Hokusai in Museum of Kyoto

Hokusai (1769~1849) is a very famous Japanese painter and printmaker, and is considered one of the most outstanding figures of the Ukiyo-e painting.

To commemorate the 250th anniversary of Hokusai's birth, Museum of Kyoto is currently holding an exhibition of his masterpieces from the Honolulu Academy of Arts.

The exhibition period is from February 1st to March 25th (10AM to 8PM, closed on Monday). After Kyoto, they will be exhibited in Tokyo in April and May.

This is my collection of Hokusai --- "The Great Wave" pin badge (^^)

Fumon-An of Kiyomizu

Fumon-An is a souvenir shop/cafe in Monzen-cho (the town outside of Kiyomizu Temple). After you walk through the passage with torii-like gates...

You get to the spacious, pretty shop.



The shop's mascot is "Ofuku-san" (ideal model of women and/or a happy and lucky woman).

They have a large selection of rice crackers.

These are cream-coated rice crackers, and there are many flavors like chocolate, blueberry, orange, earl grey, etc. etc...

I quite liked the illustration of Ofuku-san and Hichifuku-jin (Seven Gods of happiness and prosperity) and bought this gift set of a cup and strawberry and chocolate cream coated rice crackers.

Kiyomizu Temple in Snow

Very cold morning in Kiyomizu Temple, under the very beautiful winter blue sky. I woke up early to take these precious photos of Kiyomizu in snow as we can see this scenery only one or two days of the year if we are lucky. (Snow melted in the afternoon.)

It's 9AM and there are not many tourists yet. Just a few people taking photos like myself.

View from the 12 meter high Kiyomizu Stage.






Bottom of the Stage, supported by 12 meter long pillars which not even one nail was used.

Snowman is like a 5-story pagoda (^=^)

Snow in Kyoto

It began to snow in Kyoto from last night. And there is 10 cm snow on the ground this morning! Here are some photos of snow-covered landscapes in Higashiyama.

This is Yasaka Pagoda.


This is Seiryu-En's garden near Sannen-zaka.




An approach to Koseiji Temple.

View from Sannen-zaka, which is an approach to Kiyomizu Temple.

Lunch of "Kosendo"

Kosendo is a small restaurant that serves only lunch. Owners speak English and many overseas tourists visit the restaurant for a taste of Kyoto.

They also offer a cooking lesson of Japanese traditional food @ 4,000 yen/person.

Their lunch menu changes daily.
Open 11:30~15:30/Monday~Saturday

Japanese Version "Dollar Store"

One of many questions I'm asked by the guests of Maeniiya Guesthouse is about "100 yen" shops. There are many 100 yen shops in Kyoto, but the one I like is Seria.

The shop is in Shin-Kyogoku Shopping district near Shijo, and they have a wide range, good quality products.

They have lots of Valentine related products at this time.