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Kyoto Support » Recent Posts http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Sad to say, but this lovely old town requires some support. en-US Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:37:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/search.php peko on "Buying vinegar starter (mother of vinegar) in Japan..." http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/buying-vinegar-starter-mother-of-vinegar-in-japan#post-282 Mon, 07 Nov 2011 05:10:44 +0000 peko 282@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Dear drdave, Unfortunately I know nothing about making vinegar from scratch. To my way of thinking, vinegar is one of those things I would rather buy than make. I am just not going to be able to make it very well. I do make the Japanese 'drink' vinegar with ume, peaches, etc. I am actually just about to make some with Japanese lemons. However, this just involves macerating the fruit in vinegar and sugar. I did find this REALLY detailed post on how to make persimmon vinegar. <a href="http://tkksi.web.fc2.com/kitchen/autumn/kakisu.htm" rel="nofollow">http://tkksi.web.fc2.com/kitchen/autumn/kakisu.htm</a> Now, this would be really interesting to make. And, the 'starter' is naturally occurring on the skins of the persimmons. I have been able to get into a lot of sake, shoyu and miso breweries in Japan. I just cold call them and tell them what I am interested in. They are usually willing to take a little time to give you a tour and let you see the production process. You might try that. drdave on "Buying vinegar starter (mother of vinegar) in Japan..." http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/buying-vinegar-starter-mother-of-vinegar-in-japan#post-279 Mon, 31 Oct 2011 07:01:38 +0000 drdave 279@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ A tough one... I have decided to try my hand at homemade wine vinegar making and was hoping to get some of the precious bacteria commonly known as "mother of vinegar" (Mycoderma aceti). My research so far indicate that the common Japanese name might be 酢酸菌, but none of the variations on any of these names (katakana/no-katakana etc) comes up with anything on Rakuten (my usual last-ditch destination for hard-to-find items). From my understanding, I would do fine with *any* vinegar that has not been pasteurised (and therefore still contains some of the bacteria), but I doubt that applies to any of the ones I can find in a supermarket. Any suggestions? peko on "Ryokan Stories" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ryokan-stories#post-278 Sat, 08 Oct 2011 03:00:33 +0000 peko 278@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Jeff, As I live in Kyoto, I haven't stayed at a ryokan in the city. I have eaten dinner at several though. Below is post about top of the line ryokan in Kyoto. <a href="http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/fine-ryokan-japanese-style-inn-in-kyoto" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/fine-ryokan-japanese-style-inn-in-kyoto</a> Good: I used to live in the neighborhood of the Three Sisters Inn ryokan and have friends that have stayed there. It is reasonably priced, friendly and English is spoken by most of the staff. Sakura Ryokan, near Kyoto Station is not an old, traditional ryokan, but it is built to be like one. I know a lot of people that have stayed there in the last few years and everyone says it is great. New, clean, friendly service and pretty cheap. Bad: From my personal experience and that of friends, Gion Hatanaka is one that I would avoid. Jeff Aasgaard on "Ryokan Stories" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ryokan-stories#post-277 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 16:23:50 +0000 Jeff Aasgaard 277@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Does anyone have any good or bad stories about their stay at a ryokan? peko on "Ramen: Great Ramen Shops in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ramen-great-ramen-shops-in-kyoto#post-276 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:52:50 +0000 peko 276@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Mamezen Soba Soy Milk Ramen Mamezen offers a very nice soy milk based ramen, that is very unlike conventional ramen. While the ramen is very good and worthy of your attention, Mamezen is very often closed without notice. Call the 'Zen master' owner on his mobile phone before you go and make a reservation!! 090-1153-5297 KyotoFoodie article: <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/mamezen-soba-soymilk-ramen/" rel="nofollow">http://kyotofoodie.com/mamezen-soba-soymilk-ramen/</a> peko on "Ramen-ya (Ramen Shops in Kyoto/Arashiyama)" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ramenyas#post-275 Tue, 04 Oct 2011 14:46:34 +0000 peko 275@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Silke, Please see the link below for a run down of some excellent ramen shops in Kyoto. Unfortunately, I don't know of any ramen-ya in Arashiyama. Arashiyama is a real tourist destination and ramen is more the food that local residents eat. So, I suspect there aren't much for red-hot ramen destinations there. <a href="http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ramen-great-ramen-shops-in-kyoto" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ramen-great-ramen-shops-in-kyoto</a> I checked Tabelog, which is a gourmet community site in Japan. I didn't see anything too exciting in the Arashiyama area. <a href="http://r.tabelog.com/RC110101/kyoto/A2604/?sk=らーめん" rel="nofollow">http://r.tabelog.com/RC110101/kyoto/A2604/?sk=らーめん</a> I think that you would want to try Sumashi Ramen at Takaraya (Ponto-cho location) and maybe Soy Milk Ramen at Mamezen Soba (but Mamezen is very often closed without notice). Enjoy! Silke on "Ramen-ya (Ramen Shops in Kyoto/Arashiyama)" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/ramenyas#post-274 Mon, 03 Oct 2011 22:58:34 +0000 Silke 274@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi Michael (and everybody else) - what are your favorite Ramenyas in Kyoto? And bonus question: Any Ramenyas in Arashiyama as that's where we'll be staying? Thanks! peko on "Kyoto Yatsuhashi: delicious bridge cookies" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/delicious-bridge-cookies#post-272 Mon, 12 Sep 2011 01:09:38 +0000 peko 272@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Aloha rranger, Unfortunately, I don't know of anywhere online that you can order the baked yatsuhashi cookies that ships abroad. I will keep my eye out and post here if I hear of anything. Take care. rranger on "Kyoto Yatsuhashi: delicious bridge cookies" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/delicious-bridge-cookies#post-271 Sun, 11 Sep 2011 21:48:08 +0000 rranger 271@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Aloha Peko, or anyone else that can answer my query from the above topic - Yatsuhashi Bridge cookies: Where can one order the "baked" version of the Yatsuhashi cookies online? When we had visited Kyoto eons ago, I remembered those baked cookies, and have always wondered how to order them. We are also planning a Japan trip next year, and would also like to know where to get them? Thanks :) peko on "Abura soba in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/abura-soba-in-kyoto#post-270 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:37:21 +0000 peko 270@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello berroci, Sorry for the slow reply. For the benefit of others, abura means oil and soba means ramen, in this case. I had not heard of abura soba before. I looked into it and I understand that it is more Chinese than Japanese. The ramen noodles are covered with oil that has usually been flavored with scallions. Scallions are fried in the oil until the flavor is imparted. This is then garnished with scallions (usually fried crisp), salt and soy sauce. I have asked around and this dish is not common and doesn't have a very good reputation, i.e., not very good. I think it is a very un-Kyoto dish, as it is not very refined and is oily. You might have better luck finding it in Tokyo. Here are some links to several shops that have been reviewed by Japanese ramen fans. (I have not been to any of them.) ラーメン荘夢を語れ (ramen shop) Japan, 〒606-8112 京都府京都市左京区一乗寺西杉ノ宮町４８−１ 075-724-5995 ‎ <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=7126858173036499513&q=油そば京都&hl=en&ved=0CF0Q-gswAA&sa=X&ei=4rEbTtaQEs74mAWS4eW4Cg" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=7126858173036499513&q=油そば京都&hl=en&ved=0CF0Q-gswAA&sa=X&ei=4rEbTtaQEs74mAWS4eW4Cg</a> 京都千丸しゃかりき (ramen shop) Japan, 京都府京都市中京区聚楽廻東町3-9 075-813-5198 ‎ <a href="http://www.syakariki.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.syakariki.jp</a> <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=6929642223730245080&q=油そば京都&hl=en&ved=0CHsQ-gswAw&sa=X&ei=4rEbTtaQEs74mAWS4eW4Cg" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=6929642223730245080&q=油そば京都&hl=en&ved=0CHsQ-gswAw&sa=X&ei=4rEbTtaQEs74mAWS4eW4Cg</a> アルバーチョチャイナ | 京都河原町の本格中華料理 (Chinese restaurant) Japan, 〒600-8018 京都府京都市下京区西木屋町通松原上ル市之町240-1 075-361-8039 ‎ <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=2343948260491232726&q=油そば京都&hl=en&ved=0CHEQ-gswAg&sa=X&ei=4rEbTtaQEs74mAWS4eW4Cg" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.com/maps/place?cid=2343948260491232726&q=油そば京都&hl=en&ved=0CHEQ-gswAg&sa=X&ei=4rEbTtaQEs74mAWS4eW4Cg</a> peko on "Donabe Seasoning" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/donabe-seasoning#post-269 Tue, 12 Jul 2011 02:22:58 +0000 peko 269@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello blkprnc, According to my info, that should definitely be cleaned out. blkprnc on "Donabe Seasoning" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/donabe-seasoning#post-268 Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:20:31 +0000 blkprnc 268@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ My donabe has developed a black crust inside. Should I keep that or clean it out? berroci on "Abura soba in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/abura-soba-in-kyoto#post-267 Sun, 26 Jun 2011 08:25:18 +0000 berroci 267@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Does anyone happen to know of any good places to find abura soba in Kyoto? I've tried searching online, but my Japanese is nonexistent, so I haven't had much success (the best I found was a seasonal offering from a ramen place, circa two years ago). Thanks for any ideas you might have. peko on "Food tours in Kyoto?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/food-tours-in-kyoto#post-266 Thu, 10 Mar 2011 07:58:00 +0000 peko 266@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Slobin, Foodie tours are a pretty specialized niche, so I don't think there are 'off the shelf' tours available. There might be some touristy and gimmicky things, but if you are a foodie, you might not like them. Anyway, there is nothing that I have heard of. At the link below is Mie Tamada's profile. She is a tour guide in Kyoto and someone that I can highly recommend. <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/kyoto-tour/" rel="nofollow">http://kyotofoodie.com/kyoto-tour/</a> While I am not a tour guide, I sometimes give guide and translate for hardcore foodies and chefs. You can get in contact with me at the link below. <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/contact/" rel="nofollow">http://kyotofoodie.com/contact/</a> The articles on KyotoFoodie should be very helpful to you, I think. That is what I made them for!! Best, Michael slobin on "Food tours in Kyoto?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/food-tours-in-kyoto#post-265 Tue, 08 Mar 2011 00:21:30 +0000 slobin 265@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ In preparation for an upcoming week in Kyoto, I've been spending a lot of time on this site... and loving it! However, its occurred to me (several times) that my wife and I are likely going to have a hard time finding some of these dishes / items - we don't speak any Japanese. Are you aware of anyone that does individualized "food walking tours" in Kyoto - e.g. bringing us to some of their favorite hole-in-the-wall places? We've been to Kyoto before... this time, we want to discover some more places off the tourist map. Thanks in advance for any suggestions! J Evenie on "Chiyogami factory in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/chiyogami-factory-in-kyoto#post-264 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 06:25:34 +0000 Evenie 264@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello Mie, Thank you for your reply. I know quite well the Kakimoto papershop as it is where I go to buy japanese papers, and I met Kakimoto-san just yesterday. I will go back today and ask where their chiyogami come from. Karacho factory is also famous, since a TV show recently broadcasted a documentary on this workshop. So, for sure, I will go there and maybe experience some kyo karagami making (which is so beautiful!). Again, thank you for your help! Mie on "Chiyogami factory in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/chiyogami-factory-in-kyoto#post-263 Wed, 23 Feb 2011 04:10:31 +0000 Mie 263@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi Evenie, My name is Mie and I'm a tour guide. I think you might be interested in a woodblock-printed paper studio called Karacho established in 1624.The present owner is the 12th generation. <a href="http://www.designboom.com/history/karachokarakami.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.designboom.com/history/karachokarakami.html</a> Also, there is a paper shop called Kamiji-Kakimoto on the Teramachi street.Although it's not a paper factory, still you'll be able to find a wide viriety of hand-made paper with beautiful designs. I hope this would help you enjoy your stay in Kyoto. Thank you. Evenie on "Chiyogami factory in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/chiyogami-factory-in-kyoto#post-262 Tue, 22 Feb 2011 01:35:22 +0000 Evenie 262@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello everyone, I am new on this forum and I find it's very useful! especially the foddie part:) I'd love to support Kyoto, this is the most beautiful town in the world (better than Paris where I live). I am currently in Kyoto until the end of March, and I want to visit a factory that makes chiyogami 千代紙 or katazomegami 型染紙. I am fond of japanese papers and I've already visited some of the paper shops in Kyoto (included Rakushi kan, where I did some washi stuff last week). But I'd like to know if some of you knows a way to visit the paper factories. Thank you a lot for your help! Hope to meet you here in Kyoto :) peko on "Handmade Ice Cream in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/homemade-ice-cream-in-kyoto#post-261 Thu, 09 Dec 2010 13:55:10 +0000 peko 261@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ (Much) More Cream than Ice I have reviewed a ice cream maker in Gion that has the best fresh ice cream that I have ever tasted! Kinana (きなな) Gion Kinana’s fresh-made kinako ice cream, more cream than ice, is the best Japanese ice cream that I have had. Their parfaits are completely amazing too. Kinana is located in Gion, just off of Hanamikoji Street, one of Kyoto’s most scenic and historic neighborhoods. Recent KyotoFoodie Articles: <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/gion-kinana-ice-cream/">Kyoto Ice Cream: Gion Kinana – Kinako Ice Cream</a> location: Kinana is located a bit to the west of Hanami-koji Street in Gion, see map below. business hours: 11am – 7pm (6:30 pm last order) website (no English): <a href="http://www.kyo-kinana.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.kyo-kinana.com</a> tel: 075-525-8300 Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Gion-machi Minami-gawa 570-119 (京都市東山区祇園町南側570-119) Map <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&source=embed&ll=35.002968,135.774579&spn=0.003603,0.003358&z=18&iwloc=lyrftr:msid:115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51,000495b993c93dd60c2bc,,,0,-31">Kinana - KyotoFoodie Map</a> umeboshisan on "(Casual) Breakfast in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-260 Tue, 16 Nov 2010 18:09:50 +0000 umeboshisan 260@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ noen, in gion opposite ichiriki teahouse does a mean bacon and eggs umeboshisan on "eating in large groups!" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/eating-in-large-groups#post-259 Mon, 01 Nov 2010 19:49:52 +0000 umeboshisan 259@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Has anyone ANY places where we can fit 16 people in to eat that relatively cheap? peko on "Sake Bars in Kyoto: Nihonshu Bar Asakura, Jizake Bar Zen, Sake Bar Yoramu" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/sake-bars-in-kyoto#post-258 Wed, 20 Oct 2010 18:29:01 +0000 peko 258@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Jizake Bar Zen I finally made it to Jizake Bar Zen. I visit with Sake Samurai Timothy Sullivan of <a href="http://www.urbansake.com" rel="nofollow">http://www.urbansake.com</a>. Jizake Bar Zen serves 'aged', 'fresh' sake (熟成した生酒). We had one sake that had been refrigerated for 13 years!! This is true Japanese 'mania'. Overall I really enjoyed Zen and owner 'Punch'. You won't easily find a line-up of sake, a collection, like Punch has. Very Reasonably Priced A very pleasantly surprising thing about Zen is that it was really cheap, relatively speaking, for Kyoto. We had about 8 kinds of sake, several aged a long, long time, and that bill was about 7,000 yen in total. I was rather fearful when we asked for the check after downing the 13 year old, 'fresh' sake. In Kyoto, this could have easily been 2 or 3 times the cost. Location Jizake Bar Zen has moved from Gion. It is now located on the corner of Sanjo and Muromachi Streets, on the 5th floor of a very old and shabby building, circa 1970's Japan. Zen itself, has a very nice, new, Japanese Zen garden meets aged/fresh sake bar interior. Inside and out, Zen is a very paradoxical place! Map <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?hl=en&ie=UTF8&lr=lang_en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.00836,135.758722&spn=0.003585,0.004855&z=18&iwloc=00049310ce57c90742147">Jizake Bar Zen@KyotoFoodie/OpenKyoto Map</a> peko on "Sukiyaki and Yuba Reccommendations" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/sukiyaki-and-yuba-reccommendations#post-257 Tue, 05 Oct 2010 08:13:58 +0000 peko 257@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Kyoto Teppanyaki Recommendation: Sou OK, I have found a teppanyaki restaurant that I can highly recommend. It is located in Gion but not crazy expensive or stuck-up like lots or restaurants there. Sou, properly called Teppan Kappo Sou serves the highest quality beef available in Japan, grade A5. They have an English menu. Please see the link below for my full review at and lots of photos at KyotoFoodie. <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/gion-teppanyaki-sou/" title="Kyoto Gion Wagyu Teppanyaki Kappo Sou">Kyoto Gion Wagyu Teppanyaki Kappo Sou</a> kcox on "Boba Tea" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/boba-tea#post-256 Thu, 23 Sep 2010 11:58:43 +0000 kcox 256@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi, are there any places in Kyoto to get a boba tea? Or the drinks with tapioca pearls in them? Thanks! peko on "restaurant supply stores" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/restaurant-supply-stores#post-255 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 04:14:08 +0000 peko 255@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello jborsecnik, There are quite a few restaurant supply stores at the Kyoto Wholesale Food Market near Tambaguchi Station. See map at the link below. (The photos at the link below are mostly of fish and vegetables, there are other other stores that sell the items you mention above too.) I hope this answers your question. <a href="http://openkyoto.com/sightseeing/kyoto-wholesale-food-market.html" rel="nofollow">http://openkyoto.com/sightseeing/kyoto-wholesale-food-market.html</a> By the way, the wholesale market is not that much cheaper than a lot of retail stores. Be sure to bargain with the vendors at the wholesale market and get prices from all the relevant before you make a purchase. Also, if you can read Japanese or have a Japanese friend that can help you search you can often find good deals online. There is also Gyomu Su-pa- (業務スーパー), a super market chefs and restaurants. I haven't been to one yet but I know people who shop there. They aren't very sexy but there are several in south Kyoto. jborsecnik on "restaurant supply stores" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/restaurant-supply-stores#post-254 Tue, 21 Sep 2010 03:34:37 +0000 jborsecnik 254@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Are there any restaurant supply stores in Kyoto that are open to the public? I'd be looking both for bakeware/cookware/glassware and possibly bulk ingredients (e.g., vinegar). thanks, jb jborsecnik on "Where to buy flour?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/where-to-buy-flour#post-250 Thu, 09 Sep 2010 04:45:52 +0000 jborsecnik 250@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Can anyone tell me where to buy anything other than white wheat flour in Kyoto? I'd like whole wheat flour and maybe rye, and I'd prefer un-bleached while flour. I'd also be interested in where to buy baking supplies. (fyi: One can buy semolina at Vivre on Kitaoji.) thanks, jeff b marimu on "Garden tools and seeds" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/garden-tools-and-seeds#post-249 Sun, 15 Aug 2010 14:12:15 +0000 marimu 249@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ I will visit Kyoto in october and want to buy some garden tools and seeds (flowers and vegetables). Where can I find them? peko on "Kyoto Incense Stores: Shoyeido, Yamada Matsu, Kyukyodo, Lisn" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-incense-stores#post-248 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:41:44 +0000 peko 248@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Here is a run down on the major incense stores in Kyoto. With the exception of Lisn, all are shinise (old, traditional stores). Japanese incense makes for excellent gifts and souvenirs to take home. Shoyeido (松栄堂) Shoyeido, also spelled Shoeido (and pronounced ‘shoeido’) started in 1705 and offers a huge variety of the highest quality traditional Japanese incense, incense burners and other related traditional tools and accoutrements used to burn and appreciate incense in Japan. Shoyeido is a purveyor to the head temples of all the major Japanese Buddhist sects. Shoyeido has two locations in Kyoto, several in Tokyo and one in Hokkaido. Shoyeido is where I buy my incense for burning at home, usually horikawa and genroku. In my experience, Shoyeido is the most stuck-up shinise in all Kyoto. But, their customer service is very polite and the staff is usually quite nice. Kyoto Honten (main store) 松栄堂京都本店 tel: 075-212-5590 website: <a href="http://www.shoyeido.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoyeido.co.jp</a> address: Kyoto-shi, Nakagyo-ku, Karasuma-dori, Nijo-agaru, Higashigawa(京都市中京区烏丸通二条上ル東側) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.015042,135.759982&spn=0.003524,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b8452ad6a539d5e3">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> The Kyoto Main Store is located on the east side of Karasuma Street 2 1/2 blocks south of the Karasuma-Marutamachi intersection. Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line is the closest station. Shoyeido is about a 5 minute walk to Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace to the north and to the Kyoto International Manga Museum to the south. Yamada Matsu (山田松香木店) Yamada Matsu began around 1790 and is a purveyor of very fine incense and implements used in the burning and appreciation of Japanese incense. My experience with Yamada Matsu much more limited than the other stores mentioned in this post. It seems to me that if you know something about Japanese incense you can find what you are looking for here. I never quite know what to buy here and have never been really impressed with the incense that I bought. The showroom is very nice. At friends' houses though, I have experienced Yamada Matsu incense that impressed me. (I will keep shopping there and update this with more insight, hopefully.) Yamada Matsu is located on Muromachi-dori street a short walk to the west from Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace. tel: 075-441-1123 website: <a href="http://www.yamadamatsu.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.yamadamatsu.co.jp</a> address: Kyoto-shi, Kamigyo-ku, Muromachi-dori Shimodachiuri-agaru, Kageyukoji-cho 164 (京都市上京区室町通下立売上ル勘解由小路町164) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.021667,135.757976&spn=0.003523,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b848bd7be153fc10">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> Kyukyodo (鳩居堂) Kyukyodo started in 1663 as an apothecary, the business soon expanded to incense and painted and calligraphic stationary. Kyukyodo is a one-stop shop for all manner of traditional tools and art objects related to calligraphy and painting, incense, tea ceremony, fans, washi paper and so on. Many beautiful and seasonal illustrated postcards, stationary sets, calendars and so on are also available. Kyukyodo is a great place to purchase some Kyoto-style souvenirs! There is also a store in Ginza, Tokyo. My favorite incense at Kyukyodo is not the variety that is burned but a kind of sachet, not at all 'girly'. They can be put in a wardrobe to give clothing a wonderful fragrance and under your pillow, for sublime dreams. tel: 075-231-0510 website: <a href="http://www.kyukyodo.co.jp‎" rel="nofollow">http://www.kyukyodo.co.jp‎</a> (Japanese only) address: Kyoto-shi, Nakagyo-ku, Teramachi Anekoji-agaru, Shimohonnojimae-cho 520 (京都市中京区寺町姉小路上ル下本能寺前町520) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.011545,135.766382&spn=0.003524,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b84765d32ba4e9fb">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> Kyukyodo is located in the Teramachi Street Shopping Arcade at the north-west corner of Teramachi and Anekoji streets. It is about a 2 minute walk south from Oike Street. The closest station is Shiyakushomae (city hall), on the Tozai Subway Line. Lisn Lisn is a relatively new company started by Shoyeido whose tagline is "Sophisticated incense for listeners by Shoyeido Incense Co." Listeners? At first (some years ago) I thought that this brand was intended for people serious about music appreciation or something. But, to 'listen' to a fragrance is an expression for classical Japanese court life. I guess that if you have time to 'listen' to smells, life must be great! Lisn’s line on incense has never impressed me. It is all about presentation. I would guess that the scents are chemically created and not especially novel as compared to what is available in Western countries. Lisn does offer a plethora of scents to choose from, they have more than 200! The white, minimalist store is quite interesting. All the multicolored incense varieties are spread out on wavy glass sheets and you go make your way through the store with a self service tray that a staff member at the door has forced into your hands - whether or not you want to shop or just browse. (Not very Kyoto-style service.) Lisn also has stores in Tokyo and Helsinki. Hokey fragrance names include: Virginal, Hit My Soul, Since, Mother's Chest, Chuckling Wool, Visible. Did someone spend too much time flipping through a dictionary, and not enough time actually learning English? Prices are fairly reasonable, compared to Shoyeido. However, you only get 10 sticks rather than 20. The Kyoto store is located in the Cocon Karasuma shopping center located just south of the intersection of Shijo and Karasuma streets. A 1 minute walk from the Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Railway or Karasuma Subway Line. website: <a href="http://www2.lisn.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www2.lisn.co.jp</a> tel: 075-353-6466 address: Kyoto-shi, Shimogyo-ku, Karasuma-dori Shijo Sagaru Cocon (京都市下京区烏丸通四条下ル古今) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.004067,135.75965&spn=0.003524,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b859da14bb235e40">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> Take Away: You might like Lisn, but the other incense companies mentioned above are have been loved by the people of Kyoto over the centuries and offer quality traditional fragrances that ought to be very difficult to find abroad. If you are a designer or marketer, the Lisn store, and all of Cocon ought to be of interest to you. peko on "Kyoto Kaiseki Restaurant that Welcomes Kids" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kaiseki-restaurant-that-welcomes-kids#post-245 Fri, 21 May 2010 15:12:55 +0000 peko 245@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello jazz, This is a rather difficult order in Kyoto for kaiseki. I talked to several kaiseki restaurants and they were not interested. <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/chef-tanigawa-iron-chef/">Chef Tanigawa</a> at <a href="http://kichisen-kyoto.com/en/reservation.php">Kichisen</a> said that for children up to about 12 years of age, accompanied by two adults, he would offer a children's menu. It would be 5,000 yen per child and be mainly meat based. A three course meal with donburi (rice bowl), Japanese style hamburger (hamba-gu) and another dish. The meal will be 'omakase' (left to the discretion of the chef). jazz on "Kyoto Kaiseki Restaurant that Welcomes Kids" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kaiseki-restaurant-that-welcomes-kids#post-244 Sun, 16 May 2010 02:32:59 +0000 jazz 244@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi, I have two young pre-schoolers. Can anyone please recommend a kaiseki restaurant that welcomes kids? If possible, please include directions. Thanks. nowpot on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-243 Mon, 10 May 2010 10:13:54 +0000 nowpot 243@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Wow these are really helpful! I'm looking forward to our next Kyoto trip :) And yes, I'll stay tuned for your online store! Thanks a lot! peko on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-242 Sun, 09 May 2010 02:23:56 +0000 peko 242@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ About sakura extract and sakura flavoring. I am not sure where to buy those items. We are in the process of opening an online store and will try to offer such products. Please check back! peko on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-241 Sun, 09 May 2010 01:43:33 +0000 peko 241@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello nowpot, One thing, mochi, manju and wagashi something that Japanese do not usually make at home. It is just too labor intensive. There are several wagashi making classes (和菓子教室) available in Kyoto. Here are two that I have experience with. Wagashi making class may still be a rarified experience for foreign visitors to Japan so English may be difficult to obtain. However, you could take a Japanese speaking guide to translate or you can just follow along by watching the teacher's demonstration. It is not so complicated. Kanshudo Higashi (East) 甘春堂東店 Kanshudo is a shinise wagashi store with three locations, two are near Shichi-jo Street and one is in Sagano (Western Hills). The Kanshudo East store's wagashi making class I have participated in twice. (Sagano store also offers wagashi class) It takes about 30 minutes and you get to make 3 or 4 tea ceremony wagashi and take them home. The total cost was 1,500 yen with hojicha tea and 2,000 yen with maccha tea. Again, this is tea ceremony wagashi, the highest quality wagashi in Japan. All the ingredients are pre-made and the students do the physical construction and shaping of the wagashi. English: A useful English explanatory pamphlet is available. The verbal explanation by the teacher of the wagashi making is only in Japanese. It is more about looking than listening, so limited English is not much of a problem. website: <a href="http://www.kanshundo.co.jp">http://www.kanshundo.co.jp</a> (no English) wagashi class website: <a href="http://www.kanshundo.co.jp/museum/make/annai.htm">http://www.kanshundo.co.jp/museum/make/annai.htm</a> (no English) tel:075-561-1318 address: Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Kawabata Shomen Higashi-iru, Chaya-machi 511-1 (京都市東山区川端正面東入る茶屋町511-1) nearby sightseeing destinations: Kiyomuzi Temple 清水寺, Sanjusangen-do Temple 三十三間堂, Toyokuni Jinja Shrine 豊国神社, Kyoto National Museum and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimizuka">Mimizaka</a> (nose tomb) 耳塚. Yatsuhashian 八つ橋庵 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yatsuhashi">Yatsuhashi</a> is a Kyoto' most famous confection -- and Kyoto people do not eat them. They are souvenirs for tourists, usually Japanese junior and high school students visiting Kyoto for their school excursions. Yatsuhashi actually have a very long history and some of them are quite tasty. As the market is huge, there are many yatsuhashi companies and they are engaged in fierce competition developing new and unique yatsuhashi products. The recent trend is yatsuhashi cafes with parfaits, crepes and soft creams. My favorite yatsuhashi maker is <a href="http://www.8284.co.jp/">Nishio Yatsuhashi</a>. Yatsuhashian offers a yatsuhashi making course that I have observed once. The staff is not particularly friendly but the lesson is reasonably interesting. In this class, you get to mix the mochi flour with water and cook it. However, this course too is mostly about assembling the yatsuhashi. The cost is 840 yen for 40 minutes. The location is quite inconvenient I thought. It is way out in the western suburbs, near Arashiyama and we had to take a taxi to get there. It is kind of a tourist trap type place, selling all kinds of cheap Kyoto souvenirs. The second floor is a traditional Kyoto embroidery museum and is quite interesting. Katsura Villa, probably the most beautiful thing in all of Kyoto is about 10 minutes by taxi. English: none. website: <a href="http://yatuhasian.jp">http://www.yatuhasian.jp</a> (no English) yatsuhashi class website: <a href="http://yatuhasian.jp/s_index.html">http://www.kyatuhasian.jp/s_index.html</a> (no English) tel:075-313-2151 FreeDial: 0120-77-8284 (toll free in Japan) address: Kyoto-shi, Ukyo-ku, Nishikyogyoku, Nishikoromode-cho 36(京都市右京区西京極西衣手町36) nearby sightseeing destinations: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsura_Imperial_Villa">Katsura Imperial Villa 桂離宮</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokedera">Koke-dera (Moss Temple) 西芳寺</a> nowpot on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-240 Sat, 08 May 2010 01:55:26 +0000 nowpot 240@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello! Is there a place where I can learn to make mochi? Maybe a school that specializes in making different kinds? I'm keen on making these at home :) And is there a place where I can buy sakura extract or flavoring? Thanks a lot! :)