Kyoto

JAPAN

PERSONAGES WHAT TO EAT MUST-SEE PICTURES

PERSONAGES

Sakamoto Ryoma (坂本竜馬)

Sakamoto Ryoma (坂本竜馬) was a low ranking, yet influential samurai from the Tosa Clan in the modern day Kochi Prefecture who was assassinated by the special police known as the Shinsengumi at the Teradaya Inn in Kyoto along with his companion Nakaoka Shintaro (中岡慎太郎). The assasination was known as the “Teradaya Incident''. Sakamoto’s support for democracy, abolition of feudalism and moderate modernization of Japan led to him being targeted by the Tokugawa Shogunate which at the time was hunting down its detractors.

The Imperial Family

The Imperial Family of Japan is said to be the descendents of the Sun Goddess Amaterasu first founded in February 11th 660BC. Although they have involvement in ceremonial duties, they do not have any involvement in the government. In modern times 126 members are recognized as part of the Imperial Family. Currently, only male members of the Imperial Family could take the throne but it is under debate whether female members could become the emperor.

猫の手も借りたい(neko no temo karitai)

“I want to borrow a cat’s paw” means when you are so busy, don’t have enough time to do things in the day that you want to even borrow a paw of a cat. As the people in this day in age are busy with their commitments and jobs, the usage of the phrase is fairly common.

WHAT TO EAT

kashi-pan (菓子パン)

Kyoto has the highest consumption of bread in Japan along with coffee,butter and milk. Some known chain bakeries originate from Kyoto such as Sizuya and Shinshindo. From sweet to savory, the kashi-pan (菓子パン) comes in variety of flavor and type. Some are filled with sweet cream or red bean paste, while others are topped with grilled noodles called yakisoba (焼きそば). The kashipan is flexible as a meal as it could be consumed as a quick breakfast, or snacks.

Ramen

Ichijoji Ramen Street is a ramen battleground area in Kyoto City. It is a one kilometer stretch of street full of ramen noodle shops. Kyoto style ramen noodles are typically pork based with soy sauce added in the broth with softened noodles. As university students account for almost 10 percent of the city’s population, the demand for cheap yet satisfying meals quickly rose to the top like the kashi-pan. Imadegawa Street is a must go for bread lovers to try different types of bread bakeries have to offer.

Yatsuhashi

Yatsuhashi is a glutinous confection snack popular for souvenirs. Made from rice flour sugar and cinnamon which adds to its distinctive flavor. There are three types of Yatsuhashi. The original is the simple mixture of the three main ingredients with the shape of a koto, the steamed and cut nama (raw) Yatsuhashi being the second and third called the aniri-nama-yatsuhashi with fillings (typically red bean pastes).

MUST-SEE

The Kamogawa River

The Kamogawa River is a popular place even for locals to have a stroll. The Kamo River is made up of two smaller rivers (Kamo River and Takano River) that flow from the north, joining at the Kamo River Delta in Demachiyanagi. The river is also a great area to bird watch for bird lovers. Herons, egrets and mallards can be seen. It is also a nice place to have a picnic—but beware of the black kites flying in the area. They are dominant predatory birds who will swoop at people with food in their hands. Be prepared to protect your food at all costs, they will eat almost anything.

Demachiza

Demachiza is a small indie movie theater located in Demachi Masugata Shopping Arcade. The first floor serves as a cafe and a bookstore while the second floor serves as the theater itself. The overall retro feel of the place gives off a relaxing atmosphere which many visitors are attracted to. A great place for film or book lovers and cafe hoppers to visit and spend time.

Toji Flea Market

On the 21st of each month, there is a flea market held at Toji Temple, also known as the Toji Flea Market. From old items to independent artists selling their work, there are a variety of things you could buy at the flea market. Even hand crafted traditional goods are sold at the flea market. There are also food stands to satisfy your stomach. The temple is free of charge to enter so you can both enjoy the market and the temple grounds after it ends.