Memories and hints of a travelling IT professional.
I came to Japan first in 2008 for a scientific conference in Tōkyō – and immediately fell in love with this country. It was fascinating to see all these big differences in culture. Therefore I decided to return – but instead of going back to the capital I chose Kyōto as a destination and I wasn’t disappointed. Continue reading “The real Japan”
The Kurama no Hi-Matsuri or Kurama fire festival is a smaller festival in Kyōto, Japan – but still attracting lots of visitors. The people of the village Kurama ignite fires close to their houses at 6pm and 250 burning torches are carried through the streets – smaller ones by children, bigger ones by men; all traditionally dressed. Continue reading “Kurama fire festival”
Well, yes, the CoCo Ichibanya or CoCo Curry house is a nation-wide fastfood chain. One that I discovered in Kyōto, Japan and simply walked in to easily order some food. If you never found out that besides sushi there is also a curry tradition, try it out – Japanese curry tastes absolutely great!
Continue reading “Spicy curry”
Nijō-jō is a former castle of the shōgun in Kyōto, Japan. It dates back to 1601 and was the away home in Kyōto – as the official seat of the shōgun was in Edo (today’s Tōkyō) by that time. Continue reading “Nijō-jō”
The Jidai matsuri is an annual festival in Kyōto, Japan. It celebrates the shift of the Japanese throne from Nara to Kyōto in 794. It is celebrated since 1895 on the 22nd of October. It is one of the three big festivals in the city and was originally created to raise the mood of the citizens after the throne went on to Edo (today’s Tōkyō) in 1868. Continue reading “Jidai matsuri”
The Heian-jingū is a Shintō shrine in Kyōto, Japan. It was opened in 1895 to commemorate the foundation of the city 1100 years ago. In 1940 the remains of the last Tennō who reigned in the city was brought into the shrine. The torii at the entrance is the second largest in Japan, following the Yasukuni-jinja in Tōkyō. Continue reading “Heian-jingū”
The Tō-ji (eastern temple) or Kyō-ō Gokoku-ji (protecting temple of the kings of the scripture) is a Buddhist temple in Kyōto, Japan. It is easily findable because of its 57 meters high pagoda which is the highest in Japan. Continue reading “Tō-ji”
It is a great pleasure the bamboo wood of Arashiyama in Kyōto, Japan. It feels pretty unreal to walk through this vast wood with its special atmosphere; it reaches from Tenryū-ji to just below the Ōkōchi Sansō villa. Continue reading “Bamboo woods”
I’ve seen numerous temples and shrines throughout my visits to Japan. But the one with the most beautiful scenery is Kurama-dera close to the village Kurama north of Kyōto, Japan. It is located on mountain Kurama and you have to walk up – there is only a cable-car carrying you half the way. Continue reading “Temple in the mountains”
I really like Japanese spas and especially the Onsen which get their water from hot springs. I always check wether my ryokan hotel is equipped with such a place to relax and especially love those places if they are outdoor. Continue reading “Best spa ever”