pokejapan@kyoto

The changing leaves in Kyoto

The Kyoto Imperial Palace (Kyoto Gosho) is one of the imperial palaces of Japan. Today is the first day the buildings inside of the Palace are open to the public for autumn this year. We came here to take some photos of the changing leaves (red leaves) in autumn for the new Global MBA website of DBS. This palace is located in the center of Kyoto city and is just next to our university named Doshisha University, so it is very convenient to go to there from our working place. It is within walking distance. 

We didn’t know that it was open. We could say it is a lucky chance because it is open for only five days in autumn every year. By chance we could take many photos inside the palace with its historical buildings and beautiful Japanese gardens. So many people, including those living local and travelers from many areas of Japan and other countries came. Actually, it is a very nice season to travel in Japan now. 

The main hall is called “Shishinden” and the beautiful Japanese garden is called “Oike-niwa”, where there is a garden and a pond. The imperial palace has been located in this area since 794. The Palace building itself, is one of the oldest and most important buildings in Japan, and has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt many times over the course of its history. It has been destroyed and rebuilt eight times, six times during the 250-year-long peace of the Edo Period. 

French Party in Kyoto

One of my friends, who graduated from the same MBA, guided me to visit the old temples for trying out the first single-lens reflex camera before we joined the party in Kyoto city. The cherry blossoms have almost finished, but the scenery was still beautiful with a Buddha and the Pagoda at the old temple in Kyoto.

We went to dinner at the Udon noodle shop with his wife, who I met for the first time, near the party place after sightseeing. I ordered the Gobo-Udon, which I tried for the first time ever, but it was so nice because it is the one of the recommended items on the menu. A “gobo” is a burdock root and we often use it for traditional Japanese food.

The party at “the Institute of France and Japan in Kansai” was good fun for us, because there were many performances such as a movie, poetry reading, music and photos. I guess more than 100 people visited this party. It was held by the “Kansai-Nichifutu-Gakkan”, supported by the French government for the artists who visited from France. They stay and work there for about six months to create new arts in Kyoto, which is a very historical place in Japan.

I met some artists from France such as photographers, painters, craftsmen, modern artists etc. Through this unique experience, I learnt a lot about French culture. If I have an opportunity, I would like to visit there again and exchange opinions with some artists who are living there.
http://www.villa-kujoyama.or.jp/index1.html

   

The 1st Entrepreneur Meeting in Kyoto

I joined a group named “the Meeting of Youth up to 100 years old for Entrepreneurs”.In the evening we went to the Heian-Jingu and the Shrine Garden in Okazaki-Koen. This shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. The shrine buildings are gaudy replicas, reduced to a two-thirds scale, of the imperial Court Palace of the Heian period (794-1185). The Shrine Garden is known as the most beautiful landscape gardens typical of the Meiji period and it has won national distinction. This is one of the most favorite gardens which I’ve ever visited in Japan. We could especially see so many kinds of cherry blossoms at the same time with good timing because the cherry blossom season is so short. I think it is the best day to see them due to the warm weather in spring with no rain and no wind at all. Some traditional buildings’ and flowers’ reflections on the pond were so beautiful. After visiting this garden, we had a very good time with nice Mexican food. Most of the members are entrepreneurs in the Kansai area. The members' occupations are various, such as a glass blower, translator, coordinator, E-commerce owner, faculty member of a University etc. It seems like we are in different fields, but we can respect and learn many things from each other.

The cherry blossom (Sakura) is blooming

  I went to the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. Kyoto Imperial Palace used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo. Our University is located next to the Kyoto Imperial Palace. Before I went to the University, I visited there to see the cherry blossom in this place. This place is one of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Kyoto and now is the best season to see them because it is getting warm. In Japan it is spring now. The cherry blossom’s life is short and only lasts about two weeks. The flowers on each tree are starting to bloom. The cherry blossom is Japan’s unofficial flower. It has been celebrated for many centuries and takes a very prominent position in Japanese culture. In Kyoto we have many places to see the beautiful cherry blossom. I am going to visit two famous places in Kyoto at the end of this week and next week. One is Kamogawa Park besides the Kamo River and the other is Maruyama Park, next to the Heian Shrine, which was constructed in 1895 to commemorate Kyoto’s 1,100th anniversary as Japan’s capital. We call it ‘Hanami’, which is a party held outside with the cherry blossom in spring in Japan. Japanese people enjoy a party with warm temperatures outside after finishing a long winter.

 

Kakushin Juku introduced by Daily Yomiuri News Paper

The title of article is "Redesigning tradition for modern life Doshisha University course aims to pass skills of Kyoto craftsmen to next generation."

Detail of Article as follows:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/world/20080327TDY16003.htm

Kakushin Juku http://bs.doshisha.ac.jp/kakushin/shokunin_e/index.html

Cherry blossoms this year

   It has been passed one year from the last cherry blossom season in spring. Last year I went to Maruyama park and the Imperial Palace and this year I went to the Imperial Palace, too. It was good timing to see some cherry blossoms which were almost perfect. It was little rain at noon on Saturday, but people kept going to have lunch under the beautiful scenery to enjoy with friends and families. After relax time, I had two meeting relating to the consulting job about E-commerce until mid night. It was a quite long day.

Paris Haute Couture fashion collection 2007 (Pari-colle in Japanese)

       I was surprise to see this pictures based on the Japanese culture on the Internet new site, MSN news, after introduced by my class mate of MBA by e-mail. Oh, what the impressed pictures are they! The most of those fashion were made by British fashion designer John Galliano for Christian Dior's spring-summer 2007 Haute Couture fashion collection, presented Monday Jan. 22, 2007 in Paris. The person who send me this information have met this fashion designer John Galliano before he was famous and he was asked to introduce his fashion in Japan, but he refused because he was busy and did not know about fashion. Now he regret a little not to introduce him at that time.

YouTube
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=34f971VFXys
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VaROO_gU6Aw&NR

   

Visit a venture company

     Few days ago, I visited the incubation center in Kyoto University in Kyoto. I am getting interested in a cluster and an incubation recently, after visiting University of Cambridge in UK. It was very helpful for the start up company to get working place and friend as same circumstance. The company which I visited at that time, he was graduated from this school and started the business based on the new high technology after getting investments from some angels. I think that he is an entrepreneur and I will research this company at "class of Kyoto venture business", which I have taking now.

Fireworks Display

    In summer, many fire work festival are held in many parts of country. This constitute is a typical summer scene and lively gatherings for amusement. Many people enjoy gorgeous show at night.　In Japan many women and girls wear on“ Yukata” and feel elegant. In this summer, I saw men who wear on “Yukata” more than before.  I think fireworks is　wonderful because it fascinates a lot of people in a moment. In your country, what kind of fireworks festival is held? (posted by Harumi Y, Internship student)

   

"Daimonji" in Kyoto

    I went to "Daimonji". "Daimonji" is "Gozan-no-Ookuribi" which is held in 5 mountains in Kyoto. They make a fire in many points there. It can be seen letter or picture from far, for example photo is ‘大-DAI’. This is held Heian Period and the purpose is sending spirits who come home in the obon-period. So, spirits can go back to heaven.　In KYOTO, there is this custom for long time. .(posted by Harumi Y, Internship student)

 

Reception of Belgium

     I was invited to the reception of the person who I know has become the Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Belgium in Kyoto. It was held in "Tenryu-ji" which was famous of the moving dragon in the ceiling depends on the place you are looking at. I saw it was moving and it saw me from any direction I moved.

     This is a Belgium beer, which was thick taste and Alc. 9%, I enjoy this taste of it. Because of the warm reception, I had a good time to see people from Belgium and living in Kyoto and the other people who were invited to this party. After the party, I took a walk in the garden of this Tenryu-ji temple.

Gion festival

      I went to Gion Festival for the first time in my life.  This is one of the biggest festival in Japan. So, every year so many people come there.  When they go to this festival, many people wear yukata which is Japanese traditional cloth. Yukata is suitable for Japanese figure.  And I walked on the Shijyo street with my friends. Usually this street is permitted for cars, but it is impossible today. So, I enjoyed walking in this street. I changed my mind to like this festival very much,
because I was impressed this festival. I am looking forward to seeing Gion festival next year. (posted by Koji K, Internship student)

"Machiya" in Kyoto

    Traditional Japanese houses are made of wood, with floors raised 30-40 cm off ground and covered with tatami(flooring rush mats). Essentially, we call this type of houses "Machiya". Machiya is very popular for young women these days. Machiya is recognized comfortable and nice.

     Please look at these photos, which I took few days ago. The Machiya is fitted to the seasons. Now it is summer now and prepared for "Gion Festival". In Gion festival, they welcome guests in this house. So always this Matiya is closed to street and people in outside, but when Gion festival is held, they take off doors or Fusuma(paper sliding doors) or Shoji(sliding paper screens). Besides, this way can good through of wind and it's cool. They seem enjoy Maturi, conversation and cooking.The Machiya has many appearances to fit the scene. I thought that our ancestors had a good idea. (posted by Harumi Y, Internship student)

 

Gion Matsuri （festival） in Kyoto

     The Gion Matsuri was held in a few days ago. Gion Matsuri is the most famous festival in Kyoto and is held for four days. The last day is "Yamaboko-zyunkou" ,carry a portable shrine, 32 yamaboko are carried by people, they wander around the town from 9 am to noon.  This Matsuri was started to wish peace of town about one thousand years ago. We call the day before is "Yoiyama", the day before yesterday is "Yoiyoiyama", and tree days before is "Yoiyoiyoiyama". These three days are held in evening, they illuminated yamaboko at night and people of area welcome their guests.
     The Gion Matsuri is very famous, so many people come to enjoy the mood of the Matsuri. In this term, many people wear on "Yukata", an informal cotton kimono for the summer season, and many stalls are opened. So the town is very bustle. Million of people gather in only for days. I like Gion Matsuri very much, because this festival can express the elegance of Kyoto. "Ohayasi", this Matsuri music is played by the original and traditional instruments, and also graceful. I saw a lot of foreigners. Some of them were wearing Yukata. I would like you to enjoy the Gion Matsuri someday. (posted by Harumi Y, Internship student)

 

Traditional crafts export symposium

     I have joined the symposium about export of Japanese traditional crafts to overseas in Kyoto with internship students today. I enjoyed the three speakers' presentations including our business school teacher and exhibition of traditional crafts have already exported from Japan (refer to photos). One of speakers said they were important to modify some design of the products to adopt to liking of local consumers in the country which you wanted to export, and Japanese artists should collaborate more with the people who are artists in the country.

     I also learned that we needed communication with people in that country, at the same time you started to sell your products. Anyway I enjoyed this international symposium which were held in English to learn both trading methods and English itself. (posted by Yasu) *Click the photos for enlarging

Fashion Cantata from Kyoto

    I went to 'Fashion Cantata from Kyoto’ last Sunday.  This was fashion show that appeal CHANEL and Kimono. The show is 14th, and theme was 'BOJYO’.（BOJYO is Love.）  They express, heart and internal beauty of lady, tradition, and the figurative art. First, they started CHANEL fashion show.  22 fashion models were appearing on the stage. CHANEL designer used black and white in main color.  CHANEL collection was so simple, but cool and elegant. 

    In the middle,  there were talk show that Japanese woman essayist talk with Richard Collasse　who is the president of CHANEL.  He likes Kyoto and Kimono very much, so decided showing in this event.  They talked about life in Kyoto.  It seemed that it not easy, but so happy!  He said CHANEL is similar to traditional goods, because its goods are simple and handmade. They seek elegance that not limited. Besides, the French and people in Kyoto are both have pride that 'I am the French’ or 'I am the Kyoto'.

    In the latter of show, a lot of fashion model who wear Kimono went out in stage. The Kimonos were made by Kimono writers.  It’s very beautiful, especially shade is beyond description.  Altogether, show of CHANEL was foreigner model and show of Kimono was Japanese model, which is each of these good because they were so characteristic. I thought Kimono was very good after all. This show could remember us heart of Japanese. I wish I can wear Kimono in some day.   (posted by Harumi Y, Internship student)

 

English Pub and two traditional crafts shops

    After meeting at my University, our member of seminar with teach went to the English pub near the Shijo Station yesterday. We enjoyed beer with chatting for the relax time before you going back home. In the same building which named 'Cocon Karasuma', we visited some shops in the same shopping mall. 'Cocon' means all time in Japanese. One of the shop which we have visited was 'lisn' shop for the incense. The company 'Shoyeido', the owner of this shop has long history, more than 300 years since 1705. You can enjoy the perfume of incense. http://www.shoyeido.com/

    Incense, along with Buddhism, was introduced into Japan from China(538). At first, it was used in front of Buddhist statues, but it gradually came to be enjoyed independently. In the middle of the Muromachi Period (1333-1573), it developed in association with the tea ceremony, and the style of using incense as an independent art was developed. With Kodo there are several approaches. One can burn aromatic wood and appreciate the fragrance, play a game by judging the relative quality of two kinds of incense, or express a theme common to the fragrances of several kinds of burning incense.

    Then we visited the 'Karakami Paper' shop named 'Karacho'.karakami paper is made, with only the slight sounds of woodblock printing audible. This shop is famous of paper which has 380 years history in Kyoto. This company has this hope is only one shop for selling 'Kyo Karakami Paper' in Japan. http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/columns/0005/lens158.htm
I like the lots of lighting covered by 'Karakami paper' on the ceiling of this building. (Please refer to the picture)

Day trip from Tokyo to Kyoto

    I talked with lady who is my class mate at MBA in this early morning. She said she came to Kyoto from Tokyo this morning to take some classes on Sat. She left home around 6:00AM and arrive in Kyoto in 8:30 AM. I was surprised it took just less than two hours from Yokohama, near Tokyo to Kyoto by Shinkansen (bullet trains) and she will return to Tokyo in the same day.

    The Shinkansen reach speeds of up to 300km/h and some experimental models have gone significantly faster. In addition to being in credibly fast , Shinkansen are also incredibly safe: in more than 30 years of operation, there has never been a fatality.

    In our MBA class, some students come from long distance such as Tohoku area, Tokyo, Nagoya and some different prefectures except Kyoto. I go to this school fromTakarazuka-city in Hyoto prefecture, between Kobe and Osaka. It takes about 1.5 hours for one way to Kyoto.

Aoi Matsuri (Festival) in Kyoto

    One of Kyoto's biggest festivals, the Aoi Matsuri consists of a procession of beautifully decorated oxcarts attended by some 400 people dressed in Heian-period costume. The parade leaves the Old Imperial Palace in the morning and heads north to Shimogamo-jinja (shrine), reaching the shrine around noon. It then proceeds to Kamigamo-jinja, arriving there in the evening.

    I have joined from Shimogamo-jinja and walked to Kamigamo-jinja about 5km and I was taking pictures for the parades. It was a beautiful day today, so I really enjoyed the festival for the first time.

    In Maturi, many people came to see from not only Japan, also from many countries. I meet one lady who comes to Japan from Spain, in order to join the International conference about women's sport in Kumamoto, Kyusyu at Okonomi-yaki restaurant for lunch. She said that she would stay in Kyoto for 3 days and will go to Tokyo after Kyoto. Tokyo and Kyoto are confusing for her, because this is the first trip in Japan. We could exchange information each other about different countries and experience in English, while taking lunch.

Traditional crafts gallery 'Uruhashi' at shop Mamechiku

    I visited the shop Mamechiku for just limited period they display traditional crafts made by young people mainly who graduate from School of Traditional Arts and Crafts called TASK. The young lady on the picture said that once a year we introduce a lots of different Kyoto traditional crafts, such as Urushi as Japanese lacquer, bamboo work, woodwork, applique, ring by woodwork, Urushi, shell and Nishijin. Normally Nishijin is used for Kimono, obi(belt for kimono), neckties, and shawls, but this industrial artist for rings has found to use Nishijin for wooden rings. I really interested in this type of crafts, so I would like to her again and have interview.

   

    Mamechiku, shop name came from the art on the picture with a lady who is also industrial artist. She said this is the pillow for hold when you sleep and it was made of foam polystyrene with tree times Urushi. It is the symbol of the shop, but it has been staying this position of the house for three years.

 

   

   

    I will contact each person for the interview why they have started to make traditional crafts in Kyoto. I know many traditional crafts can not continue due to lack of successors, but on the other had they go to the school of art and crafts to be professional. I think this is mismatch of person.

Kamogawa Odori (Maiko dance)

   I had Unagi(eel) for lunch at Center of city in Kyoto. In Japan we eat Unagi quite often so that eel is very good for your energy and good for your health because of lots of vitamin A in it. After lunch, I went to the 'Kamogawa Odori'.It is a Geisha and Maiko dance at the theater near the Kamo River. That's why it is called Kamogawa river dance. Kamogawa odori started in 1871, after they have gotten the license for Geisha industry in 1959. It was operating for over 130 years every spring and autumn since then. This is the 169th show.

   It was the first experience for me to see this show and I was very impressed it had nice story and they were so beautiful about dancing and their clothes called 'Kimono'. I enjoyed this dance for 90 min including two shows.

   They are dancing perfectly because they start the training when they are very young. I also really like the traditional music instruments, such as Shamisen similar to a guitar, Taiko as Japanese dram, Fue as Japanese flute, Tutumi you hold and hit it, and four singers. The music is very old type and unique, but I believe you would like if you hear them once.

Maruyama Koen

This park is a favourite of locals and visitors alike. It's a place to escape the bustle of the city centre and amble around gardens, ponds,souvenir shops and restaurant. Peaceful paths meander thought the trees and carp glide thought the waters of a small pond in the center of the park.(from lonely planet)

 

Yasaka Jinja

    I took a bus from Museum to Yasaka Jinja for about 10 min. I have not come to this shrine for long time. It was nice a lots of open space and relax with Maruyama Park next to Yasaka Jinja.    

    This colourful shrine is down the hill from Maruyama-Koen.It's considered the guardian shrine of Gion. The present buildings, with the exception of the older, two-storey west gate, date from 1654. The roof of the main shrine is covered with cypress shingles. This shrine is particularly popular as a spot for hatsu-mode(the first shrine visit of the new year). If you don't mind as stampede, come there around midnight on New Year's Eve or any of the following days. Surviving the crush is proof that you're blessed by the gods! Yasaka-jinja sponsors Kyoto's biggest festival, Gion Maturi. (from lonely planet)

Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts

    I took a local bus from Kawaramachi station to the Museum. Kawaramachi is one of the center of the Kyoto city and has many shops and restaurants. I have never rode a bus by myself, but actually it is cheaper than a taxi and more convenient than I thought. They come often and price is 220 yen each time. Taxi would charge you more than 1,000 yen to 2,000 yen depending on the crowed on the road. Then I arrived the museum which is today's purpose to visit Kyoto. I recomend for sightseeing in Kyoto to take a walk and use a local bus.

    Kyoto has years of historic cultures and traditions for its glorious reign as capital city of Japan. Crafts and culture created in this elegant capital city have maintained traditional styles for years in the old fashioned life style of this place, however, people that supported crafts and culture of the city often indicated different aspect to absolve continuously 'something new' to them. 'Fureaikan Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts' is the place of the cross over point where visitors can feel unification of Kyoto's traditional beauty and the world of elaborate arts. (from brochure)

 

How to get water

I talked with an Australian guy about water today. Before he came to Japan, he was living in the rural area inside of Australia between Sydney and Gold Coast. He had water from rain after gathering from the roof of the house and kept in the tank, when it was raining. He said that no problem at all, after water was filtered on the tap. In Japan, now we use the water from the river of lake after going through a filtration plant, but in the past, we had generally used a well in the house. My house also had the well and use the water from it for drinking and washing. In Kyoto, they made a canal to get water form Biwa Lake, which was the biggest lake in Japan. These three pictures are the canal in Kyoto.

School Start

Yesterday, I had the first two classes in my school for my second year at MBA course at Doshisha Business School in Kyoto. I took class Marketing Research, Risk Management and Start up new business for first quoter in the spring period. The each class has 3 hours a day and 7 times in a session. Most of a class provide assignment for the next class. You must read the text books and prepare the presentation in group or individually. And at the end of class, we have a final report or an exam.

Internship program

   The first picture is the Kyoto Station. It is very modern style and inside there are a lot of space, many shops and restaurants. Near the station, I went to the campus plaza Kyoto building today.

   I made a peech there for the Consortium of Universities in Kyoto, which was the organization for the Internship Program of all 50 Universities in Kyoto. Our company KTS has accepted the several students every year for 5 years. They study EC, Electric Commerce in summer time at my firm. Today I was invited to make speech about our experience of the Internship Program for about 100 representatives of companies and organizations to accept students in this summer. I was little nervous at first, but getting better. I said that important things of Internship for the company were lots of communications about company and the program with students before they start program and also the ways of keeping their motivation high. I want to keep my motivation high about keeping this weblog.

http://www.consortium.or.jp/english/index.html

Hidden trick house in the hidden place

   At the 'Nijyo-Jinya' I and my classmate friend had very nice experience hiding tricks in this house. The following explanation about this house referred to the 'lonely planet Kyoto'.

   This former merchant's home was built in the mid-1600s and served as an inn for provincial feudal lords visiting the capital. What appears to be an average Edo-period mansion, however, is no ordinary dwelling. The house contains fire-resistant earthen walls and a warren of 24 rooms, and was ingeniously designed to protect the daimyo against possible surprise attacks. Here you'll an array of counterespionage devices. The ceiling skylight of the main room is fitted with a trap door from where samurai could pounce on intruders, and sliding doors feature alternate panels of translucent paper to expose the shadows of eavesdroppers.

Nishijin textile maker visit and interviewed from Owner

    I visited the one of the famous traditional maker of Nishijin textile and found the serious problem they are facing now. The current problems are few person would like to take over their family's job and total sales are getting to decline every year.

    The owner of maker of Nishijin who is 14th generation said their employees are getting older more than 60 years old and their children would not take over their family job, because they have to do very hard tanning for long time and it is hard to get enough profit recently due to decline the umber of customers. To recover of them, he trays so many efforts to innovate from Kimono to the small items, such as high quality towel, scarf, jacket, shorts. He and his staffs make nice web-site to introduce their unique products and direct marketing to the customers. Also they make the owners and staffs weblogs, as well.

    The owner try to expand their core business to make silk textile continuously. He also said that they are worry about environment, because about 4,000 silkworms are required to make 'Ittan' as certain amount of silk. He said he would like to make the total textile company in the future. He try to continue their traditional business and keep Nishijin industry as long as they can, after having 300 years long history.

    This home page has many information about 'Nishijin textile' by Nishijin organization.  http://www.nishijin.or.jp/eng/eng.htm

Heian-Jingu and Museums

At last we have arrived at Heian-Jingu and Okazaki-Koen area for Museums. We visited the 'Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art' and tea at the 'Kyoto National Museum'. Then moved to Heian-Jingu, which was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Kyoto. The shrine buildings are gaudy replicas, reduced to a two-thirds scale, of the Imperial Court Palace of the Heian period(794-1185). The red gate was too big to take a photo of whole gate. Next picture shows not cherry-blossom tree, but it is so many 'Japanese fortunetelling's papers' at shrine and you can see a real cherry trees behind them.

 

River cruise for cherry-blossom

After the lunch box at 'Madam-koran' Chinese restaurant, on the way to the Museums, we passed canal connected to the Biwa-lake which is the largest rake in Japan and enjoyed cherry-blossoms besides the river. This is the new river cruise people enjoy the cruise and flowers at the same time.

   

Niijima's residence who is a founder of Doshisha University

I am learning at Management school of Doshisha University (MBA course) now. After visiting Imperial Palace, we visited the Niijima's residence who is a founder of Doshisha University. He was lived 1843-1890. When he started this school, it was the school for English. The ceremony of this school was held in this house. It was passed 132 years after it started and last year I was studying this school. By chance in this house the Organ concert was held and we could enjoy the Mozart who this year is the 250years anniversary. This organ was played by Niijima when he was alive. We enjoyed them and imaged he was playing this organ long time ago. The right picture is his bathroom. The bathtub was made by wood which was so rare.

 

The Kyoto Imperial Palace days open to the public

It was quite busy and learned well about Kyoto today. I really wanted to see the Kyoto Imperial Palace today, because it open to the public only two times for just several days in Spring and Autumn. You can see inside of the Palace and many important pictures and appearance in the rooms. It was built in 1331 and the Emperor lived here until 1869 . The Palace is a particularly valuable reminder of the world of imperial court life described in Heian-period literature such as the 'Tale of Genji'. We also enjoyed cherry-blossom very much.

   

Guide book for Kyoto

I have received two books written in English from Amazon.com today. Those books have lots of information about Kyoto traditional craft, temples, foods, tea, and sightseeing spots. Old Kyoto is very popular among travelers from overseas. Mr. Kano from Ippodo who was my MBA classmate said this book brought you to his tea shop which was the best tea shop in Kyoto. He also said to me that Japanese tea was very popular not only US, Asia, but in France and Switzerland in Europe.

Yahoo travel reviews by pokejapan

Today it was raining and outside was so dark, so I decided to stay at home to be relax. When I checked Internet website in overseas, I have found 'Yahoo travel reviews' which you can write your travel reviews with evaluation. I made three as follows:

http://travel.yahoo.com/p-reviews-191500002-ratings_and_reviews-i-prod-travelguide-rev_id-4-rev_dom-travelhotel-rev_tar-2762789-action-readmyreview;_ylt=AhLOfx_Pz9.1avdj6IRy2S1HFWoL

New MBA students and Pontocho

Yesterday was quite busy. At noon, we had a welcome party for new students of MBA at my school in Kyoto. 57 students will join to our course of third period in this spring and we will have more than 200 students in this course. I enjoyed to meet many new people who have different job and background. Also, we  can talk each other freely, because we are students and classmates without an interest.

After that party we have the meeting for the report for graduation called 'solution report' for the first time with our professor and other three students for a seminar in this year. At night our professor who knows about Kyoto very much, took us to dinner for traditional Japanese restaurant in the area famous for 'Yuzen Zome'. Please refer to the following site for more details about 'Yuzen Zome' http://www.kodaiyuzen.co.jp/english/index.html

This restaurant has been operating for 140 years for 'Tori Nabe' made by chicken and vegetable boiled in a pot as picture. Especially this soup was so nice, so everybody enjoyed them.                                       

 

After enjoying dinner, we went to the small bar to have jazz music with analog sound. While we were going to the station after the bar, we passed through 'Pontocho'. Pontocho is a traditional center for dining and night -time entertainment in a narrow street running between the Kamo-gawa and Kiyamachi-dori. It is also the famous area for a great place to spot geisha and maiko(apprentice geisha) making their way between appointments. By chance I could see geisha or maiko walking in front of me and take a photo.

I really enjoyed for Kyoto life today and found I have many things that I didn't know and made me more interested in Kyoto.

Kyoto shopping street

I went to the city of Kyoto named 'Kawaramachi' which is the center of the Kyoto the day before yesterday, because it was good season for going out for warm day in the beginning of spring. I checked some shops to find something fun for the foreigners to write in this blog. This picture is real fans with the Japanese Kanji characters at the show window of the souvenir shop. The price of a fan is about $3.00 each.

Another picture is a very small shop for putting your name. The size of shop has small space for only one person can in and he works to embroider your name on a cloth.

Nijyo-Jo

I visited Nijyo-Jo today, but it was already closed at 4:00pm. We arrived 10min past four. I missed to enter to the castle and took this photo from outside. This castle was built in 1603 as the official residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu. The ostentatious style was intended as a demonstration of Ieyasu's prestige and to signal the demise of the emperor's power. To safeguard against treachery, Ieyasu had the interior fitted with 'nightingale' floors(intruders were detected by the squeaking boards) and concealed chambers where bodyguards could keep watch and spring out at a moment's notice.Fans of ninja movies will recognize the features immediately.