2018

SASE/Kyoto 2018: Broadening Horizons! A roundup of activities, images, and events from our 30th annual meeting in Kyoto, Japan. Don't miss the photos! SASE Kyoto Conference now underway We are delighted to welcome all of our scholars to the 30th annual SASE conference, which is now underway. Find out how to follow the event here. SASE Kyoto Program Available to Download The complete PDF program for SASE’s 30th Annual Conference, hosted by Doshisha University, is now available. Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Museum of Art Asahi Beer Oyamazaki Villa Museum of Art a small museum in the town Oyamazaki, a few stations outside of Kyoto by local train, is known for its collection of ceramics, paintings, and crafts. In what other museum will you find works by Bernard Leach, Claude Monet, Kanjiro Kawai, and Shoji Hamada? This museum opened to […] Fukujuen Tea Store Located at the intersection of Shijo and Tominokoji streets, tea company Fukujuen’s flagship Kyoto store offers a variety of green teas and experiences, including the opportunity to make your own tea blend, participate in the tea ceremony, learn about and taste different types of Japanese tea, and even eat a meal based around green tea. […] Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (伏見稲荷大社) is the head shrine of the god Inari, located in Fushimi Ward in Kyoto. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari which is 233 metres (764 ft) above sea level, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines. In the 1300 years since its establishment […] Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Kinkakuji is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Ogawa Coffee Ogawa Coffee (京都駅店) is perfect for those who have some free time before travelling. Situated inside Kyoto station this coffee shop offers a range of sweets and quality coffee, with the added bonus of being able to make use of the free station WiFi. Address: Japan, 〒600-8216 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Higashishiokojicho, 地下鉄京都駅コンコース 中央1改札口北側コトチカ京都内 (Google […] Tofukuji Temple Tofukuji temple (東福寺) is the head temple of the Tofukuji School of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. It was built in 1236 on the instructions of Kujo Michiie, the great statesman of the Kamakura period, who desired to build in Kyoto a temple complexes in Nara. Even its name, Tofukuji, is a combination of […] Funaoka Onsen Public Baths Located in northwest Kyoto, Funaoka Onsen (船岡温泉) is one of the best places in the city to take the plunge and try the Japanese sento (public bath) experience. Be sure to check out the ranma (carved wooden panels) in the changing room. Carved during Japan’s invasion of Manchuria, the panels offer insight into the prevailing […] Philosopher’s Path The Philosopher's Path is a pleasant stone path along a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Hakuunan Vegetarian Restaurant Hakuunan (黄檗普茶料理 白雲庵) may be a little far from the centre of Kyoto, about 1 hour away from our hosts Doshisha University by public transport, but it is a vegetarian restaurant serving Fucha style of Shojin temple cuisine introduced from China in the 17th century by the priest Ingen. For a beatiful, delicious meal and […] Tenkaippin Ramen Shop Tenkaippin (天下一品) is a Japanese institution – a ramen food chain with over 200 branches in Japan and Hawai’i, famed for its especially thick soup (こってり). In Kyoto you can visit the first ever Tenkaippin restaurant which began the empire. Address: Japan, 〒606-8175 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Sakyo Ward, Ichijoji Tsukidacho, 94 メゾン白川 (Google Maps) Kafe Kosen Kafe Kosen (KAFE工船) is just a fifteen minute walk from our host institution, Doshisha University. Famed for being featured in Merry White’s ‘Coffee Life in Japan‘ as an example of the vibrant café society that has been a mainstay of Japanese culture for years, Kosen offers meticulously prepared single origin coffee.” Address: Japan, 〒602-0841 Kyōto-fu, Kyōto-shi, […] Elephant Factory Coffee Elephant Factory Coffee is a quiet, hidden café near Kawaramachi street. Known for the care and patience taken when preparing their coffee, this establishment is a sanctuary tucked away from the hustle and bustle of Kyoto city centre. Address: 309-4 Bizenjimacho, Nakagyo-ku | 2F HK Bldg., Kyoto 604-8023, Kyoto Prefecture (Google Maps) Francois Cafe Francois Café (うフランソア喫茶) in the Shijyo Kobashi district of Kyoto opened its doors in 1934 and immediately distinguished itself through its style, curated by founders Shinichi Tanino and Shiro Takagi. Stained glass windows, an elegant dome white ceiling, and red velvet chairs offered a a luxurious salon style café from the beginning. Come here for […] Takimoto Liquor Store Takimoto Liquor Store ((株)タキモト)  is a five minute walk from Gojo Station on the Karasuma subway line, facing Rokujo-dori. The shop is overflowing with sake not just from Kyoto, but from all over the country. They keep the quality by using huge refrigerators and rooms kept at low temperatures so you can buy sake in […] Asano Sake Store Asano Sake Store (浅野日本酒店 Kyoto) not only allows you to purchase from one of the widest ranges of sake available in Japan, but also crucially allows you to sample their offerings at their bar before you purchase. This iconic store is located very close to Kyoto station on the ground floor of the Kyoto Aeon […] Yamazaki Distillery Whisky-making at Yamazaki Distillery is notable for its wide variety of whiskies, unique at a global level. You can choose how to enjoy the distillery. It is free to explore the grounds. 1,000¥ to experience an audioguide tour of the production (English/French/Chinese), but note that an advanced booking is necessary but very easy to make […] JAM Hostel Sake Bar Ramen in the Ichijoji area The famous Ramen in the Ichijoji area of Kyoto is wonderfully presented up by ‘Why Kyoto?‘ who offer a comprehensive guide to the area and the various customs surrounding the ubiquitous Japanese dish. “People hold that one of the reasons for the high number of ramen shops in Kyoto is the equally high number of […] Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion) Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. Kinobu Restaurant “We are dedicated to making sure our guests experience the charming, natural, and generous nature of Kinobu.” Kinobu is located on Shinmachi Street, also known as one of Kyoto’s kimono fabric merchant streets. Since 1935, Kinobu has satisfied and been favored by many wealthy gourmets in the area. Seasonal specialties are served as a fine […] Heihachi-jaya Restaurant “Heihachi Tea House Inn Offers the Different Scenes of Beauty and Taste Every Month through Four Seasons.” Heihachi Tea House Inn (山ばな 平八茶屋), established in 1576, is located along the Takano River overlooking Mt.Hiei in the East. In its authentic Japanese garden you can enjoy cherry blossoms in the Spring and colorful leaves of maple […] Hanbey-Fu Vegetarian Restaurant Hanbey-Fu (半兵衛麸) is a proud producer and seller of Kyoto Fu (prepared wheat gluten), catering especially for the vegetarian market in Kyoto. They boast a variety of specialty dishes including Namafu Dengaku (fresh wheat gluten cake, served with miso soy bean sauce) and fried Yuba (tofu skin). In addition to this they are proud to […] Tenki Restaurant Tenki Restaurant (天㐂)  is known to be a pioneer of Kaiseki cuisine and Tempura. Based in a beautiful and traditional tea house building they offer an authentic Kyoto lunch menu for 5,000¥ and a Kyoto-style Tempura Kaiseki Dinner for 9,000¥. Address: Japan, 〒602-8474 Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto, Kamigyo Ward, Jozenjicho, 89 日本、〒602-8474 京都府京都市上京区千本通今出川上る (Open in Google Maps) Hyotei Restaurant Throughout its 400-year history, Hyotei has proudly preserved its tradition of culinary excellence. Nevertheless, Hyotei has always continued to adapt to change with a forward-looking spirit.   Hyotei‘s history is long and could track back about four hundred years ago. It is said to have started as a tea ceremony house at Nanzen-ji temple. Since […] Pontocho Pontocho is one of Kyoto's most atmospheric dining areas. Nishiki Market Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related. Nanzenji Temple Nanzenji Temple is one of the most important Zen temples in all of Japan. Kyoto Imperial Palace The Kyoto Imperial Palace is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park, an attractive park in the center of the city that also encompasses the Sento Imperial Palace and a few other attractions. Daitokuji Temple Daitokuji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect's Daitokuji school of Japanese Zen Buddhism. Ryoanji Temple Ryoanji Temple is the site of Japan's most famous rock garden. Kurama Kurama is best known for its temple Kurama-dera and its hot spring. Arashiyama and Sagano Arashiyama is a pleasant, touristy district in the western outskirts of Kyoto. Katsura Imperial Villa Katsura Imperial Villa is one of the finest examples of Japanese architecture and garden design. Kokedera (Moss Temple) Entrance to this temple requires a reservation made well in advance by email. Rohan Restaurant Casual restaurant with first-rate food Kitaoji Otagi Restaurant Ceramics made by potters selected by the owners are an additional highlight at this restaurant Shiruko Restaurant Famed for its miso soup, all seats in this restaurant face a Noh stage Tokasaikan Restaurant Chinese food on the water, with the oldest elevator in Japan Godan Miyazawa Restaurant Very small and intimate restaurant (8 seats in all!) Nakazen Restaurant A traditional Kyoto-style kaiseki restaurant with a focus on seasonal ingredients Saami Restaurant Enjoy traditional dishes & hospitality with a wonderful view of the Kyoto streets in a traditional Japanese-style building Niku no Takumi Miyoshi Restaurant One of the top kobe beef restaurants in the country Kiyomizudera Temple On the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, Kiyomizudera is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan.