A Capsule Ryokan in Kyoto

Yesterday, I visited a unique new form of accommodation here in Kyoto: a capsule ryokan! On the first floor, it's got capsules with Japanese touches, like tatami mats and sliding shoji doors. On the upper floors, it's got business hotel-like rooms with lots of interesting features. It's close to Kyoto Station and it would make a good base for travel in Kyoto/Kansai.

Here are some pics of the capsules:





It costs Y3500 for a capsule and Y7890 for a private room (for two people). For more information visit their website.

Kurodani (Konkai Komyo-ji)

Yesterday, I was invited to a private tour of Kurodani Temple (properly known as Konkai Komyo-ji). I went with my guide and co-author, Koko. Koko and I recently finished a book for a Japanese publisher about how to explain Japan to foreign visitors. It's intended for anyone in Japan who has to show foreigners around the country. Anyway, yesterday, the abbot of the temple personally guided us around and explained the temple's long history. Here are some shots from the garden of the temple.

Here's the back of the pond:


Here's an overall view of the pond:


Here's Koko in the garden:

Kinosaki

In order to reward myself for working eight weeks without a break, I took a short trip to Kinosaki Onsen, on the Japan Sea coast, a bit over two hours north of Kyoto by express train. The town is famous for its onsen and winter crabs.

Here is a picture of some crab legs that I enjoyed. They were simple and delicious:


Here are the crabs for sale:


Here are some pictures from my last trip to Kinosaki, when a good friend invited my wife and I up to Nishimura-ya Honkan, the best onsen-ryokan in the town:

Snow in Kyoto

It snowed a bit last night here in Kyoto and I took a walk this morning around Shinyodo. Here's a picture of the approach to the temple:


Here's a picture of the pagoda:


Here's a small garden up on Yoshida-yama:

Setsubun Matsuri at Yoshida-jinja

A few nights ago, I went to the Setsubun Matsuri at Yoshida-jinja. Setsubun is the old lunar New Year that roughly corresponds to the Chinese New Year. People bring their old amulets and charms from the previous year and the shrine burns them in a giant bonfire.

Here is the mountain of amulets and charms ready to be set alight:


Here is a close-up of the amulets and charms:


Here's the fire:

Seika University Show at the Kyoto Metro Art Museum

I went to the Kyoto Metropolitan Museum of Art today to see the Seika University Graduation Works Show. As usual, I was impressed by the incredibly high level of the work from these young artists. Coming hard on the heels of the excellent Nitten (All Japan) show at the same museum, I thought how lucky I was to live in a city where exhibitions like this are a regular occurrence.

Here's the museum:


Here's a nice silkscreen:


Here's an interesting multimedia piece:


Here's an oil painting that reminded me of Bosch. This one made me think of Central Services in the movie "Brazil." Of course, in that move, there was no "ghost in the machine."


Here's a great abstract oil:


Here's an interesting ceremic work that looks like a ritual object from a Himalayan kingdom that never existed:

Ghost Houses in Kyoto

My friend Markuz Wernli Saito is holding a unique art project in Kyoto in March. He's been taking pictures of "ghost houses" in Kyoto for a long time. Ghost houses are the remains of houses left behind when houses are torn down here in Kyoto. Houses are built so closely together that one house is often built to accommodate its neighbor. When one is torn down, you get these interesting "shadows" left behind by the vanished house. Markuz is going to create a real estate agency where you can "shop" for these ghosts houses. For more on Markuz's project, please visit his site. To nominate a ghost house for inclusion in Markuz's project, contact Markuz directly.