The Japanese Whisky Paradox: Little Known and Widely Admired
Jun 25, 2016 By Justin Hanus
If you have lived most of your life outside Japan you might not be familiar with Japanese whisky. Although the fermented grain mash alcohol has been distilled on the islands since the late 1800s, Japan’s take on the storied spirit was not actively exported around the world (without the “e”)...[ Click to read more ]
The Kyoto Gion Festival – Biggest Festival in Japan
Jun 08, 2016 By Bert Wishart
Summertime in Japan is all about festivals, or matsuri, and one of the most popular summer festivals is Kyoto’s Gion festival, known in Japanese as Gion Matsuri. In fact, running through the entirety of the month of July, it is not only one of Japan’s best known festivals, it is also perhaps the...[ Click to read more ]
Kyoto and Nara – The One-Time Capital Cities are Storehouses of Japanese Heritage
May 23, 2016 By Justin Hanus
It is quite possible that you may detect some good-natured, chest-puffing sparring between the denizens of Nara and Kyoto over their respective heritage as one-time capitals of Japan. Nara was the first permanent capital of Japan but the government was uprooted after less than one century. When the capital moved...[ Click to read more ]
Special Extended Hours and Light-Up Events for May in Kyoto
Apr 22, 2016 By Justin Hanus
As if the incredible weather and the vibrant greens of springtime weren’t enough to get you out of the house, Kyoto’s May calendar is filled with exciting events and special openings to help you make the most of this iconic season. Although temperatures tend to hover at cool and comfortable...[ Click to read more ]
The First Month of the Year, Kansai Style!
Dec 24, 2015 By Justin Hanus
With the holidays over and the winter cold setting in, it can be difficult to find reasons to leave your house in the first month of the new year. Fortunately for people living in the Kansai region, there are too many exciting traditional events and festivals in January to risk...[ Click to read more ]
Kawadoko: Riverside Terrace Dining in Kyoto
Jun 14, 2013 By Ray Proper
Its summer, and time for trips! If you are visiting Kyoto this summer, one highly recommended activity is kawadoko, or river dining. Japanese people, possibly everyone, like to eat outside in summer, as the humidity gets higher and finding ways of cooling off become of paramount importance. kawadoko consists of...[ Click to read more ]
