MIHO MUSEUM
The Miho Museum is a celebration of beauty, and the spiritual power that can be experienced by viewing great works of human expression. Its valuable collection is made up of outstanding masterpieces from the world's great civilizations.
Open: Sept. 1-Dec. 13; 10:00-17:00 (enter by 16:00); Closed: Mondays (or the next day, if Mon. is a national holiday); Admission: adults: 1,000 yen; students: 800 yen; children: 300 yen; special prices for groups; Access: take the Teisan Bus (50 min.) from JR Ishiyama Stn. (15 min. east of Kyoto Stn. on the Biwako-sen line); Info: Tel: 0748-82-3411. Note: the museum will be closed from Aug.16-Sept.3.

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TRADITIONAL EXPERIENCE


YAMAMOTO Roketsu dyeing Experience
73 Umazuka-cho, Nishikyogoku, Ukyo-ku ; 15 min. by taxi from Kyoto St. or a 2-min walk from Nishikyogoku Umazukacho stop on Kyoto City bus #80 or #32 ; Tel : 313-1871, Fax : 313-1941; open 10:00-18:00, closed Wed.; Roketsu dyeing is a unique traditional way of cloth dyeing in which wax is used to block dyes in area s finely drawn by hand on cloth; Yamamoto Roketsu dyeing studio is the only place in Japan visitors can experience the entire roketsu process; instruction by craftspeople with more than 50 years of experience; make something to take home; square textile: 2,000 yen, T-shirt: 3,000 yen, noren curtain: 3,000 yen; book at least 1 hour before your visit.

TONDAYA
West side of Omiya, north of Ichijo; TEL: 462-6701; Located in Kyoto's famous Nishijin textile area, this 130-year-old, architecturally exquisite townhouse (a National Treasure) is elegantly decorated with classical treasures; Tondaya offers the perfect atmosphere to experience tea ceremony while wearing a real kimono; Tea ceremony, including kimono wearing: 7,350 yen, 10:00-16:00; reservations at least 24 hours in advance; Tea ceremony and machiya visit: 3,150 yen; closed Dec. 31 & Jan. 1. info@tondaya.co.jp


Shunko-in Temple
Shunko-in Temple (the temple of the spring ray) is a very special temple which hosts many important artistic and cultural properties related to Zen Buddhism and it is also connected to Shinto and Christianity. The vice-abbot will provide detailed English guidance in the temple and introduce ways to incorporate Zen into daily life.

Zen meditation and temple tour: 2,000 yen (total 90-min.)
(a bowl of maccha green tea and Japanese sweet will be served at the end of the session)
Everyday 9:00-10:30 / 10:40-12:10 / 13:30-15:00

Zen meditation only: 1,000 yen (total 60-min.)
Everyday 9:00-10:00 / 10:40-11:40 / 13:30-14:30

Closed Jan. 1-3
Reservation recommended

42 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto
Tel: 075-462-5488
Rev.taka.kawakami@gmail.com



Kimono Rental


Art & Gallery DENDEN
A short walk west of Kinkaku-ji Temple (Golden Pavilion), on the west side of Nishioji; Tel: 461-5921; Open: 10:30-19:00; closed Wed. (open if Wed. is a national holiday); for an unforgettable Kyoto trip: stroll around Kinkaku-ji Temple dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono and take photos in our stunning old Japanese garden; rental kimono service from 4,000 yen; reasonably-priced yukata (casual summer kimono) from 3,500 yen; or choose from a wide range of unique, attractive Japanese accessories by Kyoto craftsmen; info@ kimono.denden-kyoto.com



SHOWS/EXPERIENCE


GION CORNER
On the east side of Hanamikoji, next to Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theatre; Tel: 561-1119; a theatre established to preserve the nation's traditional performing arts, and to allow many of them to be presented under one roof; maiko dance, tea ceremony, flower arrangement, kyogen comic play, etc.; multi lingual instructions and earphone guide set available; regular performance: 3/1-11/30: 19:00 & 20:00; closed Aug. 16; fee: 3,150 yen; available at major hotels, etc..

TOEI KYOTO STUDIO PARK
In Uzumasa, Sagano; Tel: 075-864-7716; Open daily: 9:00-17:00 (9:30-16:00 Dec. 1-end of Feb.); closed Dec. 27-31; meet samurai and ninja at Toei Kyoto Studio Park!; actual movie sets of the Edo-period street scenery; ninja & samurai show and other variety of fun samurai-featured attractions every day; something for people of all ages.

KYOTO CONCERT HALL
Designed by world-renowned architect Isozaki Arata, the exterior and interior of this beautiful concert hall elegantly combines simple design principles with sophisticated function. The main floor of the hall is done entirely in limestone imported from Kyoto's Italian sister city Florence. The Main Hall can seat up to 1,839 people, and the Small Hall up to 514. Used for traditional and classical music performances, both halls include the most sophisticated acoustical designs. A unique pipe organ, with both metal and wooden pipes (the largest of its kind in Japan) can create both classical instruments and the traditional Japanese instruments. The Kyoto Concert Hall is located a few meters south of the east exit of the Kitayama subway station (on the Karasuma subway line). Tel: 075-711-3090.

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A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage (Proclaimed in 2003)
NATIONAL BUNRAKU THEATRE
Experience the Pageantry and the World of Bunraku at Osaka's National Bunraku Theatre-only an hour from Kyoto. A unique creation of the lively, and free 17th-century of Osaka, Bunraku is recognized as one of the world's most fascinating living drama forms. The unforgettable stories and the beautiful puppets and costumes that characterize this amazing stage-art are only a little bit more than an hour away. Step off the train into a real-life world of drama and emotion-Bunraku-for something truly special and cultural. 12-10 Nipponbashi 1-chome, Chuo-ku, Osaka; TEL: 06-6212-2531 (general inquiries only, for ticket reservations see Tickets).

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CLUB METRO
Every Night Exclusive sound party!!
B1F Ebisu Bld., 82 Shimozutsumi Cho. Kawabata-Marutamachi-Sagaru, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, Japan; KEIHAN RAILWAY JINGU-MARUTAMACHI STATION No.2 EXIT

Phone: 075-752-4765
http://www.metro.ne.jp
Show this AD and get 1,000 yen OFF!


JAPANESE CUISINE COOKING CLASS


UZUKI COOKING CLASS
Learn Japanese cuisine in English!; Emi provides friendly detailed instruction on how to make typical Japanese home-style dishes; semi-private lessons (accepted 2-4 people) in the intimate atmosphere of Emi's private kitchen; featuring Kyoto/Japanese style dishes and sweets; menus can be planned by guests too; vegetarians welcome!; enjoy your food while talking about Japan; trying to use organic ingredients a lot; Japanese dishes: from 4,000 yen/person, sweets: from 2,000 yen/person; the class lasts about 3 hours; contact accepted only by email; cooking@kyotouzuki.com

MARIKO'S KITCHEN
A 2-min. walk from subway Gojo Stn.; Tel: 090-5139-6534; learn to make and appreciate Japan's most popular home cooking styles using traditional Japanese ingredients and vegetables; Ms. Mariko teaches basic Japanese cooking skills in English in relaxed surroundings; recipes use lots of vegetables and are healthy; classes: Tues. & Thurs. (18:00-20:30), enquire for the classes on Sat. or Sun.; 4,000 yen/person (everything included); groups of 1-4 people accepted; reservations required by the day before; marikokitchen@gmail.com

NAOKO Japanese Cooking Class Kyoto
A few-minute walk to the north from Daitoku-ji Temple; Tel: 080-1484-3506; basic cooking class, very simple way to learn; high quality ingredients and healthy; Lesson time: 9:00-12:00 (3 hours), 14:00-16:00 (2 hours), evening (start between 16:30 and 18:00; 3 hours); Fee: 2,000 yen - 4,000 yen (cash only); please email me for details; Email: naoko_okamoto007@docomo.ne.jp; Access: city bus #43, Imamiya-jinja or #206, Daitokuji-mae; credit cards not accepted; reservation necessary; no smoking.


Massage & Relaxation


ASAHIDO MASSAGE THERAPY CLINIC
On the west side of Fuyacho, south of Aneyakoji; Tel: 221-0432; Open: 13:00-23:00 (appointments accepted 12 :00-22:00); closed late Dec. to early Jan.; in operation for over 50 years, Asahido offers authentic shiatsu, non-oil massage, and anma (traditional non-oil Japanese massage); the clinic is housed in a refurbished machiya (traditional Kyoto townhouse); massage is performed by government-certified therapists in private rooms, in an atmosphere of taste and tranquility; based on the principles of East Asian medicine, shiatsu and anma are especially recommended for the relief of travel fatigue; pajamas provided; 60 min: 6,000 yen, 90 min: 9,000 yen; major credit cards accepted.