New Website Launched for Foreigners to Learn About the Wonders of Kyoto

09.October.2019 | SPOT

The Kyoto by the Sea Destination Management/Marketing Organization (DMO) is a general incorporated association that works over 7 cities in the northern region of Kyoto Prefecture. Aiming to increase the amount of information about Kyoto in English for foreigners, they recently opened a brand new website which was created and is managed by their International Promotions Manager Jesse Efron.  

Jesse Efon is an American who moved to Japan to work as an Assistant Language Teacher in Kyoto. Jesse worked at a local elementary and middle school for four years in Kyotango. After training as a local guide and advisor, Jesse rose to Promotion Manager for the DMO. Standing by his motto of “follow your curiosity,” Jesse created the Kyoto by the Sea English website to spread news about Kyoto to foreigners. 

The English version of the website contains articles and information on what to do in Kyoto and is split into five categories: Sea Nature, Sea Heritage, Sea Food, Sea Stay and Sea Yourself. Within these categories, Jesse has uploaded a series of articles which focus on a specific location or area of culture in Kyoto and provides an in-depth explanation along with photographs. From culture and nature to food, Jesse explains the wonders of his home for other foreigners to learn more.  

A Statement by Jesse Efron

Hello everyone, it is nice to meet you!

I assumed the position of International Promotions Manager in April. This puts me in charge of relaying Kyoto by the Sea news to our foreign audience. Before joining Kyoto by the Sea DMO, I worked as an Assistant Language Teacher for four years. I have lived in Taiza, Tangocho for five years. It is a great pleasure to be engaged in this work. Kyoto by the Sea works all over Kyoto so I strive to do my absolute best. My motto is “follow your curiosity” and this is what my articles are all about. Please check out the Kyoto by the Sea website.  

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    Exterior Appearance

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    KAI Guest Room

    The designs for the guest rooms were inspired by Yamaguchi's samurai. Each room is fit for a Feudal Lord. The beds are located on flooring which is slightly higher than the rest of the room. The surrounding wooden pillars create a luxurious private atmosphere.

    Patterned Wall Decoration

    The wall behind the bed is decorated with Tokujihori washi paper which is a type of Japanese paper unique to Yamaguchi prefecture and has a history dating back to the Muromachi period over 800 years ago. This special paper has even been acknowledged as an Intangible Cultural Asset to Japan. The beautiful dainty paper has been dyed a variety of bright and elegant colours to create this beautiful masterpiece. 

    Hagi Ware *This is currently still in production so the appearance may vary.

     The room even has a Tokonoma, which is a small alcove where artistic pieces are displayed. Old Hagi ware, which was traditionally used for tea-making, is displayed here. 

    Luxury Banquet for One

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    Pudding (Set): ¥750

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    Closed: Tuesdays
    Official Instagram: @yamamoto_kissa
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    Pudding: ¥450
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    Official Instagram: https://kyoto.bartantei.com
    Takagi Coffee Takashiji Honten, Shijo Street
    Homemade Purin Set: ¥ 800
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    ▼Takagi Coffee Takashiji Honten, Shijo Street (高木珈琲店 高辻本店)
    Address: 175 Honeyacho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto
    Opening Hours: 7:00-19:00 (Closes at 18:00 on Sundays)
    Closed: January 1-3
    Official Instagram: http://takagi-coffee.jugem.jp/
    Salon de thé François, Gion Shijo
    Purin a la Mode: ¥850
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    ▼Salon de thé François (フランソワ喫茶室)
    Address: 184 Nishikiyamachi-dori-Shijo-kudaru; Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto.
    Opening Hours: 11:00-22:30(L.O 22:0)
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    Official Instagram: http://www.francois1934.com
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    Custard Purin: ¥500
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    NOTTA CAFE (ノッタカフェ)
    Address: 37 Saiinkitayakakecho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto Opening Hours:
    Tuesdays-Sundays: 11:30-20:00
    Wednesdays: 11:30-21:00 Closed: Mondays
    Official Website: http://nottacafe.com
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