Special Public Nighttime Viewing to Take Place at Rokuoin Temple in Kyoto

16.October.2018 | SPOT

Rokuoin Temple is a popular tourist spot in Tokyo that will be open to the public in the evenings from November 23 to December 9. The viewing is being in association with the Keifuku Electric Railroad and the shrines and temples along their train lines. It will dig deep and promote the attraction of tram lines while offering a special and enjoyable trip possible only by the trams.

Rokuoin Temple is home to the first Japanese rock garden to be designated a place of scenic beauty in Kyoto. It’s famous for being a hidden location for enjoy the colours of autumn.

 

The nighttime viewing will see the rocky path leading up to the temple which runs almost 300m from the main temple gate, reliquary hall and garden all lit up with soft lights.

You must apply in advance to attend the viewing. Places are also limited to 100 people per day on weekdays and 150 people on weekends.

 

Applications will close once all places have filled so you need to register quick if you’re thinking of visiting.

RECOMMENDED ENTRIES

  • Autumn Colour Illuminations to Take Place at Kurodani Temple―Home to the Afro Buddha

    28.September.2018 | SPOT

    Veltra, a website that offers hundreds of tours and activities for travellers across the world, is now taking bookings to go and see the autumn colour light-up of Konkaikōmyō-ji, also known as Kurodani Temple.

    The plan offers the chance to see the Afro Buddha―which has made headlines on TV in Japan and on the internet―as well as the temple gardens and elsewhere lit up in gorgeous hues of reds, yellows and oranges. The autumnal colours reflected on the water surface beside the temple will provide for a gorgeous setting.

     

    There’s also an additional plan that can get you in 30-minutes earlier than regular guests and offers a tour of the area by the official gardener or a garden concierge. Guests who book with Veltra will also receive a bill with the Afro Buddha printed on it.

    Kurodani Temple was founded in 1175. It incldues the site where Honen, the founder of Jodo Buddhism, stayed. It’s also famous as the site where the Japanese official Kondō Isami and samurai Matsudaira Katamori held talks.

     

    While gazing at the beautiful colours of autumn guests can also enjoy a koto performance.

     

    Veltra also has an English page and takes bookings from inbound travellers. Book your plan to see the spectacle yourself.

  • HOSHINOYA Kyoto Tops the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka + Tottori 2019

    15.October.2018 | SPOT

    HOSHINOYA Kyoto is a hotel resort managed by Hoshino Resorts where all rooms boast a gorgeous river view.

     

    The establishment has topped the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka + Tottori 2019 which was released on October 12, earning five red pavilions―a symbol used to indicate the comfort and quality of a hotel―the highest number a place can receive. This marks the 7th year in a row the establishment has received this rating.

    The guidebook lists restaurants, hotels and inns considered outstanding by Michelin. Restaurants are rated by the number of stars they receive while hotels and inns are ranked by the pavilion symbol.

    HOSHINOYA Kyoto opened in December 2009 and has 25 rooms. It’s a 10-minute boat ride from Togetsu-kyo Bridge, a famous tourist destination in Arashiyama, Kyoto. The hotel is situated deep within Arashiyama which is accessible upstream a river accessible via the hotel’s boat.

     

    The concept of the hotel for guests is “a private residence at the waterside.” Rooms are decked in design and appearance to look like they are from 100 years ago. They offer an unbroken view of the river along with trees and nature which change colour as the seasons go by. The hotel even offers activities and holds events catered to each passing season.

    Comment: Taro Hirooka (HOSHINOYA Kyoto, General Manager)

    “I feel extremely honoured for the establishment to have been selected for the 7th time in a row for 5 red pavilions for 2019. It’s all thanks to the support from our regular guests and the gift of help from locals in the region. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. We will not act out of pride for this – together with the staff, we shall devote ourselves to ensuring that everybody who lives in the historical location of Arashiyama in Kyoto can better feel its charms and attraction.” (Translated from Japanese)

  • Dress in a kimono and discover the secret locations of Gojo on a walking tour in Kyoto

    13.October.2018 | SPOT

    There is a walking tour of Gojo in Kyoto you can take to see little-know historical and famous spots around the area. The tour is led by staff who have acquired the top level in the Kyoto Kentei Test, a “sightseeing and culture test” to gauge “applicants’ knowledge of Kyoto’s history and culture.” Staff give a truly in-depth tour taking you to places not shown in guidebooks and places even the people of Kyoto are unaware of.

    The tour was conceived by Akane Kifune who works at Kyoto Kimono Rental Yumeyakata. Gojo is a place that despite being located in the heart of Kyoto, once you take one step into it you are brought to a retro town filled with lush greenery that even the locals don’t know about.

    The theme of the tour is “Look/Taste/Take Photos.” You are taken to photo spots perfect for kimono as recommended by Yumeyakata’s pro cameraman. Participants will also receive exclusive items from cafes and shops in the Gojo area not available to anyone else!

    The tour begins on October 20. Rent out a kimono and tour the hidden shops and cafes of Gojo.

RELATED ENTRIES

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    30.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project from November 23 until December 8 at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto. 

    On the first day of the event, the venue, decorated with autumn leaves, was crowded with visitors including foreign tourists, who marveled at the fantastic space filled harmoniously with gold and blue. The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    After the exhibition, the main art piece by Yoshitaka himself will be converted to 3DCG, and a Virtual Golden World will be developed in collaboration with the Yoshitaka Amano VR Museum. By integrating traditional and modern art methods, guests will be able to engage more deeply in the art by enjoying digital works, the metaverse, and NFTs.

     

    Don’t miss this curious exhibition!

  • Collaboration NFTs Highlight Drafts of Kyoto’s Traditional Painted Silk

    28.November.2022 | FASHION

    The NFT marketplace HINATA will start selling collaborative pieces on November 25, combining classical drafts of Kyoto printed silk images with modern art pieces by up-and-coming creators.

     

    Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Modern Ukiyo-e Artist Ono Tako

    Draft (Left) and Spring Dreamland – Sunshine by Ono Tako

     

    Ono Tako is a modern-day ukiyo-e artist who creates unique paintings combining Eastern and Western elements.

     

    A beautiful woman stands in front of lush spring scenery in this gorgeous piece.

     

    Although this is clearly an ukiyo-e piece, it has a more modern flare, expressing a more universal standard of beauty while also infusing traditional elements.

     

    A total of six works will be available in two variations: the soft and warm Sun and the calm and tranquil Shade. 



    Ono Tako: https://twitter.com/ono800

     

    Kyoto Printed Silk Draft x Illustrator Omulettomato

    Draft (Left) and Full Moon by Omulettomato

     

    Omulettomato is an illustrator who is rapidly gaining popularity for their feminine portraits.

     

    Three different drafts depicting beautiful Japanese nature have been combined and transformed into a modern lady with moe elements.

     


    A total of eight works will be available in three variations: Daybreak, Sunrise, and Full Moon.


    Omulettomato: http://omutoma.tumblr.com

     

    Enjoy this curious collaboration and own a piece of classical and modern Japanese culture.

  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO to be Held at Ninna-ji, a World Heritage Site

    22.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 18, 2022, creative company NAKED will hold NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO at Ninna-ji! The event is part of a larger next-generation art project being held around Kyoto until Christmas Day.

     

    This exhibition marks the first metaverse-centered event at Ninna-ji, and guests will be able to enjoy a virtual fashion show in collaboration with Jotaro Saito, a kimono designer from Kyoto. Participants will begin by creating their own avatar by snapping a photo of their face. After that, they will be able to choose a kimono by Saito to use as clothing for their avatar before taking to the runway with other visitors from all around Japan.

     

    NAKED’s goal is to bring traditional Japanese kimono culture into the digital space, and the company believes that this is only the beginning. In the future, NAKED hopes to bring other artists into the metaverse as well.
     

     

    NAKED Distanced Lanterns


    NAKED Tsukubai

    Five-Storied Pagoda Projection Mapping


    DANDELION PROJECT

    Virtual Fashion Show


    Limited Edition Paper Goshuin

    This year’s event also includes the DANDELION PROJECT, popular with art fans around the world. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff digitally to other participants around the world, sharing a wish for world peace. 

     

    This year, the participatory art piece was installed in the main temple. Why not visit this stunning exhibition in Kyoto this winter? 

  • monopo Collaborates with Kyoto-Based Brand Shokuraku Asano to Share Traditional Japanese Textiles with the World

    21.November.2022 | FASHION

    Global creative agency monopo is teaming up with Shokuraku Asano, a 100-year-old obi maker from Kyoto! The company is working to create a digital experience for interested viewers, sharing each artisan’s personal story. Those who love Japanese culture are welcome to enjoy traditional Japanese crafts in an entirely new way!

     

    Using a one-of-a-kind QR obi, a new storytelling method is showing off the hard work and love that goes into the company’s textiles. A special website and video allow interested viewers to experience the process of making an obi digitally, simply by using their smartphone. Even those unable to visit Japan to see these obi in person can dive into the history of the area’s textiles and become more acquainted with one part of Kyoto’s manufacturing culture. 

    Kyoto was the ancient capital of Japan. The city is known for its history and preservation of Japanese culture, and prior to the pandemic, the city was constantly filled with visitors from around the world anxious to learn more about the country’s traditional culture. When the pandemic hit the world in 2020, it changed the city forever–tourists disappeared and the city became much quieter. Now that Japan has opened its borders, however, tourists are returning in droves.

    While Shokuraku Asano upholds tradition, it also seeks to leave a mark on new generations by embracing new technology. This unique project is worth noting, so get your smartphone out and start learning!

     

    We applaud monopo’s attempt to share this incredible traditional Japanese craftsmanship with people around the world. 

  • Special Jujutsu Kaisen Exhibition Highlights Attractions and Products from Kyoto

    16.November.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    From November 11 until December 8, a series of Kyoto-inspired Jujutsu Kaisen goods will be on sale outside the West Gate at JR Kyoto Station! Along with the merchandise, fans will also be able to snag local foods at the exhibition. 

     

    Collaborative Packaging: Local Products from Kyoto

    *The products shown are under development and may change slightly. 

     

    Purchase Bonus: Limited Edition Kyoto Postcard

    *The postcard’s design will change during the first and second halves of the exhibition.

    *Postcards from the Sendai venue will not be available.

    *Postcards will only be available while supplies last.

     

    Be sure to grab some of these Jujutsu Kaisen products packed with Kyoto charm!

     

    ©芥見下々/集英社・呪術廻戦製作委員会

  • Kyoto National Museum Decorated by NAKED and Kojima Shouten’s Famous Lanterns for Special Event

    14.November.2022 | FASHION / SPOT

    From December 10 until December 25, the Light and Food Ensemble event will be held in the garden of the Kyoto National Museum.

     

    A new projection mapping show featuring enormous flowers will be shown on the wall of the Meiji Kotokan Hall, unchanged since its opening in 1897. The history of Kyoto will take center stage, however–NAKED is only there to make it all the more impressive.

     

    NAKED will also collaborate with Kojima Shouten for the first time, decorating the venue with the local company’s famous lanterns.

     

    At the venue, local shops from Kyoto will be selling sweets to guests. Come enjoy Kyoto in a whole new way during this exclusive winter event!

  • Final Fantasy Artist Yoshitaka Amano Holds Art Exhibition at Myoshin-ji in Kyoto

    10.November.2022 | FASHION

    Yoshitaka Amano, known by international fans as the artist behind the legendary Final Fantasy video game series, is celebrating his 70th birthday with a unique art project in Kyoto. 

     

    The exhibition will be held at Myoshin-ji, the head temple of the associated branch of Rinzai Zen Buddhism. Stepping into the temple, guests will be met with colorful autumn leaves and a sea of gold and blue art pieces.


    “I want people to enter this world of light and experience being part of it,” Amano said. “Rather than art being something flat on a wall, I want to present something new and unique.” This collection of works was designed to question visitors’ sensibilities and provide a new kind of art exhibition for fans to enjoy.

     

    The main art piece, newly painted by Amano himself, will be on display in the Dharma Hall, which was decorated by one of Kano Tan’yu’s masterpieces. Tan’yu was an Edo-period painter. 

     

    The three meter tall column features Amano’s own interpretation of Hiten, part of Mount Meru, a part of Buddhism cosmology considered to be the centre of all the physical, metaphysical and spiritual universes. Four smaller pieces will be displayed on all four sides to create a three-dimensional mandala. 

  • NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO Night Walk Project Invites Guests to Stroll Through the Tale of Genji

    28.October.2022 | SPOT

    From November 11 until December 4, NAKED will hold the unique NAKED GARDEN ONE KYOTO event in Uji. The one-of-a-kind art project is being produced through a partnership with Kyoto City, Uji City, and Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture. Several events and art exhibitions will appear in the Kyoto area until December 25, 2022.

     

    The project first began on September 15 at Kyoto City Hall, and it will move to Uji on November 11. NAKED’s unique digital art will bring color to Uji, a place steeped in Japanese history and the heart of Japanese tea culture. The Asagiri Bridge, appearing in The Tale of Genji, will be illuminated, and the Zen temple Kosho-ji will be offering tea ceremonies and a digital teamaking experience for guests to enjoy. NAKED’s popular Distance Lanterns will return, allowing visitors to explore Uji at night while properly socially distancing. 

     

    At Kosho-ji, guests can enjoy the renewed DANDELION PROJECT. Created by Ryotaro Muramatsu, the art project has appeared in a number of towns and cities around the world, inviting participants to create flowers and send them around the globe digitally as a hope for peace. Visitors can use their smartphones to send dandelion fluff with their name on it to the metaverse version of Kosho-ji and beyond, eventually causing a digital flower to bloom. 

     

    Why not come take a quiet walk through the streets of Uji, Kyoto? 

     

     

    Works

     

    Urasenke Tea Ceremony and Digital Teamaking Experience

     

    『DANDELION PROJECT』by RYOTARO MURAMATSU / NAKED

     

    NAKED Distance Lantern®︎

     

    Asagiri Bridge and Kotosaka Interactive Illuminations

     

    NAKED Tsukubai®︎

     

    Chazuna’s New Mobility C⁺walkT Experience

  • Sanrio Characters, Representatives of Japanese Pop Culture, Gather in Kyoto

    09.October.2022 | SPOT

    The 60th Anniversary Sanrio Exhibition: The Beginning of Kawaii will be held at the Kyoto City KYOCERA Museum of Art from October 7 until December 11, 2022. Cinnamoroll, the grand prize winner of the 2022 Sanrio Character Awards, visited the event on opening day, and second place winner Pompompurin visited on October 8. 

     

    The exhibition itself traces the long and storied history of Sanrio, as the company celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2020. Guests will be able to learn more about ‘kawaii culture,’ something that has since garnered worldwide attention and become massively popular with audiences around the globe. Fans of specific Sanrio characters will be able to see how each was designed, and rare drawings and products will be on display.


    Visitors will be able to trace how Sanrio developed each character’s personality and style over time, and will surely see how the company placed major importance on communication with audiences. Sanrio’s characters continue to transcend time, popular with people of all ages.

  • Attack on Titan Playing Cards Win Big at the Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022

    02.October.2022 | ANIME&GAME

    At the 5th annual Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards 2022, a collection of Attack on Titan playing cards made in traditional Japanese style took the Gold Prize in the Craft Design category. In Japanese, monozukuri means ‘to make something by hand.’

     

    The Kyoto Ani-Monozukuri Awards aims to revitalize business between the anime industry and local companies and organizations. It honors outstanding collaborative products, inviting those with a creative streak to try their luck at designing something uniquely anime-inspired. This year’s awards show saw 157 total entries, with one winning the grand prize, seven winning both gold and silver, and six winning bronze.

     

    Charaditional Toys was launched this year, and the company aims to create items for adults who love anime characters. The Gold Award was granted to the company after judges were inspired by the traditional Japanese craftsmanship and high quality shown in the final product. Made by Oishi Tengudo, a company founded in Kyoto in 1800, the cards were made using classic methods. These 48 original playing cards are like nothing fans of Attack on Titan have seen before. 

     

    A second project is scheduled for release in winter 2022, so stay tuned!

     

    ©諫山創・講談社/「進撃の巨人」The Final Season製作委員会

  • Sound! Euphonium Collaboration Cafe Opens at Kyoto’s Hotel Keihan

    27.September.2022 | ANIME&GAME / SPOT

    Fans of the Sound! Euphonium anime will want to visit Hotel Keihan Kyoto Grande from September 23 until November 20, 2022! The second-floor restaurant Octava will be holding a special collaboration cafe with the series in conjunction with the Keihan Electric Railway. The project is part of the collaboration between the series and the local railway that began in August, and fans will be able to order food and drink items inspired by their favorite characters.

     

    Collaboration Menu

    Kumiko’s Omurice

    Reina’s Pasta with Sweet and Spicy Tomato Sauce

    Hazuki’s Matcha Ice Cream & Sapphire’s Macarons

    Mr. Taki’s Spicy Curry Pizza

    Sound! Tuba-kun’s Fruit Cake

     

    Drink Menu

    Kumiko’s Strawberry Milk

    Reina’s Butterfly Pea

    Hazuki’s Blue Soda

    Sapphire’s Orange Juice

    Band President & Vice President’s Matcha au Lait

    Straw Tags

    Bonuses

    Bonus for Dining In-store: Lunch Mat

    Drink Order Bonus: Coaster (5 varieties, 1 secret)

    *Coasters will be given at random.

    Life-size Panels

     

    From omurice and pasta to fruit cake and spicy curry pizza, there is certainly a dish perfect for everyone at the cafe. Guests can also enjoy five different types of drinks, and a coaster will be handed out at random for each order. Those dining at the cafe will enjoy their meal on a special lunch mat, and life-size character panels will be perfect for snapping some photos for social media. Music from the series will be played on-site, so come enjoy while you can!

  • Kyoto’s Itohkyuemon Offering Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait & Chestnut Sweets Plate for a Limited Time

    08.September.2022 | FOOD / SPOT

    Uji, Kyoto is known for its tasty matcha. Founded in 1832, Itohkyuemon offers up some of the most delicious green tea sweets in Japan. Starting on September 1, several locations are serving up an Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and a tasty Chestnut Sweets Plate!

    Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait and Chestnut Sweets Plate

     

    The Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait is decorated with a beautiful chestnut skin on top and served with yellow candied chestnuts and baked meringue with a dazzling white color. The inside includes cookie dough, homemade Uji green tea jelly, crunchy agar, two kinds of ice cream, and Uji green tea honey. This autumn-only parfait allows guests to enjoy the taste of Uji green tea while also sampling the delicate flavor of Japanese chestnuts. The Chestnut Sweets Plate offers eight kinds of sweets in one go, including the autumn-only Chestnut Green Tea Roll Cake and Chestnut Green Tea Daifuku, Uji Hojicha Cheesecake, Uji Green Tea & Hojicha Raw Chocolate, Uji Green Tea Mini Parfait, and Uji Green Tea & Chestnut Ice Cream.

    Uji Green Tea Mont Blanc Parfait

    Chestnut Sweets Plate

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