自転車で西陣へ

Cycling Kyoto Nishijin

日本語ご希望の方。

In the western area of central Kyoto is the old "western camp," or better known today as Nishijin.

During the Onin War of the 15th century, in which most of Kyoto was destroyed by warring factions, the area now called Nishijin (literally, "west camp") was where one of those factions set up camp.

For many centuries thereafter, and up to the present, Nishijin has been synonymous with textiles and the kimono.

Nishijin today is a warren of narrow streets great for cycling, where you can in places still hear the whack-whack of looms at work.

There are many small temples, good cafes, several public baths, and a few museums.

Ride Nishijin ride.

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Gosho

Kyoto Silver Pavilion Koi

銀閣寺鯉

At the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple), koi lazily did laps in a small pond.

Carp, like goldfish, have evolved for northern hemisphere winters.

Like bear - and the small killifish ("medaka," in Japanese) - they "hibernate."

That means that the carp during the cold months are nearly still, using as little as energy as possible but just enough to stay afloat.

They eat little and rarely excrete.

As a result, they are popular and beautiful pets.

Carp are prized - and expensive - so we opted for goldfish. They are lovely and easy to care for.

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Osaka Bicycle Delivery

大阪難波自転車配達

While in Namba, the southern hub of central Osaka, we spied a green delivery bike and buggy.

The delivery man had a matching green jacket.

For the crowded streets of central Osaka - and Kyoto, as well - these guys are everywhere and faster than other forms of delivery.

The trucks ply the routes farther afield.

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Robert Doisneau Photography Exhibit Kyoto

生誕100年記念写真展 ロベール･ドアノー

The Kyoto Eki Museum at the massive Kyoto Station, 7F in the Isetan Department store, is hosting a wonderful exhibit of photos by the French artist Robert Doisneau.

The exhibit is celebrating the 100th anniversary of Doisneau's work.

Parking is available in a lot next to the Central Post Office on the north side, or in the lots that are on the sidewalk of the south side of the Station.

Information

Kyoto Eki Museum
January 30 - February 24
10 am - 8 pm

Admission: Adults ¥800 yen
College and senior high school students ¥600


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World Cycling News 3 February 2013

今週のサイクリング２０１３年０２月０３日

Goldsprints debut at Velo Cult Bike Portland

Olympic cycling set for Rio Games extension BBC

Welcome to Alaska, where Winter is Cold and Bikes are Fat NPR

7 Sportives you should try in 2013 London Cyclist

Jonathan Hivert vainqueur final, Roux maître du CLM > VéloRacingNews

Car, bike, train, or walk: how people get to work mapped Guardian

Título VI　El Pais

自転車事故　厳罰で危険運転にブレーキを（2月4日付・読売社説）Yomiuri Shinbun

Builders’ lorries ‘must put cycle safety first’ The Times of London

Wiggins convinced Armstrong doped in 2009 Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

Salomon XR Crossmax Guidance Shoes aw12

List price £110.00
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Kyoto Design Sense Minatoya Shop

京都独特デザインセンス竹久夢二の店京都

Japan is justly famed for its design. From ukiyoe to manga, Japan has a rich visual culture.

Even tv ads and window displays are often works of art.

This window display in Kyoto is an example.

It features the work of Takehisa Yumeji, a self-trained Japanese painter who died at 49 in 1934.

This store, Minatoya, is located near Ginkakuji Temple in Kyoto. There are a total of five shops: two in Tokyo, two in Kyoto, and one in Oita.


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Kimono Beauties Kyoto Silver Pavilion

京女銀閣寺

On a winter visit to the Silver Pavilion (Ginkakuji Temple), we found these three young women bedecked in fine kimonos.

The day was overcast and biting cold.

The ride along Imadegawa Dori past the Imperial Palace and Kyoto University was bracing (read: frigid).

It was well worth it.

Our umpteenth visit to the World Heritage site was rewarding. The time of year, the sense of time stopping, never disappoints.

The zen temple at the northern end of Philosophers Walk is wabi sabi refined elegance at its best. It was built in 1460 C.E.

It is today affiliated with the Shokoku-ji branch of Rinzai Zen and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Information

Address
2 Ginkaku-cho Sakyo-ku Kyoto
Tel: 075 771 5725

Hours
8:30 to 17:00 (9:00 to 16:30 from December to February)



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