MIHO MUSEUM
The founder of the Miho Museum, KOYAMA Mihoko, collected some of the finest pieces of artwork from cultures around the world and exhibited them in a stunning location where everyone can appreciate them.  In this way, she has tried to provide an opportunity for all people to experience the enriching, universal and life-long impact of beauty as a form of spirituality. 

Spring Special Exhibition
Until June 9, 2013

Ancient Glass – Feast of Color

Originating in the Near East, where the production of metal ware flourished, glass was the first “jewel” made by human hands. In the beginning, it was sought after for its similarity to natural gems. For example, the blue semiprecious stone, lapis lazuli, was first mined only in distant Afghanistan and was highly desired by the Mesopotamians and the Egyptians. Thereby, many blue glasses resembling it came to be made.

This exhibition presents precious glass materials from the British Museum and will perhaps help us rediscover the spread of rich colors and motifs achieved by ancient glass artisans. Please come to see the ingenuity and skill that went into creating these beautiful objects. Rare ancient glasses from the British Museum are scheduled to come to Japan.



KYOTO INTERNATIONAL MANGA MUSEUM
Experience fun & exciting Japanese Manga culture!!; A 1-min. walk north of Karasuma-Oike Stn. on the Karasuma or Tozai subway line; Open: 10:00-20:00 (entry by 19:30), Closed: Wed. and other irregular day (please enquire); Adults: 500 yen, Students (13-18): 300 yen, Children (under 12): 100 yen; *additional fee will be charged for special exhibits; Tel: 075-254-7414.


SHISEN-DO Villa & Gardens
Hidden, fascinating and unforgettably beautiful

Shisen-do is the spectacular home and landscaped estate established by samurai, poet and literati Jozan Ishikawa(1583-1672) in 1641, after he was forced to retire by super shogun Ieyasu Tokugawa due to a serious disagreement. Highly individualistic, the buildings and gardens of Shisen-do are unlike any in Japan. Perfection is on the details and here you will sense it everywhere - winding streams, raked sand surfaces, sculpted bushes, the wild mountain in the background - especially at the height of spring and autumn. Experience another world: discover Shisen-do.

Open: 9:00-17:00
Entry: 500 yen, students 200-400yen.
Location: a short walk east of Ichijyoji Stn. of Eizan railways
Tel: 075-781-2954.


ZOHIKO
Offering the finest quality lacquerware since 1661
Our 1st floor shop has been completely renovated and we have opened fine museum on the 2nd floor. Visit both our shop and museum and experience the depth and gracefulness of Kyoto culture.

ZOHIKO URUSHI MUSEUM
Elegance of the Imperial Court
- The World of Kyoto Maki-e
April 27 (Sat.) – June 28 (Fri.); Open: 10:00-17:00

A 3-min. walk west of Heian Shrine
Open: 9:30-18:00; Closed: Wed.
Tel: 075-752-7777

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.


MIYAKO GALLERY
Aromatic Coffee & Delicious Sponge Cake at
Café Kokyu-an

Enjoy a break with our organic coffee & sweet and soft sponge cake

Matcha green tea & sponge cake set: 800 yen
Garcia set: 650 yen

Open: 10:00-18:00, Closed: Wed.
Tel: 075-344-3002


Tea Ceremony Experience at
Café Rikyu

Try yourself to learn traditional Japanese tea ceremony
From 2,000 yen/person (tax incl., cash only)
*Reservation required by phone; Price & time needed depends on the program

Open: 10:00-18:00 (L.O. 17:30), Closed: Wed.
Tel: 075-344-3002


Dress Yourself in Beautiful Kimono at
MIYAKO GALLERY

Reasonably priced kimono (rental & sale) and a variety of accessories

Kimono rental: 3,000 yen/person (tax incl., cash only; call us in advance)
Kimono for sale: from 5,000 yen
Pretty Kyoto accessories: from 100 yen

Open: 10:00-17:00, Closed: Wed.
Tel: 075-344-3015

English & Chinese spoken

1F Kyoto Excel Human Bldg., on the north side of Gojo, west of Kawaramachi


Shunko-in Temple
Experience the World of Japanese Zen at Shunko-in Temple

Shunko-in Temple offers Zen meditation classes and temple tours in English. The American-educated vice abbot will lead you in the basics of Zen meditation, followed by a tour of the temple and explain how meditation influences your mind in everyday life.

Zen meditation and temple tour: 2,000 yen (90 min.)
Every day: 9:00-10:30, 10:40-12:10

Zen meditation only: 1,000 yen (60 min.)
Every day: 9:00-10:00, 10:40-11:40

*A bowl of matcha green tea and a Japanese sweet will be served at the end of the session.


Stay in our newly-built guesthouse!
Rates: 6,000 yen/person (for 1 person/room), 5,500 yen/person (for 2 people/room)
Check-in: 15:30-18:30, Check-out: 11:00
- Free bicycle rental, Free WiFi in every guest room & common space

Check our website for availability.
To reserve Zen experiences & rooms, call or email us.

Shunko-in Temple
42 Myoshinji-cho, Hanazono, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto 616-8035 JAPAN
Tel: 075-462-5488
rev.taka.kawakami@gmail.com
www.twitter.com/RevTakaZen



SHOWS/EXPERIENCE


TOEI KYOTO STUDIO PARK
In Uzumasa; Tel: 075-864-7716; open daily: 9:00-17:00 (Dec.-Feb.: 9:30-16:30); Here you can meet samurai, ninja and geisha on actual film sets; From exciting shows to 3D attractions, there is something for the whole family at Toei Kyoto Studio Park; Also, new to the park are the Ninja Mystery House, Toei Anime Museum and Ukiyo-e Woodcut Print Museum.

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.

More Information

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).

More Information

Meet Japan's Last SAMURAI!
Experience Samurai Okada's amazing performance!!

Experience Samurai Okada’s exciting “Apple Cutting” Performance! (2,200 times in 33 years)
Samurai Okada will teach you the way of samurai sword skills in 5 hours according to Guinness rules so that you can cut apples in the air (70,000 yen for 1 to 3 participants including all accessories). Okada’s student from the U.S. holds the Guinness world record for 2009!

Samurai Okada will be your private tour guide!
Hire Samurai Okada to be your private city tour guide (Day tour: 50,000 yen). He has a versatile, charming personality and 49 years of experience as a licensed tour guide. During the tour he will perform a short Samurai show.

Samurai Okada’s exciting Samurai show (25 min.):
60,000 yen (1-30 people; location & time adjustable)

2-hour private Maiko & Samurai banquet show: 150,000 yen
Extra cost for meals & drinks at Junsei Garden restaurant

Call: Samurai Okada: 090-3867-3538
E-mail: samurai_joeokada@yahoo.co.jp
http://www.samurai-okada.com

He has made guest appearances on the David Letterman Show at NBC, Regis Philbin, ABC and 60 other TV shows!


Himi City Tourism Association
Learn how sake is made and experience it at your own hands in Himi


Himi is a small town located in the western part of Toyama prefecture (about 3 hours from Kyoto by train). Including their rich marine resources, Himi is the ''Food Capital'' of Japan offering a wide variety of delicacies sure to satisfy any gourmet.

Visitors can learn and try making Doburoku (a cloudy sake before filtering) at their own hands at one of Himi’s accommodations (English instruction is provided).

Contact the Himi City Tourism Association for details for the tour and experience.

Himi City Tourism Association
http://kitokitohimi.com
hello@himikan.jp
http://www.facebook.com/kitokitohimi



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.


Kayco VIVID
Beautiful Bliss for Your Body and Soul at Kyoto’s Long-established Aesthetic Salon

BODY massage with Aroma oil
60 min.: 10,500 yen / 90 min.: 12,600 yen
Facial, foot massage and many other optional items are available.

Reservation Required
On-the-day reservation accepted.

Kayco VIVID
Tel: 075-253-6788
On the north side of Oike, east of Kawaramachi; 9F of Libertas Oike Bldg. (next building from east of Kyoto Hotel Okura)
A 2-min. walk from subway Kyoto Shiyakusho-mae (City Hall)

Esthetic & Relaxation in Daikanyama, Tokyo
VIDA Powered by VIVID
Tel: 03-6904-2345 / 3F of Next One Bldg., 23-5 Daikanyama Sarugaku-cho, Shibuya, Tokyo
A 3-min. walk from Daikanyama Stn.