The ancient city of Kyoto enjoys flurries of tourists and sightseers from around the world throughout the year. It is particularly hot during the summertime because it's located in a valley.   Shojuin is a Buddhist Temple located in a summer retreat that was erected nearly 800 years ago. Hidden at the temple is the 11-faced Buddha statue of Kannon Bosatsu which is open to the public only once every 50 years.   The temple has a long history, and today it is used as a site for yoga, copying the sutras, and other activities when booked in advance. It's enjoyed by people of all ages.   Today, we are joined by Macchan, an Instagrammer who tours the many sightseeing spots of Kyoto. They have provided photographs of the must-see parts of this ancient temple. Shojuin is famous for its beautiful heart-shaped window located in the reception hall as well as its 160 pieces of ceiling art. The decorative window has been around for nearly 1,400 years and has survived disasters. It stands as a symbol of happiness. From outside the heart window visitors can enjoy the different flowers through the four seasons. Right now during summer the view is a green spectacle. At nighttime the outdoor garden is lit up beautifully as shown in the photo.   Shojuin is famous for its summer Wind Chime Festival which is currently running until September 18. 2,000 colourful wind chimes gently sway around the temple with the summer breeze. The chimes are there for their sound and appearance and to elicit that sense of refreshing coolness. Even the wind chimes are illuminated in the evenings. They are lit up on weekends only (except August 1 to 18) from 18:00-20:00.   The hypnotic ring of the wind chimes sounds they are calling the wind. If you're travelling to Kyoto this hot summer, why not plan a trip to Shojuin?   Macchan has lots of other photos on their Instagram where you can feel the vibe of Kyoto. Use it as reference when you're planning your Kyoto sightseeing.

Eggs ’n Things, Shijo Street, Kyoto will be selling luxurious Uji matcha pancakes from August 1, 2019.    Eggs 'n Things Shijo Street first launched their delicious uji matcha pancakes back in February 2017. The pancakes quickly became a big hit among the locals as well as the tourists, appealing to visitors who wanted to discover more about Kyoto. This summer, Eggs 'n Things is packing their Kyoto-limited pancakes with even more Kyoto goodness.   These pancakes are luxuriously covered with rich matcha custard cream and garnished with rice flour dumplings, adzuki bean paste, chestnuts and a mini monaka wafer cake. Matcha is even kneaded into the pancake dough, maximising its mellow flavour. If you visit Kyoto, be sure to fully immerse yourself in the wonders of matcha ordering these matcha pancakes at Eggs 'n Things Shijo Street, Kyoto.

The bustling Kyoto Prefecture is located in the Kansai region of Japan, adored for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture for which it brings in tourists every year both Japanese and foreign.   Summertime in Kyoto is renowned for being very hot. We've compiled a list of 3 must-visit locations where you can cool down during the summer heat―each of which have beautiful sights―and how to get to them.  

Explore the Caverns of Shizushi Limestone Cave Park

The only limestone caves in Kyoto Prefecture, Shizushi Limestone Cave Park offers an exciting mix of outdoor activities from cave exploration to camping, bird watching and much more. The caves are a designated national monument of Kyoto Prefecture. Many fossils have been collected from the caves that date back to before the Permian period (which ended 252.2 million years ago) including fusulinida and crinoids. The temperature of the caves sits between 12℃-15℃ throughout the year making it a very popular spot for cooling off during times of hot weather.   ▼Shizushi Limestone Cave Park Address: Shizushi, Kyotamba, Funai District, Kyoto Access: Board a JR bus from Sonobe Station (JR Sagano Line) bound for Enpuku (園福線) and get off at Hinokiyama (桧山). Change onto a Choei (町営) bus. Get off at the Shizushi Limestone Cave entrance (鐘乳洞口) and walk for 5 minutes. Opening Hours: 9:00-17:00 Website: http://www.kyotamba.org/質志鐘乳洞公園/    

Beach Swings and Sunsets at Yuhigaura

Yuhigaura sits on the coast of Kyoto's Tango area and is known for its iconic sunsets. Every year during summertime, giant swings made from driftwood and other materials are placed onto the beaches. Sitting on these during the evening sunset make for an incredibly picturesque scene. And this year they're serving an original drink called the "Magic Hour" for a limited time.   ▼Yuhigaura Address, 390 Aminocho Hamazume, Kyotango, Kyoto Prefecture Access: Board the Limited Express Hashidate (特急はしだて号) train at Kyoto Station and get off at Yūhigaura-Kitsu-onsen Station (夕日ヶ浦木津温泉) Homepage: http://yuukan.com/news/17/?view_oft=0    

Amanohashidate Sandbar Illuminations

Last year's illuminations at the Amanohashidate sandbar brought in over 30,000 people. The sandbar is one of Japan's three scenic views. The illumination event is held annually with this year's running from July 13 to September 1. The lights turn the sandbar into a truly magical spectacle. A special bar is also open for the light-up where you can get drinks along with several other exciting events surrounding it.   ▼Amanohashidate Light-Up Address: Monju, Miyazu, Kyoto Running: July 13, 2019 - September 1, 2019 Event Details:  https://www.facebook.com/amanohashidate.machiakari/     Stay cool this summer in Kyoto by hitting up one of these tourist hot spots!

Kyoto, also known as the "old capital," is renowned for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture, bring in tourists every year both Japanese and foreign. The city has an especially popular food culture, serving everything from traditional Japanese cuisine to twists of contemporary cuisine.   Today we take a look at 4 different shaved ice desserts you must try in Kyoto this summer all of which are equally worth lining up for.  

Hatagoya Rihei - Espuma Matcha Shaved Ice

Kyoto is the home of Uji matcha, and its city of Joyo is home to Hatagoya Rihei, a Japanese confectionery shop which specialises in dorayaki, a traditional dessert in Japan which consists of two pancakes filled with sweet adzuki bean paste.   The absolute must-try contender on their menu is the Espuma Matcha Shaved Ice which is lavishly packed full of matcha. Available for a limited-time only, this shaved ice is made with espuma, which is Spanish for "foam." It's a mix of fluffy shaved ice and a rich matcha sauce which takes on a thick mousse-like texture. The ice and sauce melts the moment it hits your tongue, creating a new kind of texture that makes for light eating. It comes with a side of toppings including matcha honey, red bean paste, rice flour dumplings, and matcha jelly. The dessert can be enjoyed from start to finish as you mix and match all the different flavours to your taste.   ▼Hatagoya Rihei Address: Higashinokuchi-44-54 Terada, Joyo, Kyoto Business Hours: 10:00-18:00 Closed: Tuesdays Access: Joyo Station via JR Nara Line / Terada Station via Nara Line Official Website: http://rihe.jp/    

Senba Miyabi - Mix Juicy Shaved Ice

Senba Miyabi is another shop in Joyo which specialises in fruit sandwiches and confections. It is managed by the fruit shop Fruit Shop Senba which are known for their high quality fruit selection.   Their Mix Juicy Shaved Ice is drizzled in a cute pink sauce which is a juiced mix of strawberry, banana, kiwi, pineapple and other fresh fruits. The shaved ice is topped with even more assorted fruits for colour and flavour, and even more fruits are hidden inside. If you like sweet things, we recommend making the flavour even richer by topping with condensed milk or ice cream.   ▼Senba Miyabi Address: Fukurojiri-19-1 Terada, Joyo, Kyoto Business Hours: 10:00-19:00 Closed: Mondays Access: 420m from Joyo Station via JR Nara Line Official Website: http://www.senba2018.com/    

Amami no Ie Takegushi - Berry Berry Custard

Amami no Ie Takegushi is a cafe located in Kyoto Prefecture's city of Kizugawa where you can enjoy handmade Japanese confections and pastries as well as indulge in some great coffee.   Their bright-red Berry Berry Custard shaved ice is like powdered snow, topped with an strawberry and assorted berry sauce and velvety fresh cream. Hiding inside the ice is custard made with specially made condensed milk by Clover Farm in Kizugawa. It also contains condensed milk honey and frozen berries for a refreshing sweet and sour combination.   ▼Amami no Ie Takegushi Address: 2-6-9 Umemidai, Kizugawa, Kyoto Business Hours: [Tues] 14:30-17:30 / [Wed-Fri] 11:00-17:30 / [Sat] 11:00-17:30 Closed: Mondays & Sundays Access: 26-minutes on foot from Kizu Station via JR Kansai Main Line Official Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/kyoto.kizugawa.kushitake    

Gion Tokuya - Bancha Shaved Ice

Gion Tokuya takes the utmost pride and care in its use of high quality ingredients. Their Bancha Shaved Ice is lined with fresh lemon slices and covered in a syrup made from bancha tea and sugar. The way you eat this shaved ice is to slowly drizzle the syrup over the dessert right before eating. A spoonful will cover your taste buds with fragrant Kyoto-style bancha tea and a gentle sweetness. Eating it together with the lemon slices makes it taste like lemon tea. If you're looking to enjoy something refreshing or to cool you down then we recommend this one!   ▼Gion Tokuya Address: 570-127 Gionmachi Minamigawa, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefectur Business Hours: 12:00-18:00 No Fixed Holidays Access: 6-minutes on foot from Gion-Shijō Station via the Keihan Main Line 8-minutes on foot from Kawaramachi Station via the Hankyu Kyoto Main Line Official Website: http://gion-tokuya.jp/index.html     If you're visiting Kyoto for summer then what better way to cool yourself down than with some refreshing shaved ice? Be sure to try out one of these 4 cute and unique shaved ice desserts this summer.     Photos/Information: KYOTO SIDE

Kyoto-based green tea company Itohkyuemon has been around since the end of the Edo period, its longevity having established itself has a hugely popular store. The company have just announced that they will open their first ever tea house extension in Kyoto called Itohkyuemon Gion Shijo on August 7. The cafe will serve up its own exclusive menu items from desserts to meals.

(Left) Gion Parfait - ¥1,480 / (Right) Sweets Plate - ¥1,680

The Gion Parfait is made with high-quality Uji matcha, something Itohkyumon is renowned for. It's served in a large parfait class bigger than their usual matcha parfait and is stacked sumptuously with chestnuts, tamba black beans, chocolate, a slice of Uji matcha roll cake, and more.   If you love Japanese tea then you'll adore the Sweets Plate which is filled with an assortment of matcha and houjicha sweets.

Matcha Curry Udon: ¥980

The Matcha Curry Udon, which was previously sold only at the JR Uji Station branch of Itohkyuemon, will now be served at the new establishment. This Itohkyuemon-original dish is a combination of chewy matcha udon noodles and white broth matcha curry. The curry is also served as a souvenir; when it was first released in 2014 it sold out its stock of 2,000 in just two days. Experience matcha like never before when visiting Kyoto at Itohkyuemon Gion Shijo.

Kyoto is renowned for its historical architecture and richness in traditional Japanese culture, but did you know it's also home to some extremely cute and delicious desserts? Their sweets and desserts are actually pretty popular, some of which contain motifs and little nods to the city.   Today, Instagrammer meme takes us on a tour in Kyoto to try out 4 popular desserts.   JEREMY&JEMIMAH JEREMY&JEMIMAH is a shop selling cute and colourful cotton candy. Their staple Wata-Hako cotton candy comes in 10 different flavours! In the photo we have yuzu, rose and matcha flavours. Of the two branches of the store, there is one along Furukawacho Shopping Street where you order your cotton candy for takeout, and another in Yasaka that serves cotton candy on long sticks. We picked up a few different ones since there are so many flavours and designs. It was fun lining them up to take a picture.   We took them home to eat and they stayed nice and fluffy the whole way back. The yuzu one tasted a little herbal, like it was healthy for you.   ▼JEREMY&JEMIMAH (Furukawacho Shopping Street Branch) Address: Furukawacho Shopping Street, 444-3 Hachikenchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto Opening Hours: 11:00-17:00 Official Website: http://www.jeremyjemimah.com/     ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK At ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK, you can order these iced dessert matcha and houjicha lattes which are topped with yatsuhashi―a confection sold in Kyoto―shaped into various sights across the city including Kyoto Tower, Hōkanji Temple, Daimonji, a Torii gate, and more.   I ordered the matcha latte. The drink itself isn't sweet at all so you can enjoy the full original rich and bitter flavour of the matcha. The fresh cream however is quite sweet so you can mix it into the drink as much as you want to get your desired flavour. There are lots of great spots in the area such as the Hōkanji Temple pagoda and Yasaka Shrine so  you can snap some great sightseeing photos♡   ▼ROCCA & FRIENDS TRUCK Address: 370 Yasaka Kamimachi, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture Opening Hours: 9:00-18:00 Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rocca.truck/     Jumondo We also visited Jumondo which sells Kyoto-style dango, or "sweet dumplings." We shared three different orders amongst three people: Danraku (団楽) which comes as a set with a drink, Dandan (だんだん) which comes with matcha, and Zenzai to Aburi Kuri Kinton (ぜんざいと炙り栗きんとん).   Once you order, the dango are made fresh so are served hot and chewy. Each dumpling is on the small side so are nice and easy to eat.   The Danraku comes with five different dumplings including sweet soy glaze, mashed sweet bean paste, soy sauce and black sesame seed, fried, and white miso. The Dandan comes with three types of your choice and a wafer filled with mashed sweet bean paste. The Zenzai to Aburi Kuri Kinton with mashed sweet potatoes with sweetened chestnut dango. The final one comes with matcha which can be served hot or cold.   Everything was tasty but my personal favourite was the yuzu flavoured white miso dumpling. The one that everybody raved about was the Zenzai which is a thick soup that the dango are placed into. These dumplings are bigger, not too sweet and light. The soup went really well with the dango, it was super tasty.   ▼Jumondo Address: 76 Tamamizuchō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto TEL: 075-525-3733 Official Website: http://jumondo.jp/index.html     Kyo Yasaka Pudding Yasaka is a particularly popular tourist spot in Kyoto, and that's where the cute purin shop Kyo Yasaka Pudding is located. Purin is a type of custard purring sold in Japan. The first pudding we picked up was the store's recommended option named after the store itself, the Kyo Yasaka Pudding. It contains a transparent lemon and honey flavoured jelly inside which there are small and colourful agar agar balls and mango jelly balls.   It has an enjoyable texture and a refreshing sweetness that I've never experienced before with other purin. It's very tasty!   There are five flavours to choose from, the others being hard, smooth, matcha and black soy bean, and houjicha black soy bean. All are served in tiny cute jars. Not only do they look great, they taste amazing too. Each is made with ingredients sourced in Kyoto including the milk, Uji matcha, houjicha, and black soy beans. They also sell soft serve ice cream topped with candy balls, very Kyoto-like! You can choose from vanilla, matcha, or a mix of both. I think it'll be really fun if you can snap a photo of your ice cream with one of Yasaka's stylish locations in the background! Speaking of which, there was a cute illustration on the wall of the store so we took our photo there.   Be sure to pay a visit to Kyo Yasaka Pudding to pick up your own pudding whether as a souvenir or for yourself.   ▼Kyo Yasaka Pudding Address: 87-4 Hoshinochō, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture TEL: 075-533-8338 Official Website: https://kyo-yasaka-pudding.co.jp/     Kyoto is full of shops selling desserts and sweets perfect to walk around and munch on while you walk its ancient streets, or to take home as a souvenir. Enjoy all the tasty things you can during your visit to this beautiful city♡   --- Photos/Text: memeTranslation: Joshua Kitosi-Isanga