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Blog
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Mokko Bridge on Shirakawa Canal
The forecast for Kyoto is rain from tomorrow evening. The rain looks set to scatter the cherry blossoms. In the city, the blossoms are already in full bloom in the northern areas such as Kurama, and it feels as though they’ve come a little early this year. A spot I recommend for next year’s cherry blossom season is the bridge commonly known as Mokko Bridge, which spans on Shirakawa canal. Until 1980, there was an ice factory here, and the bridge was named ‘Mokko’ because it was used to transport sawdust—used to preserve the ice—via ‘mokko’, a net-like carrying device…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Takase-bune
The Takase River flows to the east of the Hotel Okura Kyoto. It is a canal opened in 1614 by Suminokura Ryōi—who amassed his fortune through the Red Seal trade, primarily with Vietnam—and his eldest son. Drawing water from the Kamo River at Nijo-ohashi Bridge, it extends to Fushimi, covering a total length of just over 10 kilometres. It is said that the river was named Takase-gawa because the shallow water required the use of flat-bottomed boats known as Takase-bune. Although the water intake from the Kamo River is now an underground channel, boats are moored at the shallow stretch known…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Carpet of Cherry Blossoms on the Philosopher’s Path
The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Philosopher’s Path are gradually beginning to shed their blossoms. Near the Ginkaku-ji police box, fallen petals have gathered to form a magnificent carpet of cherry blossoms. This stunning carpet, with its striking contrast of pink and white petals, is a sight to be seen only at this time of year. Even visitors who were feeling a little tired after walking the approximately 2-kilometre stretch from Nanzen-ji couldn’t help but smile at the sight.
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Disruptive Behaviour by Tour Guides
The cherry blossoms along the Kamogawa River, which had been in full bloom, are now beginning to fall in places due to the rain and wind. As this is the final weekend of the cherry blossom season, Kyoto Station is extremely crowded. In particular, visitors from overseas are so engrossed in taking photographs that they come close to colliding with the Shinkansen, and there are occasional instances of people failing to observe Japanese rules, which often causes problems. Unfortunately, there are people who behave in that way, even amongst us tour guides. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, many…
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Somei-Yoshino Cherry Blossoms at Ebisugawa Power Station
The Ebisugawa Power Station, located at the terminus of the Okazaki Canal—a famous spot for cherry blossoms. Built in 1914, it is a dam that has been supplying electricity to Kyoto City for over 100 years and continues to do so today. Although the drop in water level is a mere 3.4 metres, the discharge rate of 14 tonnes per second is truly impressive. It forms part of the Lake Biwa Canal, which played a key role in Japan’s modernisation, and is now designated as a Japan Heritage site. The recommended spot for photography here is on the west side…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Jikkoku-bune Boats on the Okazaki Canal
The Jikkoku-bune boats in Okazaki operate only during the cherry blossom season. The Jikkoku-bune was a small transport vessel that operated during the Edo period, linking Fushimi in Kyoto with Osaka to carry rice, sake and passengers. They take around 30 minutes to cover the 3-kilometre route from Nanzen-ji Temple to the Ebisugawa Dam. Tokusei Bridge and Kumano Bridge are popular spots for photographing these boats. The boats pass under the bridges every 15 minutes. The area is illuminated from sunset until 21:30. It is beautiful at night, though the evenings are still rather chilly.
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Pink Moon
Entrance ceremonies were held at many private universities across Kyoto, with students dressed in black suits striding confidently about. The Pink Moon seemed to be welcoming these fresh-faced students. It is not that the moon actually appears pink; rather, the name comes from the fact that it coincides with the season when moss phlox is in bloom. The weather in Kyoto is set to remain fine until tomorrow, but it is forecast to turn unsettled from Wednesday. The cherry blossoms will be at their peak until this weekend.
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Our Guesthouse’s Eighth Year
Thanks to your support, our guesthouse has now entered its eighth year. Having worked as a civil servant and a researcher, it might seem at first glance that my career has nothing to do with running a guesthouse. However, when it comes to listening to people’s voices, all my past experiences and the people I have met have served as invaluable lessons. The photograph shows the weeping cherry trees at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. They are among my favourite cherry blossoms in Kyoto. Soon, the Kyoto Imperial Park will be filled with the beautiful songs of migratory birds.
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- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Japanese Badger in Kyoto
Whilst guiding a client, I spotted a Japanese badger. Although they are said to be the third most numerous species in Japan after raccoon dogs and foxes, they are nocturnal and therefore rarely seen. Their population numbers are uncertain, and this was the first time I had ever seen a wild specimen. They are said to be relatively tame, but as it began to growl at us, we made a swift retreat. There is a risk that they may carry viruses such as rabies, and being bitten would be a serious matter. Although I’m currently working as a guide or…
- Kyoto
- Mammals
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Philosopher’s Path
The Somei-Yoshino cherry trees along the Philosopher’s Path have burst into bloom all at once. The path is bustling with tourists from morning till night. Perhaps partly due to the upcoming admission price hike at Ginkaku-ji Temple starting April 1, I also saw many Japanese visitors. With nearly 400 Somei-Yoshino cherry trees planted along a stretch of about 2 kilometers, it truly forms a tunnel of cherry blossoms. Additionally, although fewer in number, the native Oshima cherry trees—which bloom alongside new leaves—are also at their peak, creating a beautiful contrast of white and green. This is a place that has been maintained…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Bustling Keage Incline
Somei-yoshino cherry blossoms are in full bloom all over Kyoto, and with it being the final weekend of the spring holidays, everywhere is absolutely packed. The Keage Incline is particularly popular at this time of year. The Biwa Lake Canal was a vital waterway linking Kyoto and Lake Biwa. However, part of the canal had a height difference of 36 metres, making it difficult for boats to navigate. To solve this problem, a 582-metre-long inclined railway—the longest of its kind in the world at the time—was constructed in 1891 to transport boats. After the war, it was decommissioned and abandoned,…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction
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Weeping Cherry Tree at Shōgo-in Monzeki
Shugendō is a uniquely Japanese religious tradition that blends indigenous mountain worship with Esoteric Buddhism and Shinto. Shōgoin is the head temple of this tradition. As the name ‘Monzeki’ suggests, it is a temple of high standing where members of the imperial family and the court nobility have served as head priests; indeed, it is one of only thirteen ‘Miyamonzeki’ temples. The term ‘Miyamonzeki’ refers to temples that welcomed as their head priests either ‘Hōshinnō’—princes who were granted the title of prince after taking monastic vows—or ‘Nyūdōshinnō’—princes who took monastic vows after being granted the title of prince. It also…
- Kyoto
- Spot introduction