Welcome back to MOSHI MOSHI NIPPON’s “Tokyo Stroll” series that recommends you travel destinations! Today, Hikari Shibata and Yuri Suganuma are leaving Tokyo and heading to the old capital Kyoto.

Together, Hikari and Yuri took the 07:00AM shinkansen train to Kyoto, arriving at 10:00AM. The first thing on their list was to fill up on some Kyoto gourmet! Sifting through Instagram and other SNS sites for the most popular spots, they decided to try some rare Kyoto confectionary at “Otabe Honkan”.

 

 

 

Having set their hearts on eating before sightseeing, they visited “Otabe Honkan”, a place they researched prior to their trip. After taking the subway to Jujo Station then walking for about nine minutes, they arrived.

They ordered according to what was popular online – “Kuchidoke Aisu” ( melt-in-the-mouth ice cream, ￥500 including tax), and the “Soufflé Sandwich” (￥162), which is new on the menu.

The melt-in-the-mouth “Kuchidoke Aisu” is an adzuki bean and milk shaved ice dessert which is topped with fluffy fresh cream and matcha. The Japanese word “ookini” (meaning “thank you” Kansai dialect) was written in matcha on the dessert – how cute! ♡

 

Hikari: The fresh cream wasn’t too sweet. Yummy!! Every now and then, I got a mouthful of adzuki beans. I really liked the variety of flavours ◎.

 

The new soufflé sandwich was made by adding velvety cream cheese to the bread dough.

 

Yuri: The soufflé was soooo fluffy! The cream cheese flavour and the sandwich is a match made in heaven!

Otabe Honkan works with a factory as a joint establishment. The factory produces a variety of popular brand confectionaries from different parts of Kyoto. Fresh Yatsuhashi is one of the famous products made by Otabe.

The factory also holds handmade sweet-making classes and allows visitors to the view the factory, so if you’re interested, check the link to the website below.

 

 

 

Off to Kyoto Tower – the symbol of Kyoto!

Stomachs full, the girls return to Kyoto Station and make their way to Kyoto Tower, which is the tallest building in Kyoto. The observation room is elevated 100 metres above the ground, and offers a stunning view of the streets. The many souvenir shops make it all the more popular with tourists.

On the 3^rd floor of Kyoto Tower, there is a Makizushi sample-making event! (Makizushi: sushi rolled in seaweed with a filling). There are many classes running here that allow visitors to experience Japan to the full. Yuri and Hikari decided to try out something very unique to Kyoto. They headed to the Otabe dojo to learn how to make fresh Yatsuhashi sweets by hand.

Before preparation, they got changed into specialist clothing and then took a commemorative photo…but what is this photo really for?

To make these fresh Yatsuhashi by hand, the girls made a steamed flour dough, stuffed it with anko red bean paste et voila! The thick and chewy texture of the mochi made the kneading process hard work! Yuri and Hikari were silently working all the way through, kneading and kneading and kneading until their work was approved by their sensei.

Here’s a picture of their highly praised Yatsuhashi. Our confectionary chefs made plain Yatsuhashi, matcha Yatsuhashi and Murasaki Imo (purple sweet potato) Yatsuhashi! Now it’s time to enjoy the snacks with a tea ceremony!

 

Yuri: We made these ourselves and to no surprise, they’re delicious!

Hikari: The dough is chewy and has a gentle flavour!

At the end, the girls received a souvenir gift and a certificate, and with that, class had ended. Inside the souvenir package, there was the photo taken at the start of the class! This put a smile on their faces.

 

 

 

>>next page Go to Kiyomizu-dera

A stroll around Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Looking for somewhere to enjoy the wonderful atmosphere of Kyoto to take photos, the girls headed to the area around Kiyomizu-dera temple. They made their way to Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka – two of Kyoto’s most beautiful streets. Whilst peeping around the souvenir shops on Ninen-zaka and Sannen-zaka, they soaked up the beautiful atmosphere.

You can find many of the most beautiful street views of Japan in Kyoto – wherever you choose as your photo spot, your photo will look good! If you want to take a really wonderful photo, check out Yuri and Hikari’s photo spots!

 

 

The girls pause to catch their breath – after coming all the way to Kyoto, of course you have to try the tea!

Kyo Baum Kiyomizu is located near Ninen-zaka. Here, the girls took a break to drink some green tea, which they felt was moderately sweet. Kyo Baum Kiyomizu was the perfect place to cool down after all that walking!

If you have room in your stomach then you might want to try a matcha-flavoured Baumkuchen (log cake) at “Kyo Baum”. The girls recommend the Kyo Baum Cornet (￥540), which is full of “Kyo Baum”. The log cake is coated in matcha fondant and coated with sugar. This is a popular Kyoto souvenir.

 

Yuri: The combination of fresh cream and the Kyo Baum is delicious〜

 

 

 

A hidden gem of a photo spot!

A quick stop at the shop to take a photo and they’re off again!

 

With the scenery of the streets of Kyoto and the Tower of Yasaka in the background, this photo spot is a very valuable discovery by YuRi-chan and Hikari-chan!

 

 

To end the day: A stroll along Kamo river, Gion

When you ask of a typical “Kyoto” spot, the answer would be Gion. Before returning home, our two travellers stopped by Gion, absorbing the typical Kyoto street view and walking along the Kamo river.

  

It doesn’t matter where you take a photo in Kyoto, it will always come out as a beautiful image. Check out Hikari-chan and YuRi-chan’s SNS threads to see pictures of their time in Kyoto.

 

Hikari: This is the second time I have been on a stroll around Kyoto but this time I had a completely new experience. I looked around the Otabe factory, experienced making traditional Otabe sweets by hand and much more – I made the most out of a day in Kyoto! I’ve always been a fan of matcha and I eat it a lot, but to actually eat matcha treats in the homeland of matcha makes me feel extremely satisfied!

 

Yuri: Kyoto is the best place for matcha treats! There are so many different types of delicious sweets! The freshly made Yatsuhashi and the Kyo Baum were so delicious – I could easily keep eating and loose track! Making Yatsuhashi by hand was a fun experience! Although we only spent one day in Kyoto, my heart and stomach were completely satisfied! I love to eat – this was the best girls holiday ever! I want to visit Kyoto again 〜♪

 

From tasting Kyoto-limited sweets and making Yatsuhashi to visiting tourist spots, Kiyomizudera temple and the Kamo river, this day was packed with adventure! What did you think? After spending a day with the girls in Kyoto, how about going yourself?

 

“I want to buy a good “made in Japan” gift!” No doubt there are many tourists to Japan who think like this. In this article we want to introduce to you six gift items that MMN highly recommends.    “H TOKYO” – A handkerchief specialty store where Japanese designs are popular “H TOKYO” is the handkerchief specialty store which is located on the 3^rd floor of KITTE.  From illustrators to novelists, these handkerchiefs are the result of many artist collaborations. The handkerchiefs line the shop, filling up the display areas. Patterns and traditional Japanese designs such as these can only be found in Tokyo. You can also purchase badges and uchiwa fans, small items made from the fabric of the handkerchiefs and many KITTE limited items that cannot be obtained anywhere else. You can also purchase personalized handkerchiefs with initials, messages and even embroidery. Many foreign visitors and other tourists who are staying in Tokyo for a while choose to order their designs and then collect them before returning home.  

Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/54580

      Chopstick specialty store, Morita” in Asakusa The chopstick specialty store called Morita,” a popular store on Nakamise Street, has variety of chopsticks from the reasonable ones to luxurious ones. They have a great variety of chopsticks along with many original items. Chopsticks are an item that represents Japanese culture. They  also have cute chopstick rests. They are tiny and easy to carry around so they made for a great souvenir.   Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/ja/37162       “Coci la elle” in Daikanyama where you can get your very own colorful umbrella! “Coci la elle” originally stocked only one type of umbrella when it opened, a type made for protecting you from the sun. They now own a second shop in Daikanyama which opened in April this year in addition to the main shop and studio in Kiyosumi-shirakawa. The closest station is Daikanyama Station via the Tōkyū Tōyoko Line.  The station is only 1 stop from Shibuya and so is conveniently accessible. Coci la elle offers vibrant umbrellas in all types of colours and designs to brighten your day when those rainy days get you down. They also have umbrellas that will protect you from the blistering sun on those scorching days while also making you feel elegant at the same time. Coci la elle doesn’t just stock umbrellas either. They also offer cute raincoats designed just like a classic raincoat, high quality big-sized scarves made from 100% silk, fun handkerchiefs with an original Coci la elle design, sun umbrellas all handmade by the staff, and more.  

Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/48470

        Ginza Gekko-so Art Supply Store” where you can purchase original stationaries Ginza Gekko-so Art Supply Store” is located In Hanatsubaki Street, Ginza 8 Chome. It is a historical art supply store that was established in 1917. This store only carries original art supply products. The products include colors, brushes and sketch books made by the craftsman and have a horn emblem that signature “call good friends.” They have been creating high quality art supplies, and so many colorful paintings such as oil colors, water colors and gouache placed all over the wall can be seen.   Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/37898       “Wa-no Utsuwa Dengama” – a shop specializing in Japanese pottery located in Kappabashi The owner of this shop stockes pottery directly from pottery producers from all over Japan.  At this shop, Kutani, Mino, Shigaraki, Arita, Masuko and other Japanese traditional dishes are available. The shop has an extensive lineup from daily-use dishes to masterpieces of well-known pottery producers.  You can find daily-use dishes on the first floor, and high-quality one-of-a-kind items, which are made by pottery artists, on the second floor. Dishes that make your life more vivid await you at “Wa-no Utsuwa Dengam.”  Come find a special pottery item for yourself, or get one as a present for your loved one.   Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/41748        MOSHI MOSHI BOX in Harajyuku offers “Made in Japan” – KENDAMA Harajuku fashion and culture reporters ASOBISYSTEM and culture creating shop BEAMS have teamed up to create a new project called “ASOBEAMS”. They will be producing all new Tokyo souvenirs, starting with their first item, “KENDAMA TOHOKO”, the classic kentama toy.   Designed by a Harajuku artist, the kendama are being made by the worldwide respected kentama firmament Yamagata Workshop. These kendama are now being sold at MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Information Center locate very near Harajuku’s Takeshita Street.   Detailed information：http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/11654     We wish you luck in finding a Japan-limited, “Made in Japan” souvenir to your liking!    

Hi everyone, Shiota here from the MOSHI MOSHI BOX Harajuku Tourist Information Center.

 

"Yatsuhashi" is a well-recognised traditional Japanese confectionery in Kyoto. It's delicious whether eaten raw or baked and is a popular souvenir item from there.

 

Today I'd like to show you a newly released product from Bijuu, a company known for its yatsuhashi, called "Kyo-Machiya Cake - Kokuto Kinako"!

Kyo-Machiya Cake is a new kind of sweet. It is made with yatsuhashi that has been kneaded with brown sugar and sponge cake made with soy flour. The cake is filled with soy flour ganache mixed with brown sugar red bean paste.

 

It comes in packs of four (￥760) and six (￥1,080) so they are perfect as a souvenir or gift to somebody.

*both prices do not include tax

 

They're small making them nice and easy to eat. They also look like Western style cakes and come in stylish packaging.

 

When you open the package you are instantly hit with the sweet-smelling aroma of soy flour. And because the soy flour is dark roasted with domestic soya beans the smell is much more fragrant.

 

Let's have a taste.

 

Mmm! Raw yatsuhashi is so chewy!

 

There's lots of different flavours of yatsuhashi you can get your hands on nowadays like matcha and chocolate. But this is my first time eating brown sugar flavour. The fluffy texture of the sponge together with the chewy yatsuhashi is irresistible. I've never tasted anything like it.

Ellie: "So sweet! The aroma of the soy flour is to die for, it's mouth-watering. The soy flour ganache between the sponge is sweet and very tasty. Plus the outside layer is yatshashi so your hands don't get messy."

 

People who aren't too good with cinnamon or who can't eat yatsuhashi might be able to get through one of these. You can enjoy eating it cold or try warming it up a little too!

 

If you find yourself in Kyoto and in need of a souvenir, then how about settling on a Kyo-Machiya Cake?

 

 

For those of you who are planning to visit the Kansai area this autumn, here are some recommended autumn color spots. Many of these spots will be lit up at night after November so why not visit some temples at nighttime. In this article, I will introduce to you some recommended autumn color spots.

 

 

Kyoto Kiyomizu Temple

Kiyomizu Temple in Otowa Mountain holds a viewing event (three times per year – spring, summer and autumn).  They will hold a viewing event at nighttime from the 11^th of November (Sat.) to the 3^rd of December (Sun.). You can enjoy the wonderful autumn view where thousands of maple leaves are lit up along with the temple. Jojuin which usually cannot be seen is open for viewing during this season. The quiet night view of Jojuin’s garden (the garden is known as one of the best gardens in Kyoto) which is also called “the moon garden” is a must-see.

 

 

 

Kyoto Ruri Kouin

Ruri Koin will hold a special viewing event at nighttime. The light up event called “Momiji (maple tree) komichi” (third time to be held) will be held at the same time as the viewing event is held. The light up event will be held at “Cable Hiei Station” where the city of Kyoto can be viewed. I am sure that you will be able to enjoy the autumn colors as you catch a fresh, cold breeze, something you cannot feel in the big cities.

 

 

 

Kyoto Kakuyuzan Rokuoin

From the 26^th of November (Sun.) to the 9^th of December (Sat.), a special viewing event at nighttime will be held this year too. Rokuoin is famous for its autumn colors and Kosansui Garden which is known as the first plane garden in Japan was designated as one of the official beauty spots of Kyoto. In the viewing event, a 300m long stone path, Shariden and the garden will be lit up. The number of the visitors who can enjoy this event is limited (100 persons). Let’s enjoy the night view of the Zen temple.

 

 

 

Kyoto “Toji” ×  Keihan Hotels & Resorts

Keihan Hotels & Resorts (Kyoto, Shimogyoku, CEO: Toshihiko Inaji) will collaborate with “Toji (Kyoo Gokokuji) and sell Keihan Hotels & Resorts-limited premium plan where you can view the important cultural properties including Toji and stay at the hotel. The plan comes with a ticket to enter the venue of the light up event where you can enjoy the autumn views of Toji such as a mysterious five-story tower surrounded by vivid colored autumn leaves lit up at nighttime. You can enjoy the night in Kyoto thinking about the Heian Era 1,200 years ago.

 

 

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Hyogo Prefecture Rokko Meets Art

“Rokko Meets Art Geijutsu Sanpo 2017” is an event which is held from the 9^th of September 2017 (Sat.) to the 23^rd of November (Thurs./holiday). “The Night Museum” where you can enjoy the lit up autumn leaves inside the facilities is held at “Rokko Takayama Botanical Garden” and “Rokko Orgel Museum” from the 20^th of October (Fri.) to the 12^th of November (Sun.). Let’s enjoy the combination of nature and art works.

 

 

 

Kobe Arima’s sightseeing spot of autumn leaves “Koyo no Tanada”

Arima View Hotel’s “Arima Onsen Taiko no Yu” will hold a light up event of “Koyo no Tanada” in “Taiko Shikisaien ～Kanbei Kodo” located in the front of “Taiko no Yu.” Passengers cannot pass the property of “Taiko no Yu” while the event is held.

“Koyo no Tanada” is a hill consisting of numerous “autumn viewing paths” on the 15m high incline and the view of the spots where autumn leaves are lighted up by the sun is as beautiful as “Zuiho Temple Park,” a famous autumn leaves viewing spot in Arima hot spring town. About 80 trees are lit up with 30 big illumination lumps. You can enjoy the mysterious night view of the autumn leaves which is different from the view during the daytime.

 

 

 

Nara Prefecture Yoshino Mountain

Yoshino Mountain is famous as the beauty spot of cherry blossoms but the autumn leaves at this spot is so beautiful! The areas including Shimosenbon, Kinusen Temple, Nakasenbon Park and Kamisenbon. These spots will be lit up and you can enjoy the autumn leaves at nighttime. The light up will be held from the 7^th of November 2017 (Sat.) to the 6^th of December (Sun.).

 

 

How did you like our explanation of recommended autumn color spots in the Kansai area? Let’s enjoy autumn views which you can enjoy only during this current season.

 

 

 

If you’re planning a trip to Kyoto/Osaka and need a place to stay, you may as well go for something that will give you the full experience of this haven of tradition. We’ve compiled a list of 5 hotels a little different from the norm for you to check out. We guarantee they will make your holiday that much more special.  

Experience shukubo temple lodging at “Waqoo Shitaderamachi”

“Waqoo Shitaderamachi” a ‘shukubo’ temple lodging located in Shitaderamachi where around 80 temples are situated. ‘Shukubo’ refers to temple lodging for worshippers who are visiting shrines and temples. With the cooperation of neighbouring temples, “Waqoo Shitaderamachi” offers overnight plans where one can experience cultural activities such as tracing, zazen and morning work. If you’re looking for something that is hands-on traditional then look no further at Shitaderamachi’s new popular spot for experiencing ascetic practices. Full Article:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/39570  

Enjoy Kyoto’s gorgeous seasons and culture to the max at “Kiyomizu Sannenzaka-An”

“Kiyomizu Sannenzaka-An” is special as it is built and catered for guests to make them feel like they are living there while on their trip. Kyoto’s first ever condominium hotel lodging, this unique location fuses together our modern-day style of living with the beautiful old-style Kyoto way. The rooms offered at Kiyomizu Sannenzaka-An maintain that traditional style thanks to the warm of wood and the paper sliding doors. But it’s also equipped with induction heating kitchens and up-to-date technology, making it ideal for both short and long stays.   Full Article:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/27484  

Toss aside your phone and computer and indulge in Kyoto’s beautiful nature at HOSHINOYA Kyoto

  “HOSHINOYA Kyoto” is an in located on Arashiyama where every room has a river view. The accommodation holds a program by the name of “Datsu Digital Taizai” where guests can get away from everyday electronics such as smart phones and computers, which we have become dependent on, and throw themselves into the culture and nature of Kyoto. This program also offers a massage, as well as the opportunity for riverside meditation and more for you to revitalize and refresh your mind, body and soul.   HOSHINOYA Kyoto offers lots of fun and interesting programs with the changing seasons, so be sure to see what’s on before you book. Full Article:http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/62197    

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Sleep amongst accomplished art pieces at the extravagant “Hotel Anteroom Kyoto”

Hotel Anteroom Kyoto was renovated from student dorms and turned into a hotel & apartment. The hotel is fitted with a gallery, breakfast restaurant and bar, and also delivers the latest from Kyoto’s constantly changing art culture through various activities. Themed around a “365-day art fair,” guest rooms also feature ahost of purchasable art pieces from around 70 different talented artists. The entire hotel is an art haven for lovers of art.    

Fujiya Ryokan

This warm and welcoming ryokan has an at-home vibe and – it’s just like returning home. Waiting to greet you at the entrance is the cat hostess, Lily. You can look forward to a delicious menu of popular traditional Japanese cuisine from grilled fish to boiled vegetables, miso soup and lots more. Located only a 3-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station, Fujiya Ryokan is easily accessible. Part of its charm is how quiet and peaceful it is despite it being so close to the station – you wouldn’t think it was!     Did any of the hotels take your fancy? Pick your favourite and have an even more special trip to Kyoto.  

The Michelin Guide is an internationally known reference guide that lists the best hotels and restaurants by rating everything from the ingredients to the service and even cost performance. In this article, we take a look at several hotels and restaurants in Kyoto that are listed by Michelin.

 

Hotel Grand Bach Kyoto Select

This hotel has featured in the Michelin Guide four years in a row since its opening including this year's "Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka 2018." The name of the hotel comes from German composer Johann Sebastian Bach as they aim to create the same comfortable and soothing music that Bach was known for, offering a "Bach" ("brook" in German) hospitality that promises a soothing atmosphere. The hotel is conveniently located near Shijō Station along Shijō Street where the Gion Festival is held, as well as Kawaramachi Station via the Hankyu Kyoto Line. The hotel also has concierge service in addition to a super healthy and delicious breakfast menu created by expert nutritionists, free nighttime chazuke, large public baths and more. It is renowned for its attentive service and is the perfect location for travelers.

 

 

 

 

HOSHINOYA Kyoto

Hoshinoya Kyoto won the highest rank "5 Red Pavilion" ("the most gorgeous and high-quality accommodation") in the accommodation branch of Michelin Guide Kyoto & Osaka 2018, making it the 6th time the hotel has made the rankings. The accommodation facility is located in Oku-Arashiyama which your arrive at by riding a small boat from “Togetsukyo,” a popular tourist location, for ten minutes and tracing back up the river. You can view the river from the 100-year-old rooms created as a “personal waterside residence” while enjoying the seasonal views of Kyoto's beautiful nature. Hoshinoya Kyoto also holds different events for each season.

 

Full Details: http://www.moshimoshi-nippon.jp/75673

 

 

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Kyo-ryori Nakamura

Taradon Mさん(@benz_t)がシェアした投稿 - 2015 10月 19 1:40午前 PDT

"Nakamura" makes a graceful entry this year. The institution follows the precept of Sen no Rikyū who embraced the notion of the Japanese phrase "Ichigo Ichie" (一期一会) which, as elegantly defined on their website, means "Every occasion of extending hospitality to another person is a particular occasion never to recur in one’s lifetime, so we should do the best to make this occasion perfect." Nakamura serves traditional food seasoned in a new way. It is a family business with growing popularity that boasts an art of cooking that has been passed down through family predecessors and cannot be learnt by word of mouth.

 

 

 

 

Mizai

Emi Andoさん(@ando.emi)がシェアした投稿 - 2017 11月 9 10:18午後 PST

"Mizai" is a famous restaurant that holds an elusive three Michelin stars. It is also nearly impossible to get a reservation. The restaurant sits quietly down a narrow road in the mountains. The shop owner Hitoshi Ishihara is a masterful chef who was the head chef (and later Executive Chef) at the luxurious Kyoto Kitcho Arashiyama at the young age of 24. Mizai serves "cha kaiseki" - food served before tea at formal tea occasions.

 

 

 

 

Iida

Bennet Chuiさん(@bennetchui)がシェアした投稿 - 2016 6月 20 3:33午前 PDT

"Iida" upgraded from two stars to three stars in the 2018 edition of Michelin. The building was originally used as a tea utensil shop at the start of the Showa Period. Breeze and light enters and reflects on the wickerwork from the courtyard. The cornerstone of Iida's cuisine is "cha kaiseki" which is served on antiques meaning you can enjoy not only the taste of your food but the presentation too.

 

 

 

Did you enjoy this list? All of these restaurants and hotels are immensely popular - to the point that it's difficult to even get a reservation! The Michelin Guide is a great reference for finding unique, one-of-a-kind experiences when it comes to food and accommodation, so be sure to treat yourself while in Japan.