Sugawara-in Tenmangu Shrine is marked by a stone monument at its entrance identifying the site as the former residence of the Sugawara clan. It is recognized as the birthplace of Sugawara no Michizane, the ninth-century scholar and…
Kyoto Imperial Neighborhood Walk
This walk guides you through the quiet residential grid west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, showcasing centuries-old soy sauce brewers, legendary miso shops, and peaceful neighborhood shrines. It is an authentic look at the slow, steady rhythm of daily life in historic Kyoto.
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1. Sugawara-in Tenmangu Shrine
2. Go-ō Shrine
Go-ō Shrine is instantly recognizable for the wild boar statues that stand where you would typically expect to find guardian dogs. These stone and bronze figures are everywhere on the grounds, replacing the traditional lion-dogs that grace…
3. Yuuhisai Koudoukan
Yuuhisai Koudoukan is hidden behind a narrow corridor sandwiched between two modern apartment buildings, marked by a vibrant noren cloth hanging above its inner gate. Once inside, a stone path lined with maples leads into a mossy garden…
4. Sawai Shoyu Honten
A white-walled storehouse stands along Nakachoja-machi Street, marked by a keyaki wood signboard bearing the large character for moromi. This is Sawai Shoyu Honten, a soy sauce brewery that has operated on this site since eighteen…
5. Raku Museum
The Raku Museum is marked by its location immediately adjacent to the private residence and working kiln of the Raku family, a ceramic dynasty that has been active in Kyoto for four hundred and fifty years. This museum, established in…
6. Honda Miso Honten
Honda Miso Honten sits on the corner of Muromachi-dori and Ichijo-dori, identifiable by the dark wooden Kyoto-style townhouse facade featuring traditional lattice windows. This shop has operated in this spot since the first year of the…
7. Toraya Kyoto Ichijo
The Toraya Kyoto Ichijo store is marked by its shimmering white exterior walls and a contemporary building designed by architect Hiroshi Naito. Located just west of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the site holds records of Toraya confectionery…