddha statues stretching to infinity. Continue reading

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Ginkakuji, The Silver Pavilion, Kyoto

I arrive at Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) late in the day, my enthusiasm for one more heritage site flagging. Continue reading

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