Ah Kyoto….6 things to do

Ah Kyoto… Japan’s capital for 1000 years, the cultural heart of the country and the city of 10,000 shrines. Largely ignored by the Americans, Kyoto survived WWII with more pre 1940 architecture preserved than the rest of Japan resulting in a  magical mix of old and new. It is the home town of Nintendo, which started in 1889 making playing cards. And a foodie paradise. Kyoto has the same number of Michelin stars as Paris. On a less elevated side of the culinary game, signs for McDonalds & seven-11 are brown not bold to fit it. Highbrow or low, there is so much to keep to a traveler amused…some ideas:

Hike the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove…fresh air, towering bamboo stocks & nature on steroids…

Wander thru Gion…This district is known for its traditional wooden ‘machiya’ houses that you’ve seen in a thousand photos and geisha culture. It is the city’s historic district. The area is full of charming restaurants, traditional teahouses, touristy shops and Geishas. Though often mistaken for prostitutes in western media, this could not be farther from the truth. These women study for a minimum of 5 years to learn their trade of sophisticate and educated entertaining & non sexual companionship.

Eat at Hyotei…the restaurant has been in the same family for 15 generations with each new chef adding their own special touch for more than 400 years. The food is innovative, modern and has earned 3 Michelin stars. Their two course breakfast is the stuff of dreams

Practice the art of Samurai…These warrior heros wandered the streets of Kyoto up until 150 years ago… The Samurai & Ninja Museum lets you learn ,dress in armor and use a genuine Katana sword. Sounds naff but is actually an adrenaline rush.

https://mai-ko.com/samurai/

Sample Saki at the Gekkeikan Museum…and learn about it too…tokens come with your admission. Drop them in the dispensary and out comes a cup to sample. Then head to the shop and buy large or small bottles of their award winning rice wine. Make sure to sample the fresh spring water they use in their processing. It may be the best water you’ve ever tasted.

https://www.gekkeikan.co.jp/english/kyotofushimi/museum.html

Listen to Jazz…Ok, not the most Japanese thing to do in Kyoto but the cocktails are fantastic, the music magical and the service friendly.  The quality of jam sessions can be mixed, better to stick to the famous performers who make this a stop on their tours.

http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/people/ktsin/