boiled tofu restaurant 'Okutan Kiyomizu'

You should try tofu at restaurants if you come to Kyoto as tofu is one of specialty here. The restaurant is located near Kiyomizu Temple which is very famous temple. It is also close to Gion sightseeing area. The building is old Kyoto style outside and inside. There is a cozy Japanese garden and there are some seats beside of it. You can enjoy the view as you have meal. Lunch with boiled tofu is available from 3,000yen/person. It could be good experience to have tofu meal which cooked and served by professional staffs.

'Rurale' Japanese restaurant

You can find the place in downtown area but it is actually quiet and nice place where it is located. The garden is cozy and relaxing. Of course the meal is also nice and special. Something for the season is available. (I had ayu fish for a lunch combo in June:)) Not so crowded even the place is close to the busy area. You can enjoy your meal as wile away the time.

Inkline Kyoto for sakura trees

Have you seen sakura trees in Kyoto this year?
There is a place where you can see them with unusual scene.

Inkline Kyoto.
There use to be rail lines for trains but it doesn't used anymore.
If you wish to see sakura trees at a nostalgic place,it is really recommended.
Run for the beautiful view before it's gone!

Access:subway Keage station,Tozai-Line, 

Setubun day @ Yasaka Shrine

 Setsubun ritual is the throwing of roasted beans around one's house and at shrines across the country. 

When throwing the beans, you are supposed to shout 

 "ONI WA SOTO-!FUKUWA-UCHI!" that means "Devils out, happiness in".

   Afterwards you should pick up and eat the number of beans, which corresponds to your age.

Also every year has the Lucky direction, It　is south-southeast in 2013. 　
As you face to the direction, you bite the special sushi roll(EHOU maki) ,
 This custom is said to protect your life of this beginning year.

Setsubun festival will be held on the 2nd and 3rd of February at one of the most important shrine for Kyoto locals. Yasaka shrine in Gion.

They have the events of throwing the beans towards to visiters(Don't worry this is for wishing your luck;)). and they have some traditional Sake warms your body up.

We also will throw the Setubun party at Kyoto Hana Hostel, We hope you to be here with us at night and enjoy the culture! 

MERRY-GO-ROUND book store

The book store is at one end in the Kawaramachi down town area in Kyoto.
It is on the 5th floor of retro building which has nice mood.
Most of the books there are picture books.
Also most of the picture books are Japanese one.
I think the reason for that is for children can read the books by themself.
Actually we can see children read books by themself there.
They also has a garelly and you always can enjoy some exhibition.







Kyoto
600-8018
5F Kotobuki building,251-2,
Shijo Kudaru,Kawaramachi-Dori,Shimogyo-Ku,Kyoto City
tel・fax/075-352-5408

Kyoto Vegetarian Festival @ Umekoji Park

This festival focuses on the relationship between environmental issues, animal rights and our diet. The festival features over 100 booths of delicious vegetarian food (no animal product used), ecological cosmetics, general merchandise and massage shops.

Date: September 30th Sunday

Time: 10 am to 5 pm Rain or Shine

Entry fee: Free Admission

@Umeko-ji Park, Shichijo side

Website: http://www.vegetarianfestival.jp/english.html

Must see!

Kanduki no yu-be @ Daikakuji-temple

time: 2012/Sep 28th-30th  17:00-21:00(Front opens til 20:30)

This occasional event has the history since Haian　period（around800AC）is called "Kanduki no yube(the evening of full moon )"　This event is for September and enjoy the moon reflected on the surface of the water.
 The　music concert will be held on and outside food-stores are open for this event.
Price：boat seats　1500yen （selling from 16:00 on the day）
　　　　tea seats1000yen（selling from 16:00 on the day）　.Standard seats1000yen(with Maccha and tea)
※will cost extra 500yen per person fir the entrance


Daikakuji-temple is in the Arashiyama area. Take JR Sagano line to Saga Arashiyama. 10mins walk from the station.