A Shed Where Sakamoto Ryoma Hid
The life of Sakamoto Ryoma (坂本龍馬) was a short one, but his name remains as the man who established the monumental work called Saccho...
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Misasagi, Graveyard of Tragic Empress
In Kyoto, there are many graveyards of emperors and empresses. Those graveyards are called Goryo (御陵) or Misasagi (陵). At a quiet place...
Warabe-jizo (Statues of Bodhisattva Who Look Like Children) at Sanzen-in Temple
The most famous place in the Ohara (大原) district in Kyoto is Sanzen-in (三千院) temple. The Sanzen-in temple, founded in the Heian (平安)...
Amulet for Strong Legs at Goou Jinja Shrine
Have you ever visited the Goou Jinja (護王神社) shrine located at the west side of Gosho (御所, Kyoto Imperial Palace)? The shrine is also...
Miyakowasure (Gymnaster savatieri) Flowers
Spring in Japan starts with cherry blossoms, followed by peonies, azaleas, wisterias, and irises. Now that all representative beauties...
Azaleas at Yasaka Shrine West Gate
When you step into Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社) from the Shijo (四条) street, you always go through this Roumon (楼門, two-storied gate). The Roumon...
Fresh Greenery at Saga Toriimoto District
Embraced in the rich nature, the Saga Toriimoto (嵯峨鳥居本) district, located at a 30 minutes distance on foot from the crowded Arashiyama...
Kamishimo, a Formal Attire for Samurai Clans
I live in Hoko-cho (鉾町, communities which preserve/maintain floats of Gion Festival and conduct the procession), however, I do not join...
Attire for Kemari (Noblemen's Foot Ball)
Have you ever heard of a term Kemari (蹴鞠)? It is a foot ball game played by noblemen and courtiers in the Heian (平安) period. The Kemari...
Suwato Embroideries
My mother gave me a set of Kimono (着物) and Obi (帯, belt for kimono) adorned with extremely beautiful Suwato (汕頭) embroideries. The...
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