Kyoto Support » User Favorites: peko

Kyoto Support » User Favorites: peko peko Sad to say, but this lovely old town requires some support. en-US Sat, 31 Jul 2010 14:11:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/search.php peko on "Kyoto Incense Stores: Shoyeido, Yamada Matsu, Kyukyodo, Lisn" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-incense-stores#post-248 Sat, 17 Jul 2010 17:41:44 +0000 peko 248@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Here is a run down on the major incense stores in Kyoto. With the exception of Lisn, all are shinise (old, traditional stores). Japanese incense makes for excellent gifts and souvenirs to take home. Shoyeido (松栄堂) Shoyeido, also spelled Shoeido (and pronounced ‘shoeido’) started in 1705 and offers a huge variety of the highest quality traditional Japanese incense, incense burners and other related traditional tools and accoutrements used to burn and appreciate incense in Japan. Shoyeido is a purveyor to the head temples of all the major Japanese Buddhist sects. Shoyeido has two locations in Kyoto, several in Tokyo and one in Hokkaido. Shoyeido is where I buy my incense for burning at home, usually horikawa and genroku. In my experience, Shoyeido is the most stuck-up shinise in all Kyoto. But, their customer service is very polite and the staff is usually quite nice. Kyoto Honten (main store) 松栄堂京都本店 tel: 075-212-5590 website: <a href="http://www.shoyeido.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.shoyeido.co.jp</a> address: Kyoto-shi, Nakagyo-ku, Karasuma-dori, Nijo-agaru, Higashigawa(京都市中京区烏丸通二条上ル東側) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.015042,135.759982&spn=0.003524,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b8452ad6a539d5e3">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> The Kyoto Main Store is located on the east side of Karasuma Street 2 1/2 blocks south of the Karasuma-Marutamachi intersection. Marutamachi Station on the Karasuma Subway Line is the closest station. Shoyeido is about a 5 minute walk to Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace to the north and to the Kyoto International Manga Museum to the south. Yamada Matsu (山田松香木店) Yamada Matsu began around 1790 and is a purveyor of very fine incense and implements used in the burning and appreciation of Japanese incense. My experience with Yamada Matsu much more limited than the other stores mentioned in this post. It seems to me that if you know something about Japanese incense you can find what you are looking for here. I never quite know what to buy here and have never been really impressed with the incense that I bought. The showroom is very nice. At friends' houses though, I have experienced Yamada Matsu incense that impressed me. (I will keep shopping there and update this with more insight, hopefully.) Yamada Matsu is located on Muromachi-dori street a short walk to the west from Kyoto Gosho Imperial Palace. tel: 075-441-1123 website: <a href="http://www.yamadamatsu.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www.yamadamatsu.co.jp</a> address: Kyoto-shi, Kamigyo-ku, Muromachi-dori Shimodachiuri-agaru, Kageyukoji-cho 164 (京都市上京区室町通下立売上ル勘解由小路町164) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.021667,135.757976&spn=0.003523,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b848bd7be153fc10">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> Kyukyodo (鳩居堂) Kyukyodo started in 1663 as an apothecary, the business soon expanded to incense and painted and calligraphic stationary. Kyukyodo is a one-stop shop for all manner of traditional tools and art objects related to calligraphy and painting, incense, tea ceremony, fans, washi paper and so on. Many beautiful and seasonal illustrated postcards, stationary sets, calendars and so on are also available. Kyukyodo is a great place to purchase some Kyoto-style souvenirs! There is also a store in Ginza, Tokyo. My favorite incense at Kyukyodo is not the variety that is burned but a kind of sachet, not at all 'girly'. They can be put in a wardrobe to give clothing a wonderful fragrance and under your pillow, for sublime dreams. tel: 075-231-0510 website: <a href="http://www.kyukyodo.co.jp‎" rel="nofollow">http://www.kyukyodo.co.jp‎</a> (Japanese only) address: Kyoto-shi, Nakagyo-ku, Teramachi Anekoji-agaru, Shimohonnojimae-cho 520 (京都市中京区寺町姉小路上ル下本能寺前町520) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.011545,135.766382&spn=0.003524,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b84765d32ba4e9fb">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> Kyukyodo is located in the Teramachi Street Shopping Arcade at the north-west corner of Teramachi and Anekoji streets. It is about a 2 minute walk south from Oike Street. The closest station is Shiyakushomae (city hall), on the Tozai Subway Line. Lisn Lisn is a relatively new company started by Shoyeido whose tagline is "Sophisticated incense for listeners by Shoyeido Incense Co." Listeners? At first (some years ago) I thought that this brand was intended for people serious about music appreciation or something. But, to 'listen' to a fragrance is an expression for classical Japanese court life. I guess that if you have time to 'listen' to smells, life must be great! Lisn’s line on incense has never impressed me. It is all about presentation. I would guess that the scents are chemically created and not especially novel as compared to what is available in Western countries. Lisn does offer a plethora of scents to choose from, they have more than 200! The white, minimalist store is quite interesting. All the multicolored incense varieties are spread out on wavy glass sheets and you go make your way through the store with a self service tray that a staff member at the door has forced into your hands - whether or not you want to shop or just browse. (Not very Kyoto-style service.) Lisn also has stores in Tokyo and Helsinki. Hokey fragrance names include: Virginal, Hit My Soul, Since, Mother's Chest, Chuckling Wool, Visible. Did someone spend too much time flipping through a dictionary, and not enough time actually learning English? Prices are fairly reasonable, compared to Shoyeido. However, you only get 10 sticks rather than 20. The Kyoto store is located in the Cocon Karasuma shopping center located just south of the intersection of Shijo and Karasuma streets. A 1 minute walk from the Karasuma Station on the Hankyu Railway or Karasuma Subway Line. website: <a href="http://www2.lisn.co.jp" rel="nofollow">http://www2.lisn.co.jp</a> tel: 075-353-6466 address: Kyoto-shi, Shimogyo-ku, Karasuma-dori Shijo Sagaru Cocon (京都市下京区烏丸通四条下ル古今) map: <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ie=UTF8&hl=en&msa=0&msid=115039365892753127164.000445cff35fa2bfc5a51&ll=35.004067,135.75965&spn=0.003524,0.003718&z=18&iwloc=00048b859da14bb235e40">OpenKyoto/KyotoFoodie Map</a> Take Away: You might like Lisn, but the other incense companies mentioned above are have been loved by the people of Kyoto over the centuries and offer quality traditional fragrances that ought to be very difficult to find abroad. If you are a designer or marketer, the Lisn store, and all of Cocon ought to be of interest to you. peko on "Kyoto Kaiseki Restaurant that Welcomes Kids" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kaiseki-restaurant-that-welcomes-kids#post-245 Fri, 21 May 2010 15:12:55 +0000 peko 245@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello jazz, This is a rather difficult order in Kyoto for kaiseki. I talked to several kaiseki restaurants and they were not interested. <a href="http://kyotofoodie.com/chef-tanigawa-iron-chef/">Chef Tanigawa</a> at <a href="http://kichisen-kyoto.com/en/reservation.php">Kichisen</a> said that for children up to about 12 years of age, accompanied by two adults, he would offer a children's menu. It would be 5,000 yen per child and be mainly meat based. A three course meal with donburi (rice bowl), Japanese style hamburger (hamba-gu) and another dish. The meal will be 'omakase' (left to the discretion of the chef). jazz on "Kyoto Kaiseki Restaurant that Welcomes Kids" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kaiseki-restaurant-that-welcomes-kids#post-244 Sun, 16 May 2010 02:32:59 +0000 jazz 244@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi, I have two young pre-schoolers. Can anyone please recommend a kaiseki restaurant that welcomes kids? If possible, please include directions. Thanks. nowpot on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-243 Mon, 10 May 2010 10:13:54 +0000 nowpot 243@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Wow these are really helpful! I'm looking forward to our next Kyoto trip :) And yes, I'll stay tuned for your online store! Thanks a lot! peko on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-242 Sun, 09 May 2010 02:23:56 +0000 peko 242@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ About sakura extract and sakura flavoring. I am not sure where to buy those items. We are in the process of opening an online store and will try to offer such products. Please check back! peko on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-241 Sun, 09 May 2010 01:43:33 +0000 peko 241@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello nowpot, One thing, mochi, manju and wagashi something that Japanese do not usually make at home. It is just too labor intensive. There are several wagashi making classes (和菓子教室) available in Kyoto. Here are two that I have experience with. Wagashi making class may still be a rarified experience for foreign visitors to Japan so English may be difficult to obtain. However, you could take a Japanese speaking guide to translate or you can just follow along by watching the teacher's demonstration. It is not so complicated. Kanshudo Higashi (East) 甘春堂東店 Kanshudo is a shinise wagashi store with three locations, two are near Shichi-jo Street and one is in Sagano (Western Hills). The Kanshudo East store's wagashi making class I have participated in twice. (Sagano store also offers wagashi class) It takes about 30 minutes and you get to make 3 or 4 tea ceremony wagashi and take them home. The total cost was 1,500 yen with hojicha tea and 2,000 yen with maccha tea. Again, this is tea ceremony wagashi, the highest quality wagashi in Japan. All the ingredients are pre-made and the students do the physical construction and shaping of the wagashi. English: A useful English explanatory pamphlet is available. The verbal explanation by the teacher of the wagashi making is only in Japanese. It is more about looking than listening, so limited English is not much of a problem. website: <a href="http://www.kanshundo.co.jp">http://www.kanshundo.co.jp</a> (no English) wagashi class website: <a href="http://www.kanshundo.co.jp/museum/make/annai.htm">http://www.kanshundo.co.jp/museum/make/annai.htm</a> (no English) tel:075-561-1318 address: Kyoto-shi, Higashiyama-ku, Kawabata Shomen Higashi-iru, Chaya-machi 511-1 (京都市東山区川端正面東入る茶屋町511-1) nearby sightseeing destinations: Kiyomuzi Temple 清水寺, Sanjusangen-do Temple 三十三間堂, Toyokuni Jinja Shrine 豊国神社, Kyoto National Museum and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mimizuka">Mimizaka</a> (nose tomb) 耳塚. Yatsuhashian 八つ橋庵 <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yatsuhashi">Yatsuhashi</a> is a Kyoto' most famous confection -- and Kyoto people do not eat them. They are souvenirs for tourists, usually Japanese junior and high school students visiting Kyoto for their school excursions. Yatsuhashi actually have a very long history and some of them are quite tasty. As the market is huge, there are many yatsuhashi companies and they are engaged in fierce competition developing new and unique yatsuhashi products. The recent trend is yatsuhashi cafes with parfaits, crepes and soft creams. My favorite yatsuhashi maker is <a href="http://www.8284.co.jp/">Nishio Yatsuhashi</a>. Yatsuhashian offers a yatsuhashi making course that I have observed once. The staff is not particularly friendly but the lesson is reasonably interesting. In this class, you get to mix the mochi flour with water and cook it. However, this course too is mostly about assembling the yatsuhashi. The cost is 840 yen for 40 minutes. The location is quite inconvenient I thought. It is way out in the western suburbs, near Arashiyama and we had to take a taxi to get there. It is kind of a tourist trap type place, selling all kinds of cheap Kyoto souvenirs. The second floor is a traditional Kyoto embroidery museum and is quite interesting. Katsura Villa, probably the most beautiful thing in all of Kyoto is about 10 minutes by taxi. English: none. website: <a href="http://yatuhasian.jp">http://www.yatuhasian.jp</a> (no English) yatsuhashi class website: <a href="http://yatuhasian.jp/s_index.html">http://www.kyatuhasian.jp/s_index.html</a> (no English) tel:075-313-2151 FreeDial: 0120-77-8284 (toll free in Japan) address: Kyoto-shi, Ukyo-ku, Nishikyogyoku, Nishikoromode-cho 36(京都市右京区西京極西衣手町36) nearby sightseeing destinations: <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Katsura_Imperial_Villa">Katsura Imperial Villa 桂離宮</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kokedera">Koke-dera (Moss Temple) 西芳寺</a> nowpot on "Mochi Making Lessons in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/mochi-making-lessons#post-240 Sat, 08 May 2010 01:55:26 +0000 nowpot 240@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello! Is there a place where I can learn to make mochi? Maybe a school that specializes in making different kinds? I'm keen on making these at home :) And is there a place where I can buy sakura extract or flavoring? Thanks a lot! :) peko on "Fresh Young Coconut, Durian, and other fruits from just south of Japan" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/fresh-young-coconut-durian-and-other-fruits-from-just-south-of-japan#post-239 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 22:58:50 +0000 peko 239@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello archer_root, Fresh Durian: Fresh durian is available, I have purchased it even at supermarkets. I have seen it whole at Meidi-ya (way over priced). Try the department stores too. Takashimaya has the Hosokawa Fruit Store which has lots of high-end fruit (at high-end prices). It seems to me that I have only seen fresh durian in the summer here. Try the Travelt food court at Fujii Daimaru (near Shijo-Teramachi). Figs: Figs are grown in Japan and are easily found in all grocery stores throughout the summer and autumn. Obanzai: Kyoto's favorite food! Fresh Young Coconut: I have never purchased this but I am sure I have seen it at Meidi-ya, Travelt and so on. Mango: Japan produces probably the most expensive mango in the world (I think from Miyazaki prefecture) and there are all the imported varieties available too. Recently, Japan is rather mango crazed! There is mango 'boutique' chain that only sells mango. Mango are usually available at any supermarket. If you are in Osaka or Kobe the Thai speciality grocery stores would be a good place to try too. The wholesale markets have excellent selections of fruit as well and usually -- at least in Kyoto -- you don't have to buy a truckload. archer_root on "Fresh Young Coconut, Durian, and other fruits from just south of Japan" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/fresh-young-coconut-durian-and-other-fruits-from-just-south-of-japan#post-238 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 19:44:06 +0000 archer_root 238@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Has anyone found any fresh young coconuts from Thailand in any of the markets of the Kansai region? How about fresh, unfrozen durian? Or what about figs? Seen any fresh figs anywhere? I love Obanzai (おばんざい). I really love obanzai. But I need a fresh young coconut, mang. peko on "Gluten Free in Japan - Printer Friendly Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card PDF" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/gluten-free#post-236 Sun, 13 Dec 2009 01:28:58 +0000 peko 236@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ The Japanese Celiac / Coeliac Gluten Free Restaurant Cards mentioned above are surely very useful but the text is so pixelated that I could barely read the Japanese, so I remade it as best I could. I input the English and Japanese text and made a PDF that people can download and print out for your travels to Japan. <a href="http://openkyoto.com/media/Support/Celiac-Disease-English-Japanese-Card.pdf"><img src="http://openkyoto.com/media/Support/Celiac-Disease-English-Japanese-Card-preview.gif" alt="Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card" title="Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card" /></a> Printer Friendly Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card PDF <a href="http://openkyoto.com/media/Support/Celiac-Disease-English-Japanese-Card.pdf">Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card PDF</a> <a href="http://openkyoto.com/media/Support/Celiac-Disease-English-Japanese-Card_outline.pdf">Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card PDF (text outlined version)</a> If your computer has trouble rendering the Japanese text in the PDF, the outlined version ought to work for you. I don't have Celiac Disease and don't know anything about it. I hope this is helpful for people. Please let me know if there is anything that needs changing, fixing or editing. peko on "Kyoto Machiya Links and Resources" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-machiya-links-and-resources#post-235 Sat, 12 Dec 2009 08:08:20 +0000 peko 235@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Kyoto Preservation (Machiya) <a href="http://kyoto-preservation.info" rel="nofollow">http://kyoto-preservation.info</a> Machiya Spirit <a href="http://machiyaspirit.com" rel="nofollow">http://machiyaspirit.com</a> peko on "Gluten Free in Japan - Printer Friendly Celiac Disease English-Japanese Card PDF" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/gluten-free#post-234 Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:19:15 +0000 peko 234@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Here is a link to <a href="http://www.celiactravel.com/stories/japan.html">Tips for getting gluten free food in Japan</a>, thanks to <a href="http://twitter.com/mikeylambe">@DeepKyoto</a> for the tip! You can just print out this handy-dandy Japanese language card and show it in a restaurant: <a href="http://www.celiactravel.com/gluten-free-cards/22-japanese.html">Japanese Celiac / Coeliac Gluten Free Restaurant Cards</a> <a href="http://www.celiactravel.com/gluten-free-cards/22-japanese-high.html">Japanese Celiac / Coeliac Gluten Free Restaurant text (high resolution version)</a> I have been with veg/vegan friends that have asked a restaurant to serve a dish without meat and the restaurant refused to serve the person. We begged and even offered to pay the 'with meat' price and they said that they could not do it! So, just because you have the card, I don't think that all your trouble are over in Japan. Ligger on "Sake Bars in Kyoto: Nihonshu Bar Asakura, Jizake Bar Zen, Sake Bar Yoramu" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/sake-bars-in-kyoto#post-233 Mon, 30 Nov 2009 01:06:41 +0000 Ligger 233@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ I took a friend to Asakura and we sampled three different cold sakes. The friendly owner suggested some special tofu and we tried it. Wow, what an excellent combination of flavors. The bar was very softly lit and not smokey. We went over to Yorum's place after that and... no space in the place. That write up in the NY Times and all the other hype have ruined the local intimacy. Yorum was not too sweet about giving us the heave ho either. Now to try your third recommendation, if I can only track it down. Gion is such confusing maze for me. peko on "List of Museums in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/list-of-museums-in-kyoto#post-232 Sun, 29 Nov 2009 05:57:12 +0000 peko 232@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Culture and History The Museum of Kyoto 京都文化博物館 The Museum of Kyoto, literally the Kyoto Culture Museum (京都文化博物館) is located in an historic Bank of Japan building that dates from the Meiji period. The museums permanent exhibition is dedicated to the history and culture of the ancient capital. The museum hosts major cultural, historical and art related exhibitions as well. Opening Hours 10:00 a.m.— 7:30 p.m. Permanent Exhibitions 10:00 a.m.— 7:30 p.m. (last admissions 7:00 p.m.) Special Exhibitions 10:00 a.m.— 6:00 p.m. (last admissions 5:30 p.m.) Restaurants 10:00 a.m.— 8:30 p.m. Closed Monday (next day if the Monday is a holiday) Dec. 28 - Jan. 3 Admission Fees (Permanent Exhibition) Adults: ¥500 (Groups ¥400) University Student: ¥400 (Groups ¥320) High school student and under: Free ＊Special Exhibition: An additional fee is charged Volunteer Commentator Service As volunteer commentator service in English is available, ask for details at the reception. For permanent exhibition (2F) 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. How To Get To The Museum Subway: 3 minutes’ walk from exit 5 of Karasuma-Oike Station Train: Hankyu Line 7minutes’ walk from exit 16 of Karasuma Station 　　　Keihan Line 15minutes’ walk from exit 6 of Sanjo Station English website: <a href="http://www.bunpaku.or.jp/info_english.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.bunpaku.or.jp/info_english.html</a> Address Kyoto, Nakagyo-ku, Sanjo-Takakura tel: 075-222-0888 fax: 075-222-0889 Map <a href="http://www.bunpaku.or.jp/info_english.html"><img src="http://www.bunpaku.or.jp/img/info_map(en).jpg" alt="The Museum of Kyoto 京都文化博物館" title="The Museum of Kyoto 京都文化博物館" /></a> peko on "Favorite Stores, Tastes and Products in Nishiki Market" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/favorite-stores-tastes-and-products-in-nishiki-market#post-230 Wed, 11 Nov 2009 14:36:56 +0000 peko 230@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ I am starting a list of my favorite shops and foods in Nishiki Market. more to come... peko on "Soy Salt - Available in Kyoto?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/soy-salt-available-in-kyoto#post-229 Wed, 04 Nov 2009 03:02:49 +0000 peko 229@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Sorry, it seems that it is not available in Kyoto. Kamebishi sells to some wholesaler distributors but once they don't know where they resell their products. Their webstore is Japanese only and they don't ship abroad. One thing, why would you want to combine salt and shoyu anyway? peko on "Soy Salt - Available in Kyoto?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/soy-salt-available-in-kyoto#post-228 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 08:33:29 +0000 peko 228@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hi Mora, You are quite the foodie! Soy Salt? I just called Kamebishi to see if this product is available in Kyoto. They were closed already but I will give them another ring tomorrow. Mora on "Soy Salt - Available in Kyoto?" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/soy-salt-available-in-kyoto#post-227 Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:41:17 +0000 Mora 227@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello everyone. I recently read about Soy Salt at the New York Mutual Trading Inc. website. It's made by Kamebishi, a traditional artisan shoyu company that has been producing shoyu for more than 250 years. I'd love to be able to bring some bags of Soy Salt home as gifts to my foodie friends. Does anyone know where it can be purchased in Kyoto? Kamebishi Company is located in the rural town of Hiketa, Kagawa Prefecture. Thanks in advance for any help you can provide. carol on "Jack O' Lanterns" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/jack-o-lanterns#post-226 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:21:30 +0000 carol 226@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ What and where is the Kyoto Coop? carol on "Jack O' Lanterns" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/jack-o-lanterns#post-225 Sun, 01 Nov 2009 08:19:48 +0000 carol 225@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Thank you, Peko, I did find a few orange pumpkins in a florist shop in Nishiki. We carved them (first time for young Japanese friends) and set them outside the machiya on the bench for awhile Saturday night. They looked great. Our little tea party was pleasant-- it ran to 11p, later than I had planned. I think everyone had a good time. Obachan next door (original geisha) was especially pleased. peko on "Kyoto Furoshiki Store: Karakusaya, Kakefuda" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-furoshiki-stores#post-223 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:04:19 +0000 peko 223@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ SouSou has a furoshiki shop now? I have to check that one out! peko on "Jack O' Lanterns" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/jack-o-lanterns#post-222 Fri, 30 Oct 2009 16:02:26 +0000 peko 222@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Ahhh...Sorry, I thought that I replied to this a few days ago, but somehow my post is not here. Strange. A few years ago I got a killer carving pumpkin at a flower shop on Karasuma Street a bit south of Imadegawa. I paid quite a bit for it, but it made quite a Jack O' Lantern! I have seen carving pumpkins around this year at quite a few flower shops, even the Kyoto Coop had some the other day. I hope you part is a big success! archer_root on "Kyoto Furoshiki Store: Karakusaya, Kakefuda" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/kyoto-furoshiki-stores#post-221 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:41:43 +0000 archer_root 221@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Sou Sou is a Kyoto clothier which draws upon Japanese fashion tradition for its own design. They have a furoshiki shop, as well as a shop for mens' fashion, womens' fashion, jikitabi, and bicycle fashion. All distinct shops in the same neighborhood. <a href="http://www.sousou.co.jp/" rel="nofollow">http://www.sousou.co.jp/</a> Here's a map: <a href="http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=sou+sou&fb=1&gl=jp&hq=sou+sou&hnear=%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C&cid=0,0,814891330499910548&ei=_UzpSvorkPbqA-yeuOYL&ved=0CBAQnwIwAA&ll=35.004796,135.767713&spn=0.010124,0.017874&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A" rel="nofollow">http://maps.google.co.jp/maps?oe=utf-8&client=firefox-a&ie=UTF8&q=sou+sou&fb=1&gl=jp&hq=sou+sou&hnear=%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E5%BA%9C&cid=0,0,814891330499910548&ei=_UzpSvorkPbqA-yeuOYL&ved=0CBAQnwIwAA&ll=35.004796,135.767713&spn=0.010124,0.017874&t=h&z=16&iwloc=A</a> archer_root on "Oatmeal Weather: And Where to Buy Western-style Breakfast Food in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-220 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 08:00:53 +0000 archer_root 220@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Dewd. Do you harsh my mellow? Hardly a Zen pooper-scooper, am I. As you know, authentic mountain spring water has dissolved solids. Sometimes this is good for you. Often these dissolved solids will associate with the ingredients in a dish and create a stronger extraction, yes? Maybe this is why there are so many Chinese sayings about mountain water and tea leaves being an essential combination. Kuzu is just plain good for the intestines. "Wake up. Nourish intensetines. Have a good day." How's that for a hip Engrish tee-shirt? peko on "Oatmeal Weather: And Where to Buy Western-style Breakfast Food in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-219 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 07:04:24 +0000 peko 219@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ That is a dog-gone good sounding recipe!! With kuzu and mountain spring water? You must be a real Zen Master chef! archer_root on "Oatmeal Weather: And Where to Buy Western-style Breakfast Food in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-218 Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:59:04 +0000 archer_root 218@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ My favorite morning porridge used to consist of the following: Mountain spring water Kuzu (starch flour from the root of the infamous Kudzu vine) Rolled spelt grain Fresh ginger, shaved thinly Cranberries, unsweetened Frozen or fresh blueberries A pinch of ground cardamon, clove, and nutmeg A pinch of sea salt Sprinkle camu-camu on that and maybe a squeeze of lime for tartness and nutrition. I have yet to discover rolled spelt in Kyoto. We'll see if I can find a nutty-tasting replacement. carol on "Oatmeal Weather: And Where to Buy Western-style Breakfast Food in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/oatmeal-weather#post-217 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:21:54 +0000 carol 217@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Thank you, Peko, I found the rolled oats today in Tavelt. And picked up some quinoa, too. It makes a nice meal like rice, very delicate. And in Nishiki market, chanced on the best kombu I've had yet-- it was fresh, with vinegar and hot spice, long strips rolled in fine sugar I think, really tasty. peko on "Finding Cornmeal in Kyoto..." http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/finding-cornmeal-in-kyoto#post-216 Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:07:25 +0000 peko 216@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello drdave, Today I stopped in at Meidi-ya today and checked in the flour section on the second floor. They had corn flour and corn grits. I am afraid that I don't know the difference between those varieties and cornmeal. The grits looked similar in appearance and texture to my recollection of cornmeal but I haven't laid eyes on any in quite a long time. Will corn grits or flour make muffins the way you want them? carol on "Jack O' Lanterns" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/jack-o-lanterns#post-215 Sun, 25 Oct 2009 11:59:33 +0000 carol 215@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Where around Kyoto to find orange pumpkins for carving Jack O' Lanterns? We are willing to go out of town on train or bus. For a little Halloween tea party Saturday afternoon. peko on "(Casual) Breakfast in Kyoto" http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/topic/casual-breakfast-in-kyoto#post-214 Sat, 24 Oct 2009 07:29:17 +0000 peko 214@http://openkyoto.com/kyoto-support/ Hello incognito, Sorry for the delayed reply. Japanese breakfast is also great, the best place to enjoy that is at a ryokan (inn) or at home. There aren't really restaurants that serve Japanese style breakfast -- as Japanese aren't really big one eating out for breakfast.