Cycle Kyoto - Miyako on Two Wheels

Saturday, August 6, 2011

Anniversary of Atomic Bombing of Hiroshima

広島

Today marks the 66th anniversary of the US Air Force's dropping of an atomic bombings on Hiroshima.

Three days later, on 9 August 1945, Nagasaki was the second - and to date last - city to endure such a cruel fate.

It is estimated that in the first two to four months following the bombings, 90,000 – 166,000 people in Hiroshima and 60,000 – 80,000 in Nagasaki died.

There are estimates that as many as 200,000 had died by 1950, mainly because of cancer and other long-term effects.

Hiroshima today however is an attractive, green, and laid-back city in southern Honshu.

It has one of the best system of trams in Japan. The elegant trolleys criss-cross the city's many rivers and boulevards.

This year's anniversary will be particularly poignant due to the ongoing nuclear crisis in Fukushima.

Friday, August 5, 2011

Kumamoto Castle

熊本城

Kumamoto Castle is a classic Japanese hilltop castle located smack in the middle of downtown Kumamoto.

Much of it was burned in a final attack in 1877. However, it is a beautiful and impressive structure.

The first fortifications were built in 1467, then expanded in 1496.

Kato Kiyamasa greatly added to the castle between 1601 to 1607.

It ultimately had 49 turrets, 18 turret gates, and 29 smaller gates.

In 1960, much of the castle was reconstructed. Then, between 1998 to 2008, the castle complex was further reconstructed.

Information

Hours: 8:30 to 18:00 (until 17:00 from November to March)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time
Closed: December 29th to 31st
Admission: 500 yen

Access

From Kumamoto Station, it is a 10-15 minute ride on a tram. Alight at Kumamotojo-mae tram stop.

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Kyoto Yoiyama 2011

宵山２０１１年

450,000 revelers turned out for this year's Yoiyama Festival in Kyoto.

Yoiyama is a street party held the night before Gion Matsuri, the most famous festival in Japan.

Much of Kyoto turns out for the event.

From 6 pm until 11 pm, the streets of downtown Kyoto are closed to traffic. People come dressed in yukata summer robes.

Vendors set up shop selling beer, chicken, squid, and more.

The massive floats - "hoko" - that will be pulled around in the blistering heat the following day are on display. Maps are available at both Kyoto Station and downtown at the festival itself.

Unlike July 17, Gion Festival day, it is possible to get up close and inspect the floats.

And walk and drink beer and eat and check out the crowd, repeat.

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Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Cycling Tofukuji Temple

自転車で東福寺へ

Tofukuji Temple is a huge Zen temple in southeastern Kyoto.

It was founded in 1236 and has become one of the principal Zen temples in Kyoto.

It is justly famous for its autumn foliage, but any time of year is good for a visit.

Moreover, much of the temple complex is free.

For those cycling, it is 15 minutes from Kyoto Station or 10 minutes from Sanjusangendo. It is along the narrow road that leads south to Fushimi.

Information

Tsutenkyo Bridge and Kaisando Hall
Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (until 16:30 during November)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time
Admission: 400 yen

Hojo and Gardens
Hours: 9:00 to 16:00 (until 16:30 during November)
Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time
Admission: 400 yen

Tuesday, August 2, 2011

Koryo Museum of Art Kyoto

高麗美術館

Tucked on a side street off of Horikawa Dori east of Kityama is the Koryo Museum of Art.

It is an excellent facility dedicated to Korean fine arts.

Founded by the late Chong Jo Mum, it specializes in ceramics, images of the Buddha, stone figures, calligraphy, and furniture.

Chong was a first generation Korean-Japanese who came to at the age of six.

He was a successful businessman, and devoted his life to collecting Korean works of art.

Address

Kamigishi-cho Shichiku, Kita-ku, Kyoto, 603-8108
Tel. 075 491 1192

Hours

10 a.m. - 5 p.m. (last entry 4:30 pm)

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Koryo Museum

Monday, August 1, 2011

Climbing Mount Atago

愛宕山千日参り

Every year on July 31, hordes of hikers climb Mount Atago in Kyoto.

At 924 meters, it is the second highest mountain in the city.

The festival is called "Sennichi Tsuyasai," which roughly means one thousand days all night festival.

The purpose of the festival is to pray for a thousand days of flame (for cooking, heating, etc.) and, to the contrary, a thousand days of fire prevention.

The hike is about 4 kilometers.

What makes this event special is that most of the climbers do so after dark. The city strings up lights from the base of the mountain, in Kiyotaki, all the way to the very top at Atago Shrine.

As hikers ascend the mountain, they call out "O kudariyasu" (on your way down) to those descending. In reply, they say "O noboriyasu" (on your way up).

At the very top are many lanterns (see bottom left).

Once at the top, pilgrims buy good luck charms to ward off fire and bad luck.

What to Bring

Light clothes, plus something heavier for when you get to the top (the temperature can be quite chilly)
A change of clothes
Water
Light snacks
Small towel for sweat
Bit of cash just in case
Sneakers or light hiking boots
Flashlight

Bus to Kiyotaki

Kyoto Bus:

From JR Kyoto Station: Bus stop No. C6 Bus No. 72
From Hankyu Arashiyama station: Bus No. 62 or 72
From Keihan Sanjo station: Bus stop No. 14 Bus No. 62

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Nishijin Honryuji Temple

本流時

On a hot slow ride through Nishijin en route to Kitayama on Saturday, we rode past Honryuji Temple. It was founded in 1488, and has a distinctive onion-like dome and tiled outer wall.

Just up the street is a small preserved area with guest houses and museums. Among the latter is the Orinasukan Handmade Fabrics Museum.

It was created as a teaching center and is housed in a fabulous old building.

You can learn about dyeing, weaving culture, and industrial arts, all of which took and take place in Nishijin, the weaving center of Japan.

Along this section are normal residences. A quick peek down one found several bikes at arest.