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Monday, September 30, 2013

Kyoto Nuit Blanche Art Festival 2013

Kyoto Nuit Blanche5日に白夜祭 日・仏・独のアート競演

Nuit Blanche is an art festival held in October every year in Paris. It has since spread to Brussels, Montreal, Singapore, and is now held in Kyoto.

This October 5, the second Nuit Blanche will be held in Kyoto.

Events will be held from 6 pm until late.

Scheduled performers include:

Chinami Kishioka
Naoko Kotaniguchi (clarinet) with Tetsu Okamoto (trombone), Motoji Konishi (trombone), Kosuke Nakayama (percussion), Kazunari Minase (horn)
Manuel Bienvenu
Ulrike Haage
Eric Schaefer
Selenographica

Venues are spread throughout the city and include the Institut Français, Villa Kamogawa, the Kyoto International Manga Museum, ART COMPLEX, and more.

Venues map

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Sunday, September 29, 2013

World Cycling News 29 September 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年09月29日

Alonso’s Bid for Team Is in Doubt New York Times

Brian Cookson elected as UCI president, defeating Pat McQuaid BBC

RideLondon 100: Top 10 training hacks for cycle commuters London Cyclist

PARTAGER LA ROUTE EST L’AFFAIRE DE TOUS Velo Quebec

Should all cyclists be banned from the roads? Guardian

¿Qué fue de la sostenibilidad? El Pais

New President of the UCI Brian Cookson
ブライアン・クックソンが新UCI会長に!UCIに変革の時!新しい透明な構造の構築と限りなく黒の近いグレーな過去との決別! Cycling Time

Olympic stars call for Manchester cycle boost as Tories arrive for conference The Times of London

Cookson ousts McQuaid as world cycling president Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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Saturday, September 28, 2013

Kyoto Geisha Dance in October

Kyoto Geisha華やか、秋の舞 宮川町「みずゑ会」舞台稽古

One of Kyoto's famed five "hanamachi" - the flower worlds inhabited by the city's geisha and maiko - Miyagawacho will be holding its annual fall production known as Mizuekai.

Performances will be held at Miyagawacho Kaburenjo Theater from October 10.

This is an opportunity for tourists and average people to get an up close look at the geisha in all their finery.

The performances were for many years not held, but in 2006 held again, for the first time in 35 years.

This year some 55 performers will take the stage.

The theater is in the southern part of Gion not far from the Kamo River.

Information

October 10 - 13, evenings at 4 pm
Tickets are 4,000 and 7,000 yen

Telephone: 075 561 1151

Map to Miyagawacho Theater

Photo © Kyoto Shinbun

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Friday, September 27, 2013

Cycling the Golden Pavilion to Myoshinji Temple

 Kinkakuji, Kyoto自転車で金閣寺から妙心寺へ

Fall has arrived in Kyoto, and it is perfect for temple-hopping and cycling.

This route takes in four of the best temples in Kyoto:

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion), Ryoanji Temple, Ninnaji Temple, and Myoshinji Temple.

For more information, in Japanese (with a link to an English page), here is a page on cycling the area of western Kyoto that is dotted with many temples.

Ride Kinkakuji, ride.


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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Death of Kyoto Legend Yusai Sakai

酒井雄哉さん死去

Kyoto has lost a legend.

Yusai Sakai, a monk at Enryakuji Temple, passed away at age 87 early Monday morning in nearby Otsu.

The retired monk came to fame for completing the Sennichi Kaihogyo (One Thousand Days Training), or marathon training - twice.

Before turning to what the "marathon" consists of, let's look at Sakai.

During the second World War, Sakai trained as a pilot. After the war, Sakai returned to Japan and worked in a family-run noodle shop, which burnt down and thus ended the business. Thereafter, he married a cousin, who two months later committed suicide.

At this point, at age 40, Sakai became a monk at Enryakuji Temple.

There, as part of one's training, monks run progressively more marathons on the mountain over a seven year period, thus the 1,000 Days. Most never come close to completing the grueling training. Monks often run at night, in straw sandals, on mountain paths.

The climax for those who complete the running portion is a nine-day sleepless fast. The experience is said to bring one precariously close to death.

The few monks who manage to complete the training are feted throughout the city of Kyoto.

Sakai did it twice, staring death in the face twice.

He defied death until now.


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Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Kyoto Sanga September 2013 Update

kyoto purple sanga京都サンガ2013年

We are now in the home stretch of the J.League season. In the second division, where Kyoto Sanga plays, just eight matches remain in the regular season.

Sanga won on Sunday against Toyama 3-2 and is is in third place. Three teams in J2 have a chance at promotion next season to the top division.

The top two teams - Gamba Osaka and Kobe Vissel - win automatic promotion. The next four teams in the table - #3 - #6 - play a two game home-away playoff and one of those teams will go up to J1.

Of the remaining eight matches, one is against league-leader Osaka Gamba and another is against second place Kobe Vissel.

Next week Sanga plays at home against 4th place Nagasaki.

Ticket Information (in Japanese)

Cycling for home games at Nishikyogoku is a flat and easy 20 minutes from central Kyoto and parking is free and readily available.


View Cycling to Kyoto Nishi Kyogoku Stadium in a larger map


Asics running shoes, now up to 40% off!



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Tuesday, September 24, 2013

No to Japan Linear Shinkansen Train!

linear trainリニア新幹線の審議で見えてきた問題点

We at CycleKyoto are passionately, unabashedly pro-public transportation. In tandem with walking and cycling, it is safe, healthy, good for the environment, cost-effective, and pro-business.

Japan is heaven for those of our ilk. Trains - JR and multiple private railways - run on time, are spotlessly clean, and provide excellent service. Some cities have brought back trolleys - or, as they are now known, light rail. Though we prefer more environmentally-friendly forms of transportation, city and intercity buses are equally well run.

And, of course, Japan's bullet trains are world class.

Now, however, there is a movement to install linear bullet trains. Also known as Maglev (magnetic levitation), these trains are propelled while using magnets rather than with wheels, axles, and bearings. The train therefore levitates a short distance away from a guide - similar to traditional train tracks. Maglev trains thus travel more smoothly and quietly than ordinary trains and trolleys because of lower friction.

JR East has laid out plans to begin work on an initial line - the Linear Chuo Shinkansen - and has support from the current Japanese government.

The first line would run from Tokyo's Shinagawa Station to Nagoya and is set to open in 2027. With capacity for 1000 passengers, the trains are able to run at 500 km (310 mph) per hour. For a non-stop trip to Nagoya, it will take but 40 minutes.

After that, the line will be extended to Osaka.

Cycling Shoes from Wiggle

Sounds great, no?

For several reasons, though, we oppose maglev trains.

First is cost. Japan's finances are a disaster. Per capita Japan is the most indebted nation on the planet. To build the Tokyo - Nagoya route is estimated to cost 5 trillion yen (USD 5 billion). However, even supporters admit that until digging for tunnels begins in certain areas they have no idea how quickly construction will proceed. Expect costs to balloon and far exceed these estimates.

Second is safety. On the first planned route - Tokyo to Nagoya - 86% of it will pass through tunnels. Thus, on a 286 km route, 246 of those kilometers will be underground in tunnels. In particular, the tunnel through Fossa Magna, a rift from Niigata to Shizuoka, will be extremely difficult to bore. Worse still, in the event of an earthquake, the geological strata may shift by as much as several meters. Another safety issue is - earthquake or simple breakdown - how would 1,000 passengers evacuate from a tunnel?

Third is the price of the ticket. The price of a one-way ticket between Tokyo and Nagoya is expected to be 700 yen ($7) more than the current price of 10,780 yen.

Fourth, the environmental impact will be huge and lasting.

Finally, though France may wish to differ, Japan already has the world's best high-speed rail system. In order to save a bit of time, is economic and environmental destruction really necessary?

Why not use those funds to further strengthen Japan's transport system, fix crumbling bridges, increase day care, make public schools more attractive, make alternative energy sources mainstream, etc.

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Monday, September 23, 2013

Comb Festival at Yasui Konpira Shrine

800px-安井金比羅宮4705安井金比羅宮櫛まつり

The comb festival is a bit of quirky Kyoto fun, and it is happening today from 1 pm.

The festival is dedicated to giving thanks to women's combs and kanzashi, or hair ornaments.

It is no secret that Japanese are hair-obsessed and proud.

To give thanks to combs that have served their purpose and are now ready for the Big Comb in the Sky, a procession takes place near Yasui Kompira Shrine. It features women in period clothing dating back 1200 years. The women have their hair done as fashion dictated in the period matching their dress.

In Showa 36 (1961), a comb tumulus (grave mound) was created on the north side of the shrine grounds.

Translating loosely from the shrine web site, the mound is "dedicated to combs, which support the beauty of women's hair, their very life."

The procession begins at 1 pm. There is also a dance performance dedicated to black hair.

Who says blondes have more fun? Not in Kyoto.

Access

Take bus 206, get off at Higashiyama Yasui.

For those cycling, the shrine is in Gion, perhaps the most densely packed part of the city. It is perhaps best to park along Kawabata on the east side of the Kamo River, then walk from there.

The shrine is also offers protection related to traffic safety thanks to the powers of the deity Omononushi no Kami. Cyclists all need a bit of that.

Information

Yasui Konpira Shrine
70 Shimobentencho, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto
605-0823
Tel: 075 561 5127

Cycling Shoes from Wiggle

Photo © Wikipedia

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Sunday, September 22, 2013

World Cycling News 22 September 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年09月22日

3 Favorite Journeys on a Bike New York Times

Tour of Britain: Simon Yates wins stage six, Bradley Wiggins leads BBC

Cycle hire scheme upgrades solve niggling issues for users London Cyclist

Nos forfaits de cyclotourisme Velo Quebec

Brixton Cycles: 30 years of a bike shop where everyone is the boss Guardian

¿Qué fue de la sostenibilidad? El Pais

Who will be the Next UCI President?
UCI会長選へ向けての2人の考え、クックソン支持を表明したヨーロッパ、アメリカ大陸、オーストラリア、いまだに正式に立候補認められぬマックエイドはアジアとアフリカの票集めか? Cycling Time

Pressure on Tories as Lib Dems and Labour set out plans for cycling reform The Times of London

Wiggins keeps overall Tour of Britain lead Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Volvo debuts world's first cyclist detection system with full auto-brake

ボルボ、前方の自転車との衝突回避する技術を2014年モデルから導入

Here is another reason to love Scandinavians.

Volvo announced that the car company will introduce the world's first cyclist detection system in its upcoming line of vehicles.

The cars are equipped with full auto-brake and sensors.

The technology - Cyclist Detection - employs a "sonar-like sensor system" to scan the area ahead of the car.

Kudos and a deep bow of thanks.

To read the entire article, click here.


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Friday, September 20, 2013

Kyoto Transportation 110th Anniversary of Kyoto Buses

Raku Bus Kyoto京都市公営バス110周年

Kyoto historically has been quick to adapt to and introduce new technologies and ideas.

The stereotype of a city is frozen in time, wed to ancient monuments and customs, is absolutely false.

Today marks the 110th anniversary of service for Kyoto's city buses. Kyoto was the first city in Japan to have bus service. The first city buses rolled out on September 20, 1903.

Almost ten years earlier, Kyoto opened the nation's first trolley service - the Kyoto Shiden - in 1895.  The "chin chin" trains (the sound of the bell) were a beloved feature of the city. Most of the lines, however, were ripped up in 1978 in order to increase space for cars and buses.

One portion of the Keifuku Randen line runs along city streets for a stretch, but otherwise the old street cars are but a fading memory.

For transportation geeks, it is possible to ride one of Kyoto's old trolley cars. At Meiji Mura, outside of Nagoya, the trains are still carrying tourists on a short trip.

Meiji Mura
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Ishiyama Temple Fall Illumination Festival

Ishiyama Temple名月彩る源氏物語 石山寺秋月祭

To celebrate the harvest moon, Ishiyama Temple is hosting its annual fall festival.

From September 18th until the 21st, the grounds of the temple will be decorated with 2,000 Japanese lanterns.

The illumination captures the mood of early fall and is divine.

Ishiyama Temple is of course where Lady Murasaki Shikibu wrote Genji Monogatari, the world's first novel.

In addition to the lanterns, there will be readings of sections of Genji, dance, and musical performances.

Information

Access: 10-minute walk from Keihan Ishiyamadera Station, or bus from JR Biwako Line Ishiyama Stn. and soon after getting off at Ishiyamadera-Sanmonmae bus stop.

500 yen entrance fee

Ishiyama Temple
1-1-1 Ishiyama Dera, Otsu City, Shiga 520-0861 Telephone 077 537 0013


For cyclists, Ishiyama Temple is an hour or so from Kyoto along the Lake Biwa route. It is over a hill and would be very dark at night.

Photo © Kyoto Shinbun

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Thursday, September 19, 2013

You're Going to Kill Someone The Way You're Driving

お前はだれかを殺すぞ、その荒い運転で

We now have a new favorite blogger: Albert McWilliams.

Well, to be more clear, we have a new favorite post, which begins:

If you keep driving like that, you’re going to kill a cyclist. When you do, it’s going to suck as much for you as it does for them. When you drive by my head at 50 mph I can’t have this conversation with you, so I’m going to do you a favor and talk you through all of your arguments as to why you’re driving wrong (you are) and then you won’t end up killing a human. So read on; you’re welcome.

To read the entire post, click here.

This blog confirms once again - and again and again and yet again - why we love cycling and living in Kyoto.

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Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Kyoto Typhoon Flooding Update Tozai Subway Line

台風18号、京都東西線見合わせ

Due to flooding as a result of typhoon 18 that ripped through Kyoto over the weekend, one train line is still not running.

The east-west Tozai subway line was as of 8 am still not running because of flooding at Keage Station. Between Oike and Ono Stations, there is no service. West of that, however, the trains are running.

Kyoto has two subway lines: the north-south Karasuma Line and the Tozai Line.

The city is working to drain the water that inundated the tracks and get life back to normal.

JR lines and buses are running normally.

For cyclists, today is a glorious fall day for riding around town.

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Abandoned Homes in Kyoto

増える空き家1万戸

According to a recent Kyoto municipal survey, there are 110,000 abandoned homes in the city.

That means that no one lives in approximately one in seven houses in the city.

This is a huge headache for the city.

These structures are not kept up, and falling roof tiles, arson, and complete collapse are not uncommon. In addition, in the event of an earthquake, many of these buildings would fall down.

The main reason Kyoto is home to many old homes is that it was spared bombing during World War II. As a result, the city is both blessed and cursed with many old buildings, which require a lot of upkeep.

In addition, the city has a large population of older people. When they die or move into a retirement home, often there is no one to take over the maintenance of the house.

The city is now attempting to come up with ways to renovate the homes - and neighborhoods - such as converting them into guest houses, etc.


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Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Typhoon 18 Causes Flooding in Kyoto

kyoto-flood台風18号、京都・滋賀で豪雨 桂川、由良川氾濫

Kyoto got hit hard by a typhoon that passed through western Japan over the weekend.

Typhoon 18 hit Kyoto on the 16th and caused extensive damage and flooding.

The Katsura River, which flows near Arashiyama, overflowed its banks.

Much worse flooding however took place in Kameoka, a town of 80,000 outside of Kyoto. There 29,700 households were ordered to evacuate because of high waters from the Yura River.

Pictured above is the main bridge in Arashiyama, the Togetsukyo, at the peak of the storm.

In addition, JR lines and the bullet trains were not running for hours.

Today is a beautiful perfect fall day. The brief blackout is a memory, the trains are running, and the waters have receded.

Photo© Kyoto Shinbun

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Sunday, September 15, 2013

World Cycling News 15 September 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年09月15日

Really? Cycling Is the Top Sport for Head Injuries New York Times

Bradley Wiggins & Chris Froome in GB squad for Road Worlds BBC

A guide to your first triathlon London Cyclist

Vélo Afrique Facebook

Hopes grow for VenTo, a proposed 422-mile cycle path in northern Italy Guardian

Muerte de un ciclista El Pais

Vuelta St.16 Rider's Comment
ブエルタ・ア・エスパーニャ第16ステージ選手コメント Cycling Time

Floating cycle lane for the Thames The Times of London

Lance Armstrong's lies revealed in new film Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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Friday, September 13, 2013

Kawa Cafe Kyoto

Kawa Cafe KyotoKawa Café かわカフェ

Kawa Café is located on Kiyamachi, a short walk south of Shijo before Gojo, and not far from the center of Kyoto.

The cafe is in a traditional machiya (townhouse) overlooking the Kamogawa river.

In addition there is a comfortable terrace and a lovely view.

The cafe serves French and Japanese cuisine.

Kawa Café is open every day from 10:30 am to midnight.

It is a wonderful tranquil space to meet new people, sit and read alone, or just enjoy the view.

Kyoto Cafe Map

For cyclists there is parking.

Kawa Cafe KyotoInformation

〒600-8015
京都市下京区木屋町通松原上ル美濃屋町176-1

176-1, Minoya-cho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto

Phone: 075 341 011


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Thursday, September 12, 2013

Viewing the Harvest Moon in Kyoto

Daikakuji Temple pondお月見京都

From ancient times, Japanese have enjoyed moon viewing.

Known in Japanese as "tsukimi," the harvest moon of September is perhaps the most important in the lunar calendar.

To celebrate both the harvest and the beauty of the full moon, parties are held in and around Kyoto every September. They are thought to have begun in Heian Period, some 1,000 years ago.

Aristocrats would recite poetry under the moon as they ate special sweets (tsukimi dango, or rice dumplings).

In Kyoto there are many famous spots for enjoying the moon. Below is a list of events in Kyoto associated with the harvest moon.

September 19 - 21

Daikakuji Temple Osawa Pond

Osawa Pond is perhaps the best-known spot in the city for moon-viewing. It is possible to go out on boats in which a tea ceremony is held. It costs 1,000 yen for boat ride and tea ceremony, 800 yen for tea by the pond. However, sitting on the grassy banks with a bottle or two of wine and friends is equally pleasant.

September 19

Shimogamo Shrine


On this night traditional dance and music is performed from 5:30.

September 19

Kamigamo Shrine


Following a dance performance, sweet dumplings and sake will be offered to the first 300 people from 5:30 on.

September 19

Hirano Shrine


From 6:30, traditional music and dance will be performed. There are many night stalls selling souvenirs and food are set up in the grounds of the shrine.

September 20 & 21

Taizo-in Temple in Myoshinji Temple

On these two nights, a moon viewing and tea ceremony party will take place. The tea ceremony begins at 5:30. If you have 9,000 yen and a reservation, you can dine, enjoy a tea ceremony, view the garden - and of course gaze at the moon.

Tel: 075 467 1666


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Wednesday, September 11, 2013

Tokyo Olympics 2020 Cycling

東京オリンピック2020自転車

The race is now on, and Tokyo has less than seven years to prepare for the 2020 Summer Games.

Based on the official web site map, the Olympic cycling venue will be right in the heart of the action in the so called Tokyo Bay Zone.

As opposed to the Heritage Zone, which is made up of many existing venues, most of the events will be held in stadia and facilities built on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay north of Haneda International Airport.

The Olympic Velodrome is in the middle of this area.

Japan has a strong tradition of track cycling - Keirin - and will no doubt turn our a first rate facility.

In addition, there will be a road race that starts and finishes in central Tokyo.

In news from Buenos Aires, the International Olympic Committee voted to retain cycling as one of the Olympic program’s 25 core sports.


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Tuesday, September 10, 2013

American Pop Art Exhibit in Shiga Prefecture

米ポップ芸術67点並ぶ 滋賀県近美で企画展

Across the hills from Kyoto in Shiga there is a wonderful Pop Art exhibit at the The Museum of Modern Art Shiga.

The American art form will be on display in "Through the Eyes of Pop Artists" until October 6th.

The exhibit will feature works by Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, and others.

In all, 67 works will be shown.

In addition, Robert Rauschenberg, who spent time in nearby Shigaraki, a pottery village in Shiga, will have four of his works on display.

Address

1740-1 Setaminamioogayacho, Otsu city, Shiga
〒520-2122
TEL 077 543 2111 FAX 077 543 4220

Access

By JR, it is a 17-minute train ride to Seta Station. From there, take a bus headed to Shiga Idai (Medical School) and get off at Bunka Zone Mae.

For cyclists, it will take 90 minutes from central Kyoto. Follow the route around Lake Biwa.

Map

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Monday, September 9, 2013

List of Extinct and Endangered Species in Kyoto Updated

「絶滅」リスト11年ぶり改訂

The list of species that have become extinct or threatened in Kyoto Prefecture was recently released in the Red Data Book.

It was updated for the first time in 11 years.

Plant and animal species are categorized as being:

Extinct in the Prefecture
On the Verge of Extinction
Increased Threat of Extinction
Possible Threat of Extinction
Vulnerable Species

In the recent survey, a total of 1,872 species were listed.

In 2002, one hundred species were listed as extinct. This time around there were ninety-three.

Species that are now thought to be extinct include the Bekko Tombo, an amber colored dragonfly.

Because of ravenous deer, the Eizan Sumire - a variety of violet - is on the verge of extinction.


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Sunday, September 8, 2013

World Cycling News 8 September 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年09月08日

A Maker of Bikes Now Makes a Point of Riding Them New York Times

Mark Cavendish: British sprinter second on track return in Gent BBC

Tour de France stage raises £34k for charity London Cyclist

Enjeux Vélo Québec

The cycling revolution needs to start now – MPs, don't put the brakes on Guardian

Muerte de un ciclista El Pais

Vuelta St.12 Rider's Comment
ブエルタ・ア・エスパーニャ第11ステージ選手コメント Cycling Time

Make your lorry safe for cyclists or pay up, warns Boris The Times of London

Roche heads into the Pyrenees with podium on his mind Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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Saturday, September 7, 2013

Ukai Cormorant Fishing in Arashiyama

Togetsukyo Bridge鵜飼京都嵐山

The Arashiyama area is one of several regions in Japan - including Gifu Prefecture and Uji - that has an odd variety of fishing known as "ukai" in Japanese.

It is a traditional form of fishing that employs cormorants - birds that in the wild dive into the water to catch fish - to snag sweet fish.

To prevent the birds, which are tethered, from eating their catch, a snare is attached to the birds neck.

Cormorant fishing is thought to date from around 1000 AD in China and Japan.

Visitors can watch the event either from banks of the river or, to get a closer look, ride a boat for 1700 yen.

The event takes place nightly from 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

Telephone: 075 861 0302

Access

The closest train stations are the Keifuku Line's Arashiyama Station and Hankyu Line's Arashiyama Station.

Cyclists will have no trouble finding parking.


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Friday, September 6, 2013

"Holy Land" for Lovers in Kyoto

View from Mt. Hiei「恋人の聖地」に選定 ガーデンミュージアム比叡周辺

The area around the Garden Museum Hiei at the top of Mount Hiei in Kyoto has been selected as a "sacred place" for lovers.

The museum was inspired by French Impressionist painting. Paintings by Monet, Renoir, and Van Gogh have been reproduced on ceramic boards and are surrounded by flowers and herbs.

More impressive is the view of either Kyoto or Shiga, far below.

The NPO Local Lifestyle Support Center, in Shizuoka, has chosen romantic spots perfect for a date or a proposal since 2006, and this year the Garden Museum made the cut.

We prefer the hiking on the way up and nearby Enryakuji Temple, but the view is undeniably beautiful.

Access

Car: 30 minutes from Kyoto-higashi IC, Meishin Expressway
Hike: Four hours from Shugakuin
Cable Car: Yase Hieizan Station on the Hieizan line, take the cable car

Fees

1,000 yen

Business hours

10:00 AM - 5:30 PM (open at night on summer weekends)

Days closed

December 1st - April 19th

Garden Museum Hiei

+81-75-707-7733


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Thursday, September 5, 2013

Gold Coated Roof Tiles Excavated in Kyoto

gold coated roof tile金箔瓦、上京で大量出土 桃山時代の大名屋敷彩る

At an excavation site near the corner of Karasuma - Kamichoja, in north central Kyoto, roof tiles decorated with gold leaf have been unearthed.

They are thought to have been used as decorative pieces on a large roof.

One of the tiles bears the family crest of the Toyotomi family, which ruled Japan in the pre-Edo period.


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Wednesday, September 4, 2013

Karasu Sumo Kamigamo Shrine

Kamigamo Shrine上賀茂神社烏相撲

For those interested in sumo with a twist, September 9 is the day to head out to Kamigamo Shrine.

Starting at 10 am, visitors will make an offering of chrysanthemum flowers at the main hall and then pray.

Following this ritual, the annual "Karasu" (crow) sumo tournament will be held. Neighborhood children don a loin cloth, enter the ring, and have a go.

The shrine is in the far north of Kyoto, but it is an easy ride and is accessible from the east side of the Kamo River.

Access

Kyoto City Bus #4, 46, get off at Kamigamo-jinja-mae
075 781 0011

Cyclists will find ample parking space in front of the shrine.


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Tuesday, September 3, 2013

Kyoto National Museum of Modern Art Exhibit Reading Cinema, Finding Words: Art after Marcel Broodthaers

Kyoto National Modern Art Museum映画をめぐる美術 ――マルセル・ブロータースから始める

The National Museum of Modern Art in Kyoto will open an exhibit devoted to the relationship between the photography, film, video, and cinema.

From September 7, "Reading Cinema, Finding Words: Art after Marcel Broodthaers" will be held at the Okazaki facility.

The following artists will be featured:

Marcel Broodthaers, Cindy Sherman, Pierre Huyghe, Isaac Julien, Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster, Dayanita Singh, Ana Torfs, Miwa Yanagi, Anri Sala, Eric Baudelaire, Koki Tanaka, Ming Wong, Akram Zaatari

Exhibition dates

September 7 (Saturday) ― October 27 (Sunday), 2013
Closed on Mondays
Exception: Open on September 16, 23, October 14
Closed on September 17, 24 (Tuesday), October 15 (Tuesday)

Hours

9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (admission until 4:30 PM)

Evening hours (September 7, October 26 and every Friday): 9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Admission until 7:30 PM)

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Monday, September 2, 2013

Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum

京都万華鏡ミュージア

In addition to its well-known museums - the national museums, the large municipal museum, and many smaller galleries - the city also has many smaller, narrow focus places by the dozen.

One is the Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum.

It is housed in a former school and a fun afternoon out.

For cyclists, parking is always available on the street in front of the museum. On the odd chance that this is full - it won't be - public parking can be found on Oike Dori, just north of the Museum.

Information

Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum
706-3 Dongeinmae-machi, Aneyakoji, Higashinotoin, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-8184

Telephone: 075 254 7902

Hours: 10:00‐18:00 (last entry until 17:30), closed Mondays (open if Mon. is a national holiday and closed the next weekday) and national holidays, Winter holidays December 25 - January 4.

Fee: 300 yen (high school and older)

Access: A 3 min. walk from Exits 3-1 and 3-2 of the Karasumaoike subway station. On the south side Aneyakoji‐dori, east of Higashinotoin‐dori.


View Kyoto Kaleidoscope Museum in a larger map


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Sunday, September 1, 2013

World Cycling News 1 September 2013

tofu seller bike kyoto今週のサイクリング2013年09月01日

Never Mind Citi Bike, Here’s Campus Bike New York Times

Cycling gets £94m push in England BBC

Tour de France stage raises £34k for charity London Cyclist

Le Québec à portée de guidon ! Vélo Québec

Despair, cyclists: Britain will not be a 'cycling nation' in your lifetime Guardian

Muerte de un ciclista El Pais

Vuelta St.6 Rider's Comments
ブエルタ・ア・エスパーニャ第6ステージ 選手コメント Cycling Time

Player Scott Hastings backs bid to blame drivers for cycle accidents The Times of London

American Horner takes Vuelta lead after stage win Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News

Bicycle Goods

New Official Prudential Ride London clothing range now in stock



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