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Archery Competitions at Sanjusangendo
Today, as in the past, Sanjusangendo remains the site of annual archery (kyudo meaning way of the bow) competitions. Though they are scaled back somewhat from the old days when records counted in the thousands of arrows. Now the competitions are part of Seijin no Hi or Coming of Age Day ceremonies which occur mid-January to mark a 20 year-old’s transition to adulthood.
Coming of Age Day Archery Competition at Sanjusangendo
Photo credit to ikoi-no-ie.blogspot.com
Sanjusangendo (Rengeo-in), Kyoto
Along with its numerous compelling characteristics Kyoto is an intensely mystical place. The landscape and aesthetic design of its temples and shrines are primed to deliver a spiritual awakening. One of my friends who has lived and worked in Japan for three decades uses a visit to Sanjusangendo (also known as Rengeo-in or Temple of the Lotus King) to take the measure of a soul. Continue reading
Ginkakuji, The Silver Pavilion, Kyoto
I arrive at Ginkakuji (The Silver Pavilion) late in the day, the same time as numerous other groups. I’m running out of oomph and my enthusiasm for wandering through one more heritage site is flagging. I’m feeling almost defeated in my purpose to relax in Kyoto. Continue reading
Posted in Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Ginkakuji, Places to visit in Kyoto, Silver Pavilion, Yosa Buson
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Heading to Kyoto to Relax: Part 2
Kyoto, once the seat of the Japanese Imperial Court (794 – 1869), is also known as Heian-kyo meaning tranquility and peace capital. How could you not relax in this city with a name like that?
In fact, Kyoto is an ideal destination for any traveller seeking the pleasures of Japan—other than those bent on dissipations that Tokyo and other larger cities offer. The debauched might find Kyoto a bit sedate. Continue reading
Heading to Kyoto to Relax: Part 1
After a week of staying in her home and touring the Kyotamba area together, my friend Kyoko drops me off at Sonobe Station. Now I’m rocking toward Kyoto on the JR Sagano Line, heading back to the city for a little solo adventure. Kyoto, one of my favourite Japanese cities, is a perfect place in which to be at ease and relax. Continue reading
Famous crackers and bean cakes
Senbei are ubiquitous in Japan. Many varieties of the savoury (but sometimes sweet) and crunchy, bite-sized crackers are regional specialties. For that reason (and because they are light and keep well) they are popular as omiyage (obligatory gifts). Continue reading
Posted in Food, Wine & Restaurants, Japan, Travel & Culture
Tagged Japanese bean cakes, Japanese crackers, Senbei, Yaki
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Tamba Winery
Today we pile into Kyoko’s car for a tour of Tamba Winery in Toriino, not far from her home. Vintner and winery founder Tetsuo Kuroi chose this area for its rich soil and climatic conditions. Here the average day to night temperature fluctuations are some of the most extreme in Japan and ideal for wine production. Continue reading
Kitamura Traditional Japanese Village
On our way through various locales in Kyotamba, Kyoko and I stop for lunch and wander around Kitamura village in Miyama-cho afterwards. Here numerous homes built in the traditional way with thatched roofs have been preserved. I am continuously amazed at such sites, to see the manner in which natural materials are used. Continue reading