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. 2-Dec. 14; 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 6/8-7/10.

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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

WAK JAPAN CO.
West side of Kawaramachi, south of Marutamachi; Tel: 212-9993; Private Home Visit (2-2.5 hrs.): Japanese cultural experience in English in a private house: incl. transportation from most hotels in Kyoto; Japanese Culture Short Courses (1 hr.): simple Japanese culture lessons in a tatami mat room: tea ceremony, flower arrangement, origami, kimono wearing, cooking and many more; all in English; reservation required in advance.

Miyabi Yuki
Experience the Elegant World of Traditional Japan
See Miyabi Yuki's exceptional selection of Japanese clothing

Juni-hitoe experience: from 15,000 yen
Traditional Japanese wedding costume experience: from 13,000 yen
Kimono experience: from 6,500 yen
*juni-hitoe: gorgeous imperial robes worn by aristocrats since the Heian Period

All experiences include a large photo (25cm by 30 cm)

Others options
Japanese traditional seashell painting: 3,000 yen
Kinsai gold hand-painting: 3,000 yen
*You can bring it home on the same day
Matcha green tea & Kyoto sweet: 500 yen

Group visits accepted
A wide range of traditional Japanese costumes and clothing are available. Please enquire for details.

Every guest will receive a FREE set of postcards!

Miyabi Yuki Tel: 075-254-8883/Fax: 075-254-8866
Open: 9:00-18:00
info@miyabi-yuki.jp

Access
A 5-min. walk from Karasuma Oike subway station.; on the west side of Kamanza, north of Sanjo


MAIKO MAKEOVER


STUDIO SHIKI
Enjoy a traditional Geisha make-over by highly skilled artists in under 60 minutes; Dress up, hold a fan, or parasol and have your photo taken! Over 100 choices of kimono available; GEISHA PLAN: 6,825 yen (Tax included; Cash only); Make up, dressing; photo taking: 3,150 yen (Tax included); 6 cuts portrait photos, 5 X 7 inches; SAMURAI PLAN: 5,775 yen (Tax included ; Cash only); dressing; photo taking: 3,150 yen (Tax included); 4 cuts portrait photos, 5 X 7 inches; Studio photo, plus the chance to walk around old Kyoto for an hour in full costume! (3,150 yen extra); SHIKI's very own studio can finish your photos by the time you leave!; Reservation: 7:00-23:00; Open: 9:00-19:00: Open 7 days a week; 351-16 Masuya-cho, Koudaiji, Higashiyama-ku,Kyoto; Tel: 075-531-2777.

Maica
Dress yourself as a GEISHA!! Looking for a real once-in-a life experience? Why not dress up like a real Maiko and stroll through the streets of Kyoto? Maica is a specialist in this service. Everyone (from3-year-old children to 90 years old women) can become a Maiko at Maica. A Samurai-style dress-up experience is also available for men. We are located in the historical Gion area where traditional maiko culture is still alive. Change yourself into a Maiko at Maica !

Tel: +81-(0)75-551-1661; 4-319 Miyagawa St., Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0801, JAPAN; Open: 9:00-19:00 (reservation accepted: 7:00-22:00); For reservations, please contact us by phone or from our website. ; Casual Plan: from 6,500 yen; Maiko style: from 6,500 yen; Samurai style: from 6,500 yen; Geisha style: from 8,000 yen; *These prices include: the dress up service, and a free mounted photo; you can also take additional photos with your camera (max 60 min.); cash only; tax included.

We are a 5-min. taxi ride from Kyoto Stn.: get off at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo or Miyagawacho Matsubara, and walk about 50 meters to the north (we are on the east side of the street).


Kimono Rental


OKAMOTO
Located close to Kiyomizu Temple, on the north side of Kiyomizu-zaka, a 10-min. walk from Gojozaka bus stop; Tel: 090-6971-7189; open every day: 9:00-20:00; enjoy walking around Kyoto all day in a kimono!; more than 1,000 colorful kimono to choose from; professional staff will help you dress up; Recommended: Set Plan (from 3,150 yen): kimono, obi sash, all accessories; hair dresser available (+500 yen); kimono for kids and men (4,200 yen) available; major credit cards accepted.

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

Yume Kyoto
Explore Kyoto Dressed in a Kimono
Yume Kyoto's rental kimono service for your unforgettable experience in Kyoto!

Yume Kyoto is centrally located on the east side of the Gion district near Yasaka Shrine and convenient for Kiyomizu Temple, Maruyama Park and Chion-in Temple. Have yourself dressed in a colorful kimono and enjoy strolling around the Old Capital's finest culture zone. Choose your favorite color, design, pattern from over 400 kimono and related accessories.

Kimono Full Set Plan: 5,250 yen
Men's Kimono Plan: 4,700 yen
Omakase Set Plan: 3,000 yen
*our staff will choose nice combination of kimono & obi for you. Please buy a pair of tabi socks at the shop (or bring your own).

*Reservations not necessary; everything for the kimono dress is included.

Options
Hair set: 1,500 yen (highly recommended to complete your best look in kimono!)
Hotel return: 1,500 yen (we will bring your things to your inn by 20:00 on the day; return a set of kimono to your inn by 10:00 the next day)

4F of ACROSS Yasaka Bldg., on the east side of Higashioji, north of Yasaka Shrine
Open: 9:00-18:00
Tel: 075-561-9410

A 10-min. walk from Keihan Gion Shijo Stn.
A 10-min. walk from Higashiyama Stn. (Tozai subway line)
Or take Kyoto City Bus #206, and get off at Gion


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 MOVIE LAND
In Uzumasa, Sagano; Tel: 864-7716; Open daily 9:00-17:00 (9:30-16:00 Dec. 1-the end of Feb.); Closed from Dec. 24-31; Enjoy real samurai movie sets, samurai sword skill shows, the wonders of the world of Japanese cinema and all about the newest special effects technologies; This is a great place to go with the kids; There is a lot to see and do.

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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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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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 3,500 yen/person, sweets: from 2,500 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


HAIR SALON


HOSHI COUPE
Machiya Hair Salon
HOSHI COUPE

Kyoto HOSHI COUPE
+81 (0)75 351 2093; 601-3Toro-cho, Matsubara-dori Higashinotoin-higashi-iru, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8401, Japan
Open: 11:00 a.m.8:00 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays; We can speak English.

New York Branch
Soho: +1. 212. 353. 8009
East Village: +1. 212. 505. 0383
Chelsea: +1. 212. 255. 0770
Upper West: +1. 212. 663. 0460

Paris Branch
+33 (0)1 42 96 23

Berlin Branch
+49 (0)30 2789 1720


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.