Japanese Saleswoman Cycle Show Osaka 2011

大阪サイクルショーの看板娘

At the Cycle Mode International Osaka 2011 convention, it was bikes bikes and more bikes.

The Intex Convention Center was packed with bikes of all types and bike geeks of all ages.

While (attempting to) take a breather from all the incredible bicycles and bicycle products - none of which was for sale! - this lovely young woman came by with a catalog.

For a nanosecond, we forgot about the bicycles.

Which was just the perfect tonic, a brief respite.

Then it was back into the maw.

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Funaoka Onsen Public Bath

船岡温泉

Funaoka Onsen is Kyoto's best-known public bath.

Located in northern Kyoto, it opened in 1923.

Compared, perhaps, to the modern super sento public baths - multi-story, multi-bath facilities that also have dining - that have in places replaced the neighborhood bath, Funaoka does not have the variety of baths.

However, it more than makes up for that in atmosphere. It does have several types of baths, but its real draw is the carvings in the dressing rooms.

The neighborhood too has a funky, off-beat vibe.

Information

82-1 Minami-Funaoka-cho, Murosaki no Minami Kyoto, 26 603-8225
Telephone: 075 441 3735

4 pm - 12 pm; closed Tuesdays

410 yen fee

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Elliot Erwit Kyoto Exhibit

エリオット・アーウィット展　何必館・京都現代美術館蔵

Sixty of photographer Elliott Erwitt's works are on display in Gion until November 27,

The works span his long career in both the worlds of art and fashion photography.

The photos feature well known figures and also more intimate and casual works of scenes of every day life.

Details

Kahitsukan Kyoto Museum of Contemporary Art*
September 3 - November 27, 2011　(closed Mondays)
10 am - 6 pm
Telephone: 075 525 1311

Admission: 1,000 yen

*Kahitsukan is located on Shijo Dori on the north side between Hanmikoji Dori and Higashi Oji Dori.


Map in Japanese


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This Week in World Cycling 13 November 2011

今週のサイクリング２０１１年１１月１３日

With Generators Gone, Wall Street Protesters Try Bicycle Power New York Times

Cycling and walking instead of driving BBC

British cyclist Damien Sharp banned after positive EPO test Guardian

Schooling for cyclists Japan Times

Ces (grosses) cuisses ont fait tomber un mythe français Rue89

El 'Festibal' El Pais

北京将严查自行车存车费私自涨价 Caijing

Landis convicted in France over doping lab hacking Yahoo

Last Week's Cycling News


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Biking Heian Shrine Kyoto

自転車で平安神宮へ

On a glorious fall day heading back from Nanzenji Temple through the Okazaki area, we pedaled right up to Heian Shrine.

As religious buildings and sites in Kyoto go, Heian Shrine is not in the major leagues by a long shot.

It is very new, having only been built in 1895.

The construction of the shrine was done to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of the capital in Kyoto.

The shrine itself is dedicated to the souls of the first and last emperors who lived in Kyoto: Kammu (737 - 806) and Komei (1831 - 1867). All subsequent emperors have resided in Tokyo.

The name "Heian" comes from the former name of the city itself.

What is worth seeing at the shrine though are the gardens.

Also, every October 22 witnesses the "Festival of the Ages" (Jidai Matsuri), which is a long parade of people in period costume. It ends at Heian Shrine.

Information

Nishi Tennocho, Okazaki, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto

Garden Hours: 8:30 to 17:00
Admission Fee: 600 yen


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Cycling Ryukoku University Kyoto

自転車で龍谷大学へ

Kyoto's Ryukoku University is one of Japan's oldest educational institutions.

Founded in 1639, it was originally a Buddhist seminary called "Gaukryo" and near Nishi Honganji Temple.

In 1655, it was destroyed by an order of Shogunate government. However, the seminary continued to exist, albeit in a different form.

German was the first western subject introduced into the school's curriculum. This happened in 1872.

The Omiya campus, pictured above, was established in September 1876. The buildings, many of which survive, were supposedly modeled after buildings at Oxford and Cambridge.

Today there are three campuses - in south Kyoto (Fukakusa), central Kyoto (Omiya), and Shiga (Seta) - that comprise the university.

The only campus though that most cyclists might visit is the Omiya campus, which is a short ride from Kyoto Station.


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Japanese Cops on Bicycles

ママチャリ乗っている京都の警察

Kyoto cops like their brethren in all urban areas frequently tool around the city on bicycles.

They use standard-issue "mamachari" bicycles: no gears, squeaky brakes, and not much speed.

They are practical but do not inspire much respect or fear.

In the US, cops on the bike beat are often kitted out with decent mountain bikes, helmets, police issue shorts, and very visible handguns.

Why Japan does not have a more modern bike force is beyond us. The cities are ideal to be traveled on two wheels, and Japan has a highly developed bike culture.

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