Designed by Apollo Architects & Associates a Kyoto house in Uji City is split into a series of courtyards adding a sense of wellbeing to its residential environment is a recent addition to the suburban streets of Uji City bringing together traditional interior touches wrapped up in a contemporary façade The residence was designed by Apollo Architects & Associates who considered the surrounding environment as they developed their plan Principal architect Satoshi Kurosaki says: ‘The ground floor is enclosed by reinforced concrete walls for security and privacy while the second floor is designed to be open with glass openings The interior is a courtyard-style building with a mix of large and small courtyards while at the same time aiming to create a continuity between the first and second floor spaces through the use of a large atrium.’ The L-shaped plot faces two roads along with an elevation change The architects tackled that by designing the residence like two cubic volumes that seemingly intersect each other concrete façade is broken up by a large south-facing window Soft cedar board lines the underside of a large overhang This modern interpretation did prove to be a challenge for the architecture studio as Kurosaki explains: ‘In order to resolve the contrast created by the insertion of modern architecture into the extremely classic cityscape of Kyoto we made positive adjustments to this project by incorporating classic design elements such as the cedar plank pattern on the exterior walls guests are welcomed into a bright two-storey atrium space a key element in traditional Japanese architecture adding an essence of calm while also connecting the residents to the outdoors The courtyards are dotted across the floor plan; for instance where a central courtyard area is equipped with a bench and fully opening sliding doors Each distinct courtyard makes a unique contribution to the spatial experience within the home guests will find a dedicated office space and fitness facilities this part of the house can be viewed from the ground floor which underlines a sense of wellbeing and productivity in the composition escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox ‘I want visitors to feel its dynamism and rich continuity within the space,’ says Kurosaki creating a multi-layered depth to the interior and exterior spaces and a variety of variations in light and shadow.’ Intricate detailing abounds in Element House a standout moment is the visually striking ceiling: ‘The ceiling scene which is lightly illuminated by indirect lighting is fantastic from both the inside and outside and is in keeping with the Kyoto cityscape.’ The series of concrete ribs and recessed solid walnut panels creates a moment of effortless harmony between traditional and contemporary materiality – important in striking a balance between the 21st-century residence and its historically rich context apollo-aa.jp Staff WriterTianna Williams is Wallpaper*s staff writer with work spanning from social media content creation to editorial When she isn’t writing extensively across varying content pillars ranging from design she also helps put together the daily newsletter writing about gorgeously designed houses and restaurants and day-dreaming about her next travel destination Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. The page may not be displayed properly if the JavaScript is deactivated on your browser Japanese version Please enable JS and disable any ad blocker Japanese version Leaf KYOTO Store Locations An authentic panini shop [GOICHI PANINO] was born in front of Kyoto City Hall An Italian regular's request for an authentic panini led to the opening of a sister store of the popular Shijo pizza shop [GOICHI PIZZA] in front of Kyoto City Hall as an authentic panini restaurant who studied bread making in Matera in southern Italy and learned panini techniques in Catania in eastern Sicily Polpettini (meatballs) stewed in tomato sauce granapadano cheese + luccola topping ¥2,000 is a perfect combination of meatballs New menu item sandwiched with chapata bread The cheeses used are contracted directly with a manufacturer in Naples and flown in and other ingredients are carefully selected to faithfully reproduce the authentic taste of Italy The restaurant picks up the ingredients from the showcase upon receiving an order and serves the panini on the spot creating an atmosphere as if you were at a local street corner panini shop Get the best experience and stay connected to your community with our Spectrum News app. Learn More BOWLING GREEN, Ky. — Nhon Nguyen, who owns Bowling Green favorite Kyoto Gardens Nguyen moved from North Carolina nearly 30 years ago to get married  “My wife is from Bowling Green,” Nguyen said Since then, the family has been created a name for themselves. The Bowling Green Daily News named Kyoto Gardens the city’s best Asian restaurant in 2024 “It’s an indescribable feeling knowing that the community is giving back to us,” said Nina Nguyen “It’s been an honor to serve Bowling Green.” Nhon said it’s comforting knowing his community loves him as much as he loves them.  Correction: A previous version of this story misseplled Nina Nguyen's name Your browser does not support JavaScript, or it is disabled．Please check the site policy for more information National Report KYOTO—A decades-old underground water pipe ruptured in a central part of Kyoto causing flooding and traffic congestion in the middle of the Golden Week holiday season Traffic controls enforced on a national road about 1 kilometer north of JR Kyoto Station were lifted at 11:50 p.m but city authorities dispatched six water trucks because water to about 6,500 households might become muddied A pedestrian reported that water was flowing out from Route 1 in the city’s Shimogyo Ward around 3:30 a.m The city checked a cast-iron water pipe about 1.5 meters below ground and found a hole around 900 square centimeters on the upper part Officials believe water pressure applied to rusted and corroded parts caused the pipe No problems were found during a regular inspection in January The pipe was scheduled to be replaced by November Traffic restrictions were imposed between two intersections around 4:30 a.m a 1.4-km backup of vehicles extended eastward on the national road while an 800-meter traffic jam had formed westward said buses were delayed for up to about 30 minutes on several routes said it instructed all drivers to avoid the accident site Water flowed into nearby residential areas A woman in her 50s said the water was running “fast and furious like a river” and reached the entrance of her home The city repaired the broken part around 3:30 p.m Officials lifted traffic controls after finding no underground cavities below the road Aging water pipes have caused problems around the country Of about 740,000 km of water pipes managed by local governments and other suppliers nationwide were past the statutory service life of 40 years as of fiscal 2022 renewal has been slow because many local governments have limited resources One estimate shows that about 8,800 km must be replaced every year if all water pipes that have been in use for more than 40 years are to be renewed over the coming 20 years a truck driver was trapped in an underground sewage pipe in Yashio when a road caved in and a sinkhole developed About 20 firefighters and police officers entered the pipe on May 1 for the first time since the accident and conducted a visual inspection for about two hours in the early morning The prefectural government plans to soon start work to find the missing driver based on the results of the investigation The accident occurred at a prefectural road intersection on Jan Rescue activities stalled as more underground earth collapsed in surrounding areas and water accumulated in and around the sinkhole a drone survey found the truck cabin within the pipe and experts confirmed an object inside the cabin that appeared to be the driver The prefectural government completed construction work in April to prepare for a resumption of operations to reach the trucker A bypass was installed to divert sewage water away from the truck cabin and holes were created from the ground level to the pipe Trucker trapped in 10-meter-deep sinkhole in eastern Saitama Saitama budgets 4 billion yen for repair work at Yashio sinkhole Likely truck cabin found in sewage pipe at Saitama sinkhole Governor: Three months needed to rescue trucker from sinkhole Residents asked to sacrifice again as rescue work at sinkhole stalls Information on the latest cherry blossom conditions Please right click to use your browser’s translation function.) A series based on diplomatic documents declassified by Japan’s Foreign Ministry Here is a collection of first-hand accounts by “hibakusha” atomic bomb survivors chefs and others involved in the field of food introduce their special recipes intertwined with their paths in life A series about Japanese-Americans and their memories of World War II In-house News and Messages No reproduction or republication without written permission image: By controlling the distance between the bubbles the researchers successfully changed the synchronization state and frequency of the vibrations of the two bubbles but many of us have at least kept an eye on the pot It's satisfying to finally see the rolling boil behind which complex physical mechanisms are at play the bubbles that form continuously change in shape and size These dynamic movements influence the surrounding fluid flow thereby affecting the efficiency of heat transfer from the heat source to the water Manipulating small amounts of liquid at high speeds and frequencies is essential for processing large numbers of samples in medical and chemical fields Microbubble vibrations can create flows and sound waves the collective behavior and interactions of multiple bubbles is poorly understood Motivated to better understand bubble behavior a team of researchers at Kyoto University has developed an experimental setup to precisely adjust the distance between microbubbles employing laser light to photothermally heat degassed water "We were able to establish a new method to fundamentally alter the liquid flow by simply adjusting the arrangement of bubbles," says first author Xuanwei Zhang The team successfully generated two bubbles measuring about 10 micrometers in diameter that spontaneously vibrate at sub-megahertz frequencies investigating how their vibrations affect each other the researchers were able to precisely control the fast movements of bubbles at sub-megahertz frequencies as well as the surrounding flow After comparing the results with theoretical equations the team found that the pressure generated by each bubble's vibration accounts for the interactions between bubbles They discovered that neighboring bubbles synchronize their vibrations and that changing the distance between bubbles by just 10 micrometers altered their vibration frequency by more than 50% "We did not expect to observe such clear vibrational coupling between two oscillating bubbles but the vibrations of the bubbles we generated were very stable over time and highly reproducible," says corresponding author Kyoko Namura These characteristics enabled the team to capture changes in the vibrations of the two bubbles when their relative positions were even slightly adjusted The results of this study provide a new fluid control tool for the medical and chemical fields where faster analysis and data collection are indispensable Though the research team used degassed water similar effects can be achieved with water-alcohol mixtures rendering this method applicable to a wide range of applications the team plans to explore ways to actively select bubble vibration frequencies and modes and analyze the sound waves and flows generated around them The paper "Configurable Vibrational Coupling in Laser-Induced Microsecond Oscillations of Multi-Microbubble System" appeared on 15 April 2025 in Small Kyoto University is one of Japan and Asia's premier research institutions founded in 1897 and responsible for producing numerous Nobel laureates and winners of other prestigious international prizes A broad curriculum across the arts and sciences at undergraduate and graduate levels complements several research centers please see: http://www.kyoto-u.ac.jp/en 10.1002/smll.202408979 Configurable Vibrational Coupling in Laser-Induced Microsecond Oscillations of Multi-Microbubble System The authors declare no conflict of interest are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system Copyright © 2025 by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) By subscribing, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Japanese label Nanamica has opened the doors to its latest flagship store in the heart of Kyoto The angelic venue is at one with the great outdoors merging with alfresco elements for a relaxing shopping experience The gated doorway allows natural light to peek through at different points of the day and is built with black framing for a robust feel The inside is dusted with beige flooring and triangular wooden accents drawing inspiration from Kyoto’s architectural landscapes The structure mimics the shape of traditional Japanese beach houses and promotes a relaxing aura Esteemed 2024 Kyoto Prize laureates John Pendry Hoffman and William Forsythe to speak at free lectures that are open to the public together with Point Loma Nazarene University will co-host the 24th annual Kyoto Prize Symposium on March 12-13 The Kyoto Prize is Japan’s highest private award for global visionaries who have made scientific and cultural advancements that benefit humankind The esteemed 2024 Kyoto Prize laureates are John Pendry for Advanced Technology and William Forsythe for Arts and Philosophy The Kyoto Prize Symposium will feature talks by each of the laureates as part of public presentations at UC San Diego. Online registration is now open for the Kyoto Prize Symposium Additionally, a fundraising gala to support the Kyoto Prize Symposium scholarships and youth outreach program will be held on March 12 at the Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center. Please visit this website to purchase tickets for the black-tie optional event established San Diego-based Kyocera International just 10 years later as his first subsidiary company outside of Japan the Kyocera Group includes nearly 300 companies and more than 79,000 employees worldwide UC San Diego and PLNU are proud to co-host the Kyoto Prize Symposium with the following presentations featuring the influential contributions by the Kyoto Prize laureates in their respective fields All presentations will be held in UC San Diego’s Price Center Ballroom - East Kyoto Prize Laureate in Advanced Technology John Pendry serves as a professor of Theoretical Solid State Physics at Imperial College London Pendry’s initial research concerned a low-energy electron diffraction theory for examining and measuring the surface of materials for practical purposes He theoretically demonstrated that materials with electromagnetic properties not found in nature such as negative-refractive-index materials (metamaterials) can be created by designing microstructures smaller than the wavelength of the target electromagnetic waves This groundwork helped create innovative materials such as “superlenses” with subwavelength resolution and “invisibility cloaks.” “It is remarkable the impact that Sir John Pendry’s insight and ideas have had on the scientific and engineering fields,” said Michael Frazier associate professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the UC San Diego Jacobs School of Engineering the metamaterial concept has expanded beyond electromagnetics to acoustics His perfect lens and invisibility cloak are excellent examples of devices once thought fantastical but made realizable through metamaterials and their extreme I excite them with the notion that we may be on the brink of a ‘Metamaterial Age’ akin to the Stone Sir Pendry has opened the door to a new frontier and students at UC San Diego and around the world will be its most intrepid explorers Sir Pendry has secured a legacy desirable by any scientist.” an adjunct professor at the University of Victoria has conducted groundbreaking research in the “Snowball Earth” (global freezing) hypothesis and plate tectonics occurring in the first half of the Earth’s 4.6-billion-year history After earning his doctorate from Johns Hopkins University Hoffman served the Geological Survey of his native Canada for 24 years followed by teaching at Harvard University and conducting related research in Sub-Saharan Africa He has geologically demonstrated the occurrence of the postulated global freeze which drove the rapid diversification of animals in the Cambrian period approximately 520 million years ago “Paul Hoffman has carried out decades of extensive and thorough geological fieldwork to create a clear and convincing case that there were 'Snowball Earth' episodes hundreds of millions of years ago,” said Ian Eisenman Atmospheric Sciences and Physical Oceanography at Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego “During these episodes the climate was almost unimaginably colder than today The recognition that these episodes occurred in the distant past has broadened our understanding of what is possible for the Earth’s climate system with a wide array of implications for many fields of research Paul has boldly transcended traditional disciplinary barriers investigating the causes and consequences of Snowball Earth events in contexts that traditionally fall in many different university departments Kyoto Prize Laureate in Arts and Philosophy William Forsythe is a choreographer whose work has extended ballet to a dynamic contemporary art form Forsythe danced with New York’s Joffrey Ballet and later with the Stuttgart Ballet in Germany where he was appointed resident choreographer in 1976 he created new works for the Stuttgart ensemble and other ballet companies worldwide he began a 20-year tenure as director of Ballet Frankfurt After the closure of the Ballet Frankfurt in 2004 Between 2015 and 2021 he served on the University of Southern California’s faculty where he helped establish the Glorya Kaufman School of Dance Forsythe has broken the boundaries of conventional ballet style challenging traditional artistic frameworks and developing improvisation techniques His projects include installations and films presented in numerous museums as well as dance documentation and education William Forsythe burst onto the dance scene in the early 1980s disrupting all that had come before him Building upon the shoulders of George Balanchine who changed the genre in the early 20th century from a story/spectacle-focused art form to a celebration of pure chance and an iconoclastic wit to ballet,” said Lisa Portes chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance at UC San Diego “His deep curiosity about the possibilities of the form has resulted not only in dozens of choreographed pieces featured in New York but in numerous experimental installations both in actual space and online breaking boundaries and the athleticism of the human body chart a new way of collaborating with dancers and of thinking about dance writ large.” ABOUT THE KYOTO PRIZE: The Kyoto Prize is presented each year by Japan’s nonprofit Inamori Foundation to individuals and groups worldwide who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to the betterment of society in “Advanced Technology,” “Basic Sciences,” and “Arts and Philosophy.” The prize consists of a diploma a Kyoto Prize medal and prize money of 100 million yen (approximately $650,000) per category making it Japan’s highest private award for global achievement ABOUT THE INAMORI FOUNDATION: The Inamori Foundation is a nonprofit established in Kyoto whose career included founding Kyocera Corp and serving as honorary advisor to both KDDI Corp Inamori created the Kyoto Prize in reflection of his belief that people have no higher calling than to strive for the greater good of humankind and society and that the future of humanity can be assured only when there is a balance between scientific development and the enrichment of the human spirit ABOUT THE KYOTO SYMPOSIUM ORGANIZATION: The Kyoto Symposium Organization is a San Diego-based 501(c)3 nonprofit established to support the Kyoto Prize Symposium and Kyoto Prize Scholarship programs with the Inamori Foundation and co-hosts University of California San Diego and Point Loma Nazarene University the symposium has generated more than $5 million for scholarships fellowships and other educational opportunities in the San Diego-Baja region Please upgrade your browser to improve your experience The MICHELIN Guide presents its 16th restaurant selection for Kyoto and Osaka recommending an unprecedented number of 469 restaurants Michelin is pleased to unveil the 16th restaurant selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka Unveiled during a Ceremony held at Hotel Okura Kyoto this year’s selection recommends a unprecedented total of 469 restaurants including 172 Starred ones and 108 Bib Gourmand International Director of the MICHELIN Guide commented: “We are absolutely thrilled to unveil our latest restaurant selection for Kyoto and Osaka which features a record number of establishments these restaurants highlight how both cities not only cultivate a deep appreciation for excellence but also continue to push the boundaries of fine dining Whether it’s elevating gastronomic standards—reflected in the promotion of three restaurants to Two MICHELIN Stars—preserving timeless hospitality traditions such as restaurant milpa earning Japan’s first MICHELIN Star for Mexican cuisine Kyoto and Osaka remain unmissable culinary destinations for anyone traveling to Japan” Nestled in a century-old Sukiya-style house in Kyoto and named after the famous Zen painting series Jugyuzu (’Pictures of Ten Oxen’), Kodaiji Jugyuan pays homage to the traditions of the past and the customs of the ancient capital The menus also feature exceptional meat-based preparations where the chef skillfully incorporates Western cooking techniques staying true to his motto: exploring new directions while safeguarding the traditions of Kyoto gastronomy Illustrating the progressive and consistent gastronomic evolution of Kyoto and Osaka’s food scene the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have promoted three restaurants from One MICHELIN Star to Two MICHELIN Stars Still in Kyoto, Sanso Kyoyamato is located in a historic building surrounded by gardens with decor changing to reflect the seasons the restaurant has preserved the finest flavors and techniques offering an exquisite Kyo-kaiseki dining experience showcasing the freshest seasonal ingredients and the artistry of Chef Mitsuo Nakajima offer guests a comprehensive understanding of Japanese culture In Osaka, Oimatsu Hisano serves as an ambassador for the finest seasonal produce which Chef-owner Masamitsu Hisano sources from across Japan alongside the restaurants that have retained their distinction in 2025 there are a total of 27 establishments recommended with Two MICHELIN Stars in this year’s selection—16 in Kyoto and 11 in Osaka six in Kyoto and four in Osaka are joining the selection with One MICHELIN Star Chef Willy Monroy creates innovative dishes that pay homage to indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking methods 75 restaurants in Kyoto and 65 in Osaka are listed with One MICHELIN Star within the 2025 selection of the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka The MICHELIN Green Star recognizes restaurants within the MICHELIN Guide selection that lead the industry when it comes to redefining gastronomy by rethinking their establishment’s impact and implementing eco-friendly-driven initiatives growing vegetables and picking wild ingredients nearby the restaurant Together with these new restaurants and those which maintain their distinction 13 restaurants – 10 in Kyoto and 3 in Osaka – proudly showcase a MICHELN Green Star Contributing to the expansion of the culinary landscape in the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka selection 59 restaurants have been added to the main selection this past year under the 'Selected' category offering a wide range of cuisines such as Chinese provide diverse options for enjoying nice culinary experiences across the two cities In its continued dedication to celebrating the diverse talents and expertise within the restaurant industry the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka congratulates the recipients of the Service Award and Mentor Chef Award recognising their significant contributions to delivering outstanding gastronomic experiences and to developing the local industry The MICHELIN Service Award in the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 goes to Junko Sakaguchi, proprietress of Kyoto’s newly awarded Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, Sanso Kyoyamato Raised in a family deeply rooted in Japanese culinary traditions she honed her expertise through studies abroad and mentorship under her mother she seamlessly blends tradition and hospitality welcoming guests in kimono and engaging them with warmth and grace and ability to convey the restaurant’s elegance—both in Japanese and English—make her a truly deserving recipient of this award The 2025 MICHELIN Mentor Award is presented to Yoshichika Masuda, chef-owner of Masuda in Osaka guiding them toward independence while preserving the traditions of Japanese cuisine demonstrating techniques and the art of hospitality firsthand His dedication to passing on knowledge and promoting Japanese culinary culture makes him a truly deserving recipient of this award to discover every restaurant in the selection and book an unforgettable hotel based on what's freshest at his local farm Her fully Italian wine list is farmer first and blends perfectly with rustic Italian cooking The general manager of the nearly 20-course tasting menu can make time stand still A host of new wallet-friendly spots join the Florida selection From listening bars to neighbourhood restaurants explore all the top recommendations from Chishuru’s Adejoké Bakare One of the most prominent chefs serving Indian cuisine talks India and his New York What the MICHELIN Guide Inspectors Saw in 2025 The Mexican capital takes center stage alongside the culinary world's top talents From Texas Barbecue to Mexico City's cutting-edge dining these new MICHELIN Guide hot spots promise unforgettable vacations and world-class cuisine These are the best lake vacations for a summer break from Lake Tahoe in the US to Lake Como in Switzerland and the MICHELIN-recommended restaurants and bolt holes to bed down in when you visit where do fashion’s biggest names retreat for a bite and a bed We imagine the post-Gala sanctuaries of the chicest attendees these iconic chefs mentor professional chefs who have an ego Who knew brisket and biscuits could be so good From tartan fabrics and stag antler furnishings to rare Scotch whiskies and castle views you'll have no doubt which country you're in when staying at these Michelin-Key hotels she has championed America’s farm-to-table movement for 54 years The self-proclaimed “unofficial talent scout” shares his local favorites from the city he calls home Sustainability is more than a buzzword—it’s a core value embraced by some of North America’s most design-forward hotels Non-members can add the privileges at checkout through our 30 day free trial By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. I would like to receive Newsletter from MICHELIN Guide Save lists of your favorite restaurants & hotels this year\u2019s selection recommends a unprecedented total of 469 restaurants commented: \u201cWe are absolutely thrilled to unveil our latest restaurant selection for Kyoto and Osaka Whether it\u2019s elevating gastronomic standards\u2014reflected in the promotion of three restaurants to Two MICHELIN Stars\u2014preserving timeless hospitality traditions such as restaurant milpa earning Japan\u2019s first MICHELIN Star for Mexican cuisine Kyoto and Osaka remain unmissable culinary destinations for anyone traveling to Japan\u201d Nestled in a century-old Sukiya-style house in Kyoto and named after the famous Zen painting series Jugyuzu (\u2019Pictures of Ten Oxen\u2019), Kodaiji Jugyuan pays homage to the traditions of the past and the customs of the ancient capital Illustrating the progressive and consistent gastronomic evolution of Kyoto and Osaka\u2019s food scene Still in Kyoto, Sanso Kyoyamato is located in a historic building surrounded by gardens In Osaka, Oimatsu Hisano serves as an ambassador for the finest seasonal produce there are a total of 27 establishments recommended with Two MICHELIN Stars in this year\u2019s selection\u201416 in Kyoto and 11 in Osaka The MICHELIN Green Star recognizes restaurants within the MICHELIN Guide selection that lead the industry when it comes to redefining gastronomy by rethinking their establishment\u2019s impact and implementing eco-friendly-driven initiatives 13 restaurants \u2013 10 in Kyoto and 3 in Osaka \u2013 proudly showcase a MICHELN Green Star The MICHELIN Service Award in the MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 goes to Junko Sakaguchi, proprietress of Kyoto\u2019s newly awarded Two MICHELIN Star restaurant, Sanso Kyoyamato and ability to convey the restaurant\u2019s elegance\u2014both in Japanese and English\u2014make her a truly deserving recipient of this award The 2025 MICHELIN Mentor Award is presented to Yoshichika Masuda, chef-owner of Masuda in Osaka A few months ago, I wrote about how authorities in Kyoto were considering greatly increasing taxes on the most expensive hotels in the city, in order to discourage overtourism. There’s now an update and now it just needs to be approved by the internal affairs minister While Kyoto has long been popular with international tourists and at this point we’re seeing just about every major luxury hotel group open a property there hotel rates in Kyoto have a nightly consumption tax of 10% a variable occupancy tax based on the cost of a stay and then a lot of hotels also have a 10% service charge added on to the rate and currently uses the following three tiered system: This will go from a three tier system to a five tier system with a significant increase in the occupancy tax for the most expensive hotels: a hotel costing at least $664 per night would have a $66 occupancy tax per person per night just for the occupancy tax (and that doesn’t include the 10% consumption tax or the 10% service charge at many properties) Note that this occupancy tax even applies to bookings with points unlike the consumption tax and service charge Kyoto’s current hotel occupancy tax scheme reportedly generates around $34.5 million per year while the city estimates that the new scheme will raise around $84 million per year so that’s quite a substantial increase What’s my take on this tourist tax increasing substantially I think the first major question is how the extra money will be spent There’s no denying that day-to-day life in Kyoto has been changed for locals as a result of the amount of tourism I don’t think it’s unreasonable to tax tourists in a way that makes the lives of locals better Hopefully the money is actually spent in a good way here are a few thoughts that come to mind: Kyoto authorities have approved a plan to greatly increase the occupancy tax for hotels and will see the daily per person occupancy tax increase from 1,000 JPY to 10,000 JPY This means that a luxury hotel room with double occupancy will have a $132 daily tax in addition to the standard 10% tax plus the 10% service charge What do you make of Kyoto’s plans to greatly increase occupancy taxes for hotels Δdocument.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value" Kyoto was once my favourite city in Japan to visit one of my very favourite in the whole world in fact it's absolutely heaving with people - the temples shrines and religious sites have lost their peace and tranquility Everything that was so special about Kyoto has been heavily diluted in the past 5-10 years (sans COVID) If this helps reduce overcrowding even slightly,.. If this helps reduce overcrowding even slightly then it's very worth it to help the city rediscover some of its charm please note that since recently several smaller side streets around Gion are banned and tourists walking in them incur into a hefty fine school trippers visiting Kyoto and stay in Kyoto will be exempted from this tax university-level schools and foreign-based schools are not eligible Honestly I don't think this would really help reduce over-tourism by much Shin-Osaka is 15minutes away on Shinkansen so just get a RailPass and you're covered for the trip back to your Osaka hotel It’s been the only place (even during Sakura season) where Japan has felt overrun with tourists It reminds me of the worst excesses of Venice in some parts perhaps limits on numbers at particular locations (Fushimi Inari for example) need consideration The first time we visited fushima inari in 1999 I think there were about 20 other visitors on the grounds The easiest way to eliminate crowd is upping prices What they should do just charge people $200 “entrance fee” per person per day except for students This will quickly thin out the crowd and problem solved By adding tax onto local hotels isn’t going to help because people will just take train from.. What they should do just charge people $200 “entrance fee” per person per day except for students This will quickly thin out the crowd and problem solved By adding tax onto local hotels isn’t going to help because people will just take train from Osaka I was there at end of January and crowd was insane I would gladly pay $ for a less crowded experience "This will ultimately penalize not just foreigners but also Japanese tourists coming from other parts of the country" Why do you think the lower two tiers have such a low tax in proportional and absolute terms Another commenter was concerned for all the students visiting they're not staying at the Park Hyatt Kyoto But need to make sure the communists running Hawaii are flying the American flag at all public buildings They need to be reminded that Hawaii is of American identity not Japanese or British like the weird flag they fly Yes there is lots of money being spent there but outside of peak times the luxury hotels are not _that_ expensive and they're also fairly empty I think it'd make more sense to do this during certain times of year Venice has started charging to enter the city on certain peak days A city pass to make sure people busing in for the day etc would.. A city pass to make sure people busing in for the day etc would also make a lot more sense I could imagine people just staying further out or in Osaka and getting a (v fast) train into the city Either way - not sure this will curb first time tourism And I'm not sure it makes all that much sense outside of a money grab Given I'm lucky enough to be heading to Kyoto for sakura shortly and I've been before I'd definitely think again before going back with these taxes in place As much as I hate this on some sort of fairness principal if they're genuinely concerned about mass tourism - tax the cheaper hotels and buses entering the city a few of you were determined that you would mock Ben and his crackdown on fake user names that mock other users Those that want to see less of some people might want to tap Ben on the shoulder and tell him to follow through on his policies on fake user names but many cities employ similar (if not as draconian) schemes the sneering derision directed at tourists as a collective often with little distinction between respectful and disrespectful visitors Tourists often arrive after a region actively promotes itself as a destination often with little distinction between travelers with good or poor behavior While I understand there is an impact on local infrastructure when loads of travelers turn.. While I understand there is an impact on local infrastructure when loads of travelers turn up well meaning visitors with the same brush as obnoxious ones did you notice the increase in tax for Paris and Amsterdam as well gets a hotel room in Kyoto the tax applies based on the room rate a 200 yen tax is 6.6% of a 6k yen room assuming double occupancy but not exorbitant either and I can definitely see hotels having very low negotiated rates to begin with for domestic schools or tour groups the highest rates hit the highest hotel room costs and therefore the highest income travelers who also happen to be the people most able to absorb the tax since that would be detrimental overall to the city's finances but it will be a helpful boost to the city's income Several commenters seem to paint all other tourists other than themselves as this big "other" group You clearly have a much more specific definition of "the horde" There's a lot of cringe behavior out there My question was also inspired by a moment of self reflection My MO is to be mindful of local customs whether at home or abroad comment sections have been a minefield of late Japan should just ban hop on hop off buses Instantly Dumb Americans will boycott the country as they will have no idea how to travel And much more pleasant for tourists visiting from elsewhere Do you ascribe certain moral and ethical associations with obesity By grouping 'obesity tourism' with overtourism you seem to be making a negative association Do you believe that obese people should not travel you want fewer budget travelers that don't spend money and act low class So if anything you should be charging a budget hotel traveler tax Just charge a hotel tax as a flat fee on a per person basis an air arrivals tax targeting LCCs would help too an air arrivals tax targeting LCCs would help too" Are you telling me that the unwashed masses from low-cost countries have the temerity to travel to the same destinations you and I enjoy "you should be charging a budget hotel traveler tax" I strongly agree that we need to make life more difficult for the poor who stay in budget hotels They've had it far too easy for far too long if you ask me Why do the OMAAT audience support Democrats I'm not rich and I'm a part of the OMaaT audience Data suggests that people with extensive international travel experience would likely be less aligned with "America First" policies The Pew data shows that 57% of "globe-trotters" (those who have visited 5+ countries) believe the U.S and they're particularly likely to support taking other countries' interests into account when making foreign.. and they're particularly likely to support taking other countries' interests into account when making foreign policy decisions combined with their stronger feelings of connection to people around the world suggests they would generally favor multilateral cooperation and global engagement over policies that prioritize American interests exclusively or minimize international commitments Mason's "LCCs and the Poors" is clearly using satire to make a point I have been twice and this might stop my going again Or else I might do the odd day trip from Osaka or some such 10% per person plus the other fees is just too much tourism does put a strain on infrastructure in some parts of the world - and this is a slap in the face to global tourism which most Japanese don't like but tolerate and yet people get completely overworked about tariffs on manufacturing between the US and Canada The fact you’re a MAGA apologist is surprising to me but explains soooooo much lol you slap labels on anyone that has an opinion that is different than yours I do try to get to the point of what entities are trying to do Trump wants more US manufacturing and Kyoto wants less people trooping around Will both undoubtedly create some damage in the process of achieving their goals which they will likely achieve at least part of People invariably are incapable of understanding the objectives of policies and the rational basis for it - and fly off the handle in response The same thing is happening w/ all of the changes w/ Southwest The US will get more manufacturing jobs - perhaps at the expense of some lower-value tourism visits and WN will survive and become more profitable in the process I am able think something far too few people in their participation in social media I wonder if your tolerance for MAGA come from the positive comments Delta CEO Ed Bastian made about Trump.. @Tim Dunn...told you earlier as well...you hardly make sense when defending Delta it is ok to be quite and be thought of as a stupid than to open your mouth and remove all doubts is a new low even from your own "high" standards Tariffs are an additional cost that must be passed citizen may be to select an alternative destination or simply make day trips from Osaka A much lighter burden that the effect of US tariffs throughout the US economy To state the obvious; it is correct to be concerned with US tariffs because they will have a pervasive effect throughout the US economy recipients of those tariffs may (as some have already done) retaliate resulting in U.S products becoming relatively more expensive compared to the products of other nations The can result in lower exports and higher domestic unemployment Meanwhile Nagoya (Aichi Prefecture) is desperate to increase tourism (off a low base).. they don't have that many tourist attractions even Japanese understands that However Nagoya is a good pitstop for the trips to Ise(Mie Prefecture) and Gifu Prefecture I was there two years ago and it was really unpleasant So much so that I don’t wish to ever return Kyoto Gyoen National Garden in the middle of the day Arashiyama Kameyama Park (south of the bamboo forest) in the middle of the day Near empty and beautiful views of the canyon the Katsura river flows through None of the public transit was bad either.. None of the public transit was bad either except for the trains on the Keihan and Nara lines to Fushimi Inari in the morning plus the actual fall colors Sagano tourist train Yeah the big sightseeing spots are big sightseeing spots for a reason but the second you go a block or two away 99% of the tourists disappear I hope Kyoto implements a tariff on American tourists They have destroyed Japan with their arrogance and third world fascism @BZ do you really just think Americans are arrogant your hope will never be realized because no government or business would ever levy a tax on a certain group of people as an American I’ll say my fellow countrymen aren’t terribly arrogant across the board… no the better term is Americans a full of HUBRIS Most of my good ole red white and blue brethren are the definition of acting with hubris which only pure hubris could have unleashed in such an unchecked fashion: “While arrogance is a general attitude of superiority We can all see a few cases in point going on around us right now I’m sure @UnitedEF the hotels would consider award stays as points stay regardless so I would believe that the upcoming tax scheme would apply to all stays front desk or customer service would refer to those as points stays I am sure the local government does not care how you would book it as long as you are staying for a night you need to pay the tax accordingly It would be awkward on their part if award stays were excluded from this new tax scheme It should be based of the internal comp rate which is usually 5-10% of the lowest cash rate I suspect loads of tourists will still visit the most popular sites each day they'll just get the train in from other areas to save on the tax but it will be the mid-range and budget properties that will be impacted This won't affect the top properties at all If it doesn’t reduce the tourist number then at least the citizen of Kyoto will benefit from the higher budget the city will have at its disposal Tourists should contribute to the places they visit and this seems like a pretty equitable way of ensuring that happens Kyoto's municipal budget has been on the brink of bankruptcy (Google it) and the only reason it is able to maintain services local residents have come to rely on is because of the significant economic contributions from tourism So glad I've planned my trip to Kyoto this year Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe The comments on this page have not been provided approved or otherwise endorsed by any advertiser and it is not an advertiser's responsibility to ensure posts and/or questions are answered You have successfully joined our subscriber list Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities. See more about our ethics policies here Today's print edition Home Delivery An Israeli tourist was asked to sign a document stating that he had not committed war crimes when he checked in at a Kyoto guesthouse in April prompting the Israeli ambassador to Japan to lodge a protest against the Kyoto governor for discrimination According to a letter sent by the ambassador and obtained by The Japan Times when the tourist checked in at the Wind Villa guesthouse in the city of Kyoto he was given the document to sign after presenting his passport to the manager.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); The letter stated that the tourist was told that only Israeli and Russian nationals are asked to sign the form In a time of both misinformation and too much information quality journalism is more crucial than ever.By subscribing Your subscription plan doesn't allow commenting. To learn more see our FAQ Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division A hotel establishment in the Japanese city of Kyoto recently insisted that an Israeli tourist sign an official declaration denying involvement in various war crimes "I have never been involved in any war crimes that violate international law and humanitarian law; I have never committed war crimes including but not limited to: attacks on civilians (children killing or mistreating those who have surrendered or been taken as prisoners of war; torture or inhumane treatment; sexual violence or looting; any other acts that fall under Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC).” I pledge to continue complying with international law and humanitarian law and never to engage in war crimes in any form," the document continued The Israeli tourist was surprised by the unusual request "It’s ridiculous and absurd," he told Israeli media "I told him we don't kill women and children the hotel made it clear that they would not allow him to check in without signing the form "The clerk handed me this form and told me that without signing it I wouldn't be allowed to check in," the Israeli tourist who serves as a combat medic in the Israeli Navy The hotel management defended the request as necessary due to Israel’s ongoing military operations against Hamas terrorists in Gaza It is mandatory to serve in the army in your country Since Israel launched a military operation in Gaza in October 2023 as young Israelis are required to serve in the army," the hotel manager said "We cannot distinguish between our guests we believe we have the right to ensure who we are hosting in our hotel This step was also intended to guarantee our safety." only Russian and Israeli tourists are required to sign the hotel document due to the wars in Ukraine and Gaza I decided to sign it because I have nothing to hide," the tourist said "The statement is true – I did not commit any war crimes and Israeli soldiers do not commit war crimes I signed because I didn’t want to create problems and because this form means nothing." "I don't think he's antisemitic just misinformed," the Israeli man concluded strongly condemned the hotel’s conduct in an official letter to Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki caused the guest significant emotional distress and discomfort," Cohen argued "We view this incident as extremely serious and unacceptable It constitutes a blatant violation of Japan’s Hotel Business Law and the values of equality and non-discrimination that we believe are shared by our two nations Particularly concerning is the fact that this does not appear to be an isolated case," the ambassador continued Cohen emphasized that discrimination against Israelis will not be tolerated in Japan "There is and will be no place for discrimination against Israelis Japanese authorities have zero tolerance for such cases and have previously taken firm action in a similar incident at another hotel in Kyoto We will continue to stay vigilant at the embassy and ensure that Israeli tourists can continue to enjoy the Land of the Rising Sun," Cohen told the Israeli news outlet Ynet news Japan and Israel are both democratic and advanced high-tech societies While diplomatic and commercial ties between Tokyo and Jerusalem are solid there have been cases of anti-Israel sentiments in Japan In July 2024, the Japanese city of Hiroshima rejected calls from anti-Israel activists to exclude the Jewish state from the official nuclear bomb commemoration ceremony due to the Gaza War The All Israel News Staff is a team of journalists in Israel Japan has always been at the top of my bucket list So, my boyfriend and I booked a last-minute trip for the end of March, hoping to catch the start of cherry blossom season as we explored Tokyo As a food writer, I love researching restaurants when planning a trip. I dive into reviews, food blogs, and the occasional TikTok It wasn't long before the algorithm caught on suddenly inundating my FYP with videos full of suggestions As I attempted to navigate all the different reservation systems — Tabelog — I found myself getting more and more stressed I only made a single reservation for an omakase experience — the very good Sushi Yuu Almost every meal we ate was still fantastic With so much great food around every corner of Tokyo and Kyoto my boyfriend and I would just pull up Google Maps and see what looked promising around us often finding spots beloved by locals rather than packed because of a popular TikTok This led to our favorite meals of the trip including a delicious lunch set at Isshin Daikanyama and an incredible shabu shabu experience at Wagyu Sukiyaki Kyoto Chikarayama Pontocho — the best dinner of our 10-day trip I flew to Tokyo after a weeklong trip in Sydney for one of my best friend's weddings so I had packed plenty of summer dresses for Australia's hot weather and daily beach visits I knew I wouldn't wear them often in Japan where winter was only just coming to an end But when a tour guide told me that locals tend to dress more conservatively and rarely opt for outfits that expose their shoulders or décolletage I felt even more out of place with my wardrobe I left my strapless tops in the luggage and covered up my spaghetti-strap dresses with a jacket throughout the trip I would've brought more options with sleeves to ensure I was considerate of the culture and its customs As we walked through Kyoto's Gion district at sunset I immediately knew I would fall in love with the city All my favorite meals from our Japan trip were in Kyoto I still dream about the perfectly crispy pork and shrimp tonkatsu I had at Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo and the tender wagyu cooked in sugar and soy sauce at our aforementioned shabu shabu dinner There were also so many gorgeous sights I'll never forget like walking under thousands of orange torii gates at Fushimi Inari (go at 7 a.m to beat the crowds) and relaxing in the gardens at Nijō Castle but I would've loved an extra day to appreciate Kyoto like a local The city seemed to hum with a laid-back vibe I wanted to walk around and check out some of the city's many listening bars We visited one where the owner was also the bartender and DJ swapping out vinyls as he set the mood and asked everyone about their lives while feeding us chips My boyfriend and I frequently rode on Tokyo and Kyoto's subway systems as we explored different neighborhoods during our trip so we used PASMO cards to pay for our fares While my boyfriend had added PASMO to his Apple Wallet before arriving in Tokyo I bought a physical card before our first subway trip Taking out the card to pay for each trip wasn't a big deal but I ran out of money en route to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto Instead of being able to add money to my PASMO via Apple Wallet I had to join a long line of people who were trying to top up their cards at the only machine in the station I knew I wanted to spend at least one night of our trip in a ryokan a traditional Japanese-style inn that typically features rooms with tatami floor mats We had a great experience at Kashiwaya Ryokan which I booked due to a friend's recommendation But in my excitement (and jet lag after flying to Australia) I didn't do enough research on how we'd get to Shima Onsen from Kyoto Since there were no direct trains between the two cities we had to take the two-hour bullet train back to Tokyo before getting on a four-hour bus I still loved experiencing such a beautiful ryokan and will cherish my memories of relaxing in the private outdoor onsens surrounded by mountains But if you plan to spend less than two weeks in Japan I'd recommend selecting a ryokan near or between the main cities you want to explore Japan Campus Kyoto celebrated its grand opening ceremony on Jan The new satellite location is further indication of the university’s growing commitment to fostering opportunities for global exchange and cross-cultural understanding Temple University Japan (TUJ) marks a new chapter with the grand opening of Temple University further cementing Temple University’s role as a leader in fostering global education across Japan this multibuilding facility celebrated its grand opening on Jan The new satellite location expands the university’s existing presence in Japan which had previously been based solely in Tokyo.“Congratulations to Temple University Japan on the opening of its new satellite location in Kyoto TUJ is the oldest and largest American university in Japan and its expansion to the historic city of Kyoto further extends Temple’s global reach,” said Temple University President John Fry Japan Campus Kyoto will serve new and current students alike it will allow us to expand study abroad opportunities for students at Main Campus in Philadelphia This is the latest example of how Temple offers a gateway to the world.”  TUJ Kyoto aims to create a multicultural learning environment in the world-class city of Kyoto renowned for its blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation “We are thrilled to celebrate the opening of Temple University Temple’s new location in the ancient capital and cultural mecca of Kyoto is deeply meaningful,” said Temple University Provost Gregory N “As we advance shared goals around education this new location provides exciting opportunities for both students and faculty Global engagement has historically been central to Temple’s priorities and this new location demonstrates this enduring commitment now and in the future.”  Aiming to foster international education and cross-cultural understanding in Kyoto TUJ has recently embarked on collaborative agreements with prefectures and municipal governments to enhance English teacher training and prepare young students for global studies and careers TUJ Kyoto will launch a master’s in communication management one-year degree program in September 2025 in collaboration with Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication   This development marks another significant step in expanding Temple University’s international presence which now includes its main campus in Philadelphia; campuses in Tokyo and Rome; this new location in Kyoto; and study abroad opportunities on nearly every continent  The grand opening ceremony was attended by more than 200 distinguished guests notable attendees included Kyoto Prefecture Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki Consul General of the Consulate at Osaka-Kobe Jason Cubas the ambassador of Ukraine and President Fry who led a delegation from Temple’s Main Campus in Philadelphia a panel discussion on global leadership and hospitality management live art by award-winning TUJ student Rin Sato TUJ is the largest and oldest foreign university campus in Japan The campus celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2022 and has continued to increase in enrollment ever since TUJ has seen its undergraduate enrollment more than double the campus enrolls nearly 2,700 undergraduate students and over 200 graduate students who come from 80 countries and its impact is sure to grow in the years to come given the expansion to Kyoto remarked that Temple University has always been a pioneer Temple built the first physical educational bridge between the United States and Japan by establishing an overseas campus in Tokyo Nearly 40 other universities attempted similar ventures in Japan but could not sustain their presence TUJ succeeded because of Temple’s belief in the power of education to transcend borders TUJ has partnered with Kyoto-based Seibo Jogakuin a private Catholic educational institution focused on global education which owns the buildings where TUJ Kyoto resides TUJ Kyoto will offer undergraduate and graduate programs in English with plans to expand its academic offerings further the forthcoming master’s in communication management program is designed to enhance skills in leadership public relations and crisis management for entry- and mid-level professionals TUJ has also been able to strengthen its collaborations with local institutions A recent agreement with the Osaka Board of Education aims to advance nondegree English language programs that support primary and secondary education across the region and a partnership with Ryukoku University will offer joint academic research opportunities and cultural exchange programs TUJ continues to transform the lives of students from 80 countries and the global community through the power of international education,” Wilson said “TUJ Kyoto will amplify our positive impact by offering students a gateway to explore global education innovative ideas and shared aspirations in one of the most culturally rich cities in the world.”   Temple Now: The official source for Temple news.Copyright 2015 A massive underground water leak early Wednesday flooded streets near a busy intersection on a national route in central Kyoto potentially disrupting water supplies for approximately 6,000 households in the area The incident occurred at an intersection on National Route 1 in the city's Shimogyo Ward.googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1499653692894-0'); }); City officials believe the aging water pipe The flooding was first reported early on Wednesday morning by a passerby who noticed the water overflowing at a crosswalk The city has been working to replace the broken pipes since the morning The rupture could result in muddy water mixing with the water supply for around 6,000 households in the affected area eight reports have been made regarding muddy water coming from taps inside homes the city has dispatched seven water tanks to ensure residents have access to clean water The city has successfully managed to remove the muddy water from the main pipes but officials say there may be some that has already made its way into houses meaning residents in the area should take precaution for the time being Authorities are also advising residents not to drink or use the possibly contaminated water for laundry there has been no water outage reported due to the rupture The city has also issued traffic regulations with roads within a 300-meter radius of the flood site closed off as the city works to clean up the area The incident follows the rupture of aging sewage pipes in Saitama Prefecture earlier this year, which left one person missing and severe damage in the region. Sponsored contents planned and edited by JT Media Enterprise Division. we may receive compensation from retailers and/or from purchases of products through these links be prepared to also spend a lot of time at an extraordinary property Because some of the best are so exceptional that you may just never want to leave Photo: Courtesy of the ShinmonzenA masterclass in boutique luxury the Shinmonzen checks off all the right boxes Set on one of Gion’s most underrated streets lined with unsuspecting galleries you’re just mere minutes away from all the action while still reaping the benefits of an “if you know design lovers will be wowed by the Tadao Ando building One of the acclaimed architect’s few works that’s not immediately distinguishable thanks to a dark timber façade that assimilates to its surroundings it doesn’t become apparent until you pass through the hotel’s black noren curtains and see Ando’s signature concrete wall contrasted by blonde wood And as the sister property to Villa La Coste in France the brand’s affinity for contemporary art is on full display in the guest-only lounge and the hotel’s nine individually designed suites The accommodations are some of the most spacious in the city and beautifully showcase traditional Japanese design through an updated lens with attentive staff who are earnestly dedicated to crafting a memorable experience Photo: Courtesy of SowakaAnother well-located boutique property discreetly tucked away behind noren curtains Sowaka is just steps from Yasaka Shrine and Ninenzaka a popular pedestrian-only road lined with shops The 23 accommodations are split between two buildings with Western-style rooms in the annex and individually designed Japanese-style rooms in the original space that once served as a high-end restaurant with traditional design elements like tokonoma alcoves Many of these rooms also offer a view of the property’s various interior gardens creating a calming and relaxing ambiance that serves as a pleasant reminder that you’re in Japan’s ancient capital pop into the lounge for sake hour between 5 and 6 p.m Photo: Courtesy of Shinsho-anNestled within Okazaki on a quiet residential road Shinsho-an feels more like a private home than a hotel This intimate and discreet property is an ode to sukiya-zukuri a residential style of architecture that’s based off traditional tea houses Wood was carefully sourced from solely natural forests within Japan and a selection of European furnishings brings modernity to the fore Each accommodation has its own look that illustrates the talented craftsmen brought in for the project from the woven red cedar ceiling in Sho to the unchamfered log pillars in Gyo Hotel guests have guaranteed reservations at the on-site a secondary branch of the namesake two-star restaurant on the opposite side of town otherwise enjoy a spectacular seasonal breakfast from the same team every morning in your room And make sure to carve out some time for Hanare the property’s prized lounge by Sotoji Nakamura and unwind with views of the beautiful garden Photo: Ben RichardsAs you near Maana Kiyomizu you’ll walk down a narrow alley that most taxis won’t even consider driving into questioning whether this is the right road as you stroll past nothing but private residences a collection of five properties spread across the city that have been masterminded by the company’s inimitable cofounder and creative director You might not get all the bells and whistles that come with a traditional hotel but what you will get are chic havens with individual stories thanks to the proprietress’ keen eye for design and penchant for antiques as seen in the Maana Kiyomizu “suites.” Neutral hues and natural materials are brought to life by interesting shapes and textures You’ll constantly find yourself taking photos of the beautiful spaces Beyond a stylish place to rest your head at night Maana also offers a variety of thoughtful experiences and multi-day retreats interested participants will head up to Maana Atelier at the northern end of the city this studio fittingly inherits the craftsmanship mentality and offers unique intentional workshops that spotlight ancient practices that can still be applied to current-day life and the beauty of earthen walls (tsuchikabe) you’ll have the opportunity to connect with locals through immersive excursions and hands-on activities that run the gamut from tea harvesting to pottery providing an intimate perspective on these valued traditions It’s an invaluable opportunity to connect with the community and a fantastic way to dive into Kyoto beyond the usual tourist attractions Photo: Courtesy of Four Seasons Hotel KyotoAfter a full day of exploring Kyoto and inevitably clocking 20,000 steps while doing it there’s nothing quite like returning to a tranquil hotel where you know you’ll be well taken care of and that’s exactly what Four Seasons delivers Despite being a widely recognized international chain there’s a sense of intimacy about the brand’s Kyoto property largely thanks to its offset position that’s pushed back from the main road You won’t have to worry about prying eyes or unintentional foot traffic and its 12th-century pond garden certainly helps the historic oasis is home to cherry blossom trees and even a Jizo statue that neighboring Myoho-in Temple says has been there since the Edo period Most of the hotel’s dining looks out to the water in Fuju’s case—where you can either partake in a traditional tea ceremony or sip on bubbly—is suspended right over it And even though it doesn’t afford the same view a reservation at Sushi Ginza Onodera is a must for fans of Edomae-style sushi When it comes to the accommodations, you can expect spacious digs with large windows and Japanese elements like washi lamps and urushi lacquerware. All rooms are furnished with a sofa bed, ideal if you’re traveling with a child, but there are also residential suite options that come with full kitchens. But while you’re here make sure to step down to the spa complete with ofuro (Japanese bath) facilities and a 65-foot lap pool a Luxury Collection Hotel & SpaOnsen are the pinnacle of Japanese wellness These mineral-rich hot springs relax the muscles And while tradition usually requires you to bare it all in these healing waters there have been an increasing number of hotels that offer private onsen options and some of the most sumptuous can be found at Hotel the Mitsui Kyoto we’re not just talking about the rooms equipped with their own alfresco hot spring–fed tub (although they have those the property fills theirs with natural thermal waters and because it’s co-ed If you want a little more privacy with your loved one or family the spa also has a pair of private onsen facilities that can only be reserved by hotel guests These spacious suites are some of the most extensive and luxurious of its kind Beyond the fantastic variety of onsen offerings the hotel’s manicured garden is another highlight elegant accommodations designed by André Fu complete with sumptuous marble bathrooms that are kitted out with deep soaking tubs Photo: Courtesy of NazunaOpen just last fall Nazuna Kyoto Higashi Honganji transformed a century-old machiya into a cozy It pays respects to its history and the skills of the Japanese craftsmen behind the traditional townhome by naming each suite after carpentry jargon All of the accommodations have unique layouts but the common thread is the incredible amount of woodwork it’s a beautiful blend of rustic history and modern design but if you want an open-air bathing experience Obiki and Tuska are both outfitted with an alfresco stone tub During your stay you’ll have access to a lounge stocked with complimentary beverages and snacks but make sure to not skip out on breakfast a unique affair that includes dishes cooked over a charcoal hearth And for those who are using Kyoto as a homebase for day trips to popular nearby attractions like Fushimi Inari or matcha capital Uji the property’s proximity to Kyoto Station makes this the ideal stay There’s perhaps no hotel that’s more front and center than Park Hyatt Kyoto the 70-room property is in the thick of one of Higashiyama’s most trekked streets But despite being at the doorstep of a popular tourist destination you’ll be whisked away to a peaceful escape once you step inside It goes without saying that the accommodations are incredibly plush (this writer believes it’s one of the brand’s best properties) many of the quarters afford views of Yasaka Pagoda and the surrounding neighborhood’s quintessential kawara-tiled roofs the hotel offers a laundry list of complimentary amenities Have a hankering for cup noodles in the middle of the night Left your lint roller or deodorant at home And while the property has several fantastic dining options you won’t want to miss the Japanese breakfast by Kyoyamato a prestigious kaiseki restaurant whose proprietors also happen to own the land that the hotel sits on A guest room at Hoshinoya Kyoto.Photo: Courtesy of Hoshino ResortsPerched along the banks of the tree-lined Oi River in Arashiyama guests arrive to Hoshinoya Kyoto by way of a scenic boat ride Once you arrive and wander up the meandering stone pathway a light flutter of chimes dance through the air played by an instrumentalist sitting at the base of a small waterfall It’s a magical moment that sets the tone for this serene sanctuary Because even though it’s not the most centrally located property in relation to the rest of Kyoto that all takes a back seat when you’re enveloped in so much natural beauty Interiors feature the suspected archetypes The large picture windows beautifully frame the lush landscape inviting you to slow down and soak it all in And while you’ll be tempted to stay in your quarters it’s worth leaving to participate in the property’s thoughtful activities that span from outdoor stretches in the Zen garden to learning about the art of a traditional incense ceremony Photo: Kudo Kenji / Courtesy of Higashiyama ShikikabokuA luxury hotel with a ryokan spirit the proprietress of this eight-room property also happens to be an interior designer and meticulously curated every aspect you’ll find a mix of carefully selected antiques that represent various eras materials and time-honored craftsmanship by skilled artisans The individually designed rooms are stocked full with thoughtful touches like Tsujiri green tea that’s served in an original tea set by Tetsuya Yamamoto and custom Sealy mattresses draped in high-quality linens But the best amenities are found on the top two floors where you’ll find private open-air baths and a spectacular rooftop terrace with panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and Heian Shrine’s lofty torii gate Photo: Courtesy of Dusit Thani KyotoOne might argue that choosing a historic city like Kyoto for Thai brand Dusit Thani’s first foray into Japan was a risky move but one must admit it’s a beautiful fusion of top-notch hospitality Marrying Japanese omotenashi with Thailand’s genuinely warm service References to both cultures can be found throughout the hotel from the sleek rooms to the spa’s wellness offerings The hotel’s exemplary dining also celebrates the two countries with modern Thai cuisine utilizing local ingredients as the star at Ayatana; refined teppanyaki that honors Kyoto’s 24 micro seasons at Kōyō; and creative cocktails influenced by both destinations at the sultry Den Kyoto Photo: Courtesy of Good Nature HotelA short jaunt from one of Kyoto’s busiest junctions Good Nature Hotel is positioned between Gion and Nishiki Market and a market that sells organic and healthful local goods And while one might assume that a business of this magnitude has a large carbon footprint they’re making efforts with sustainable practices as recognized by both WELL and LEED with gold and silver certifications from the natural raw materials in the lobby to the open-air atrium lined with an expansive green wall The ethos has also been applied to some of their in-room amenities like using fair-trade cacao for the provided chocolate bars and upcycling the husks into tea along with developing with their own line of plant-based Accommodations are sleek with whimsical accents of color and boast a proprietary lighting system that aids a restful sleep splurge on one of the digs that boasts a private meditation room or barrel sauna Photo: Courtesy of Hoshino ResortsIf you’re looking to be in the middle of all the hustle and bustle Set right on the thoroughfare that runs through its famed namesake area But it’s not just the location that’ll win you over budget-conscious hotel offers a variety of accommodations that can fit up to six guests—many of which have a kitchen—making it perfect for families and group travel And they do a fantastic job at making sure you get the most out of your trip with the curated neighborhood map in the lobby and handheld paper lanterns for photo 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Countries Antarctica Antarctica Close menu Regions Asia Asia Close menu Countries Australia & the Pacific Australia & the Pacific Close menu Countries The Caribbean The Caribbean Close menu Countries Central America Central America Close menu Countries Europe Europe Close menu Countries Middle East Middle East Close menu Countries North America North America Close menu Countries South America South America Close menu Countries Plan your trip to Kyoto with these tips on packing Kyoto is the embodiment of traditional Japanese culture It's a place where authentic crafts are kept alive and historic temples and teahouses line the narrow streets It’s also a destination where etiquette has a big part to play in how you experience the city Be ready for your visit to Kyoto with this rundown of some key things to know before you go We cover everything from what to pack for temple visits to how to stay safe and how much to tip.  Kyoto is a very seasonal destination The spring hanami (cherry-blossom) season (late March to early April) is when the city is at its most photogenic you’ll need to book accommodations a year or more in advance and expect to pay premium prices The same is true of the fall foliage season (late October to early December) Summer (June to August) sees the streets come to life with festivals while winter is the quietest time in Kyoto museums and other businesses closing between December 29 and January 3 Kyoto has plenty of great neighborhoods to choose from, but southern Higashiyama and downtown Kyoto are among the most convenient for sightseeing. In terms of accommodations, you can find everything from budget guesthouses to high-end international hotels where you’ll sleep on futons on tatami mat floors with traditional meals served in your room Not only is Kyoto a very walkable city, but navigating its streets on foot also enables you to discover lots of lesser-known but no less impressive spots. From tiny restaurants and bars with counter-seats-only to ancient shops specializing in wagashi sweets many of Kyoto’s most interesting locations aren’t in obvious places You might come across picturesque shrines down tiny alleyways find street stalls serving freshly baked mochi rice cakes or spot a kimono-clad maiko (apprentice geisha) head farther up the mountain to find room to breathe Politeness is hugely important in Japanese society. Although tourists will be forgiven the occasional etiquette breach, it’s always best to be courteous. That means not talking too loudly on public transport, avoiding eating on the sidewalk and allowing room for others to pass on the narrow streets. Littering and cutting in line are seen as particularly rude. Smokers should take care to use the designated smoking areas, and many parts of the city are now no-smoking zones. Lots of people hope to spot geisha – or geiko as they’re known in Kyoto – when visiting the historic Gion district. However, it’s important to be respectful when doing so. Any geiko you see will probably be on their way to an appointment and won’t appreciate being swarmed by strangers! Ask politely if it’s okay to take a photograph, rather than behaving like paparazzi. Crime rates in Kyoto are low, the tap water is clean, and if you lose something, it will almost certainly be returned to you. It’s safe to walk the streets at night, even as a solo traveler, and the city is welcoming to LGBTIQ+ visitors. Of course, you should still exercise common sense during your stay and take the normal precautions that you would at home. If you need help, you’ll find police boxes (known as kōban) on most intersections, although the police inside might not speak much English. Earthquakes are fairly frequent in Japan; however, most are low-intensity and cause little to no damage. You’ll find instructions in your accommodations about what to do in the unlikely event of a serious quake. Cycling is common in Kyoto, and it’s a convenient way to get around the city. Many people ride on the sidewalk, so keep an eye out when you’re walking or leaving shops and restaurants. If you hear a bell, someone behind you is probably trying to get past. In a medical emergency, dial 119 for the ambulance service (this is also the number for the fire department). Medical care in Kyoto is reasonably priced and of a high standard, although it is always advisable to take out travel insurance before your trip to ensure that you can receive treatment at a hospital or clinic should you need it. Police can be reached by dialing 110. Maria Grazia Chiuri chose the grounds of Kyoto’s serene Tō-ji Temple to present a Fall 2025 collection that celebrated Dior’s longstanding links with Japan In 1953, Christian Dior was the first Western couturier to show his collections in Japan the culmination of his lifelong fascination with the country He was particularly captivated by Japan’s traditional artworks and etchings: his home in Granville was adorned with Japonisme prints and textiles ‘These versions of Utamaro and Hokusai made up my Sistine Chapel,’ Dior wrote in his diary referring to a series of stairway panels in the home inspired by the artists ‘I still love those silks embroidered with flowers and fantastic birds and use them in my collections.’ Maria Grazia Chiuri – the current creative director of the house’s womenswear and couture lines – showed her Fall 2025 collection for the house a destination show that paid homage to Dior’s deep-rooted links with the country Choosing the grounds of the serene Tō-ji Temple as the show’s location – the site of Japan’s tallest wooden pagoda its gardens in full bloom in the midst of the fleeting cherry-blossom season – Chiuri presented a collection that in part began with a jacket that Christian Dior designed in 1957 to fit over the proportions of a kimono The kimono inspired the collection’s wrapped line which Chiuri said was inspired by the ‘relationship between body and garment’ – a reference to Japan’s traditional dressing rituals Looping jackets were cinched at the waist with belts (a contemporary riff on the obi belt) robe-like dresses recalled the traditional kimono in their proportions a style which dates back to the 16th century was also a nod to the country’s historic dress codes (the tabi is also associated with the art of geisha which remains centred in Kyoto’s Gion district) Chiuri’s research had begun at ‘Love Fashion: In Search of Myself’ an exhibition the Italian designer had visited in Kyoto’s National Museum of Modern Art in late 2024 which explored the idea of ‘love’ through garments that spanned the 18th century to present day and comprised both Western and Japanese designers ‘By confronting two distinct fashion cultures [it] conveyed the singular attitude of bodies and the complexity of the emotions that pervade them through the cut of garments: the body identity and desire,’ said Chiuri via the collection notes particularly in the collection’s closing looks: a series of diaphanous tulle gowns delicately adorned with botanical embroidery and the hand of the artisan and the imagination of the designer Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox. Fashion Features EditorJack Moss is the Fashion Features Editor at Wallpaper* Having previously been the digital features editor at AnOther and digital editor at 10 and 10 Men magazines he has also contributed to titles including i-D while also featuring in Dazed: 32 Years Confused: The Covers He is particularly interested in the moments when fashion intersects with other creative disciplines – notably art and design – as well as championing a new generation of international talent and reporting from international fashion weeks he has interviewed the fashion industry’s leading figures Japan -- There's a sensation that you experience -- near a plane taking off or a speaker bank at a concert -- from a sound so total that you feel it in your very being not only do your brain and ears perceive it consisting of compressional mechanical waves transmitted through substances which exists universally in the non-equilibrated material world Sound is also a vital source of environmental information for living beings while its capacity to induce physiological responses at the cell level is only just beginning to be understood a team of researchers at Kyoto University have been inspired by research in mechanobiology and body-conducted sound -- the sound environment in body tissues -- indicating that acoustic pressure transmitted by sound may be sufficient to induce cellular responses "To investigate the effect of sound on cellular activities we designed a system to bathe cultured cells in acoustic waves," says corresponding author Masahiro Kumeta The team first attached a vibration transducer upside-down on a shelf Then using a digital audio player connected to an amplifier they sent sound signals through the transducer to a diaphragm attached to a cell culture dish This allowed the researchers to emit acoustic pressure within the range of physiological sound to cultured cells the researchers analyzed the effect of sound on cells using RNA-sequencing Their results revealed cell-level responses to the audible range of acoustic stimulation the team noticed the significant effect of sound in suppressing adipocyte differentiation the process by which preadipocytes transform into fat cells unveiling the possibility of utilizing acoustics to control cell and tissue states acoustic stimulation is a tool that is non-invasive and will likely benefit medicine and healthcare," says Kumeta The research team also identified about 190 sound-sensitive genes noted the effect of sound in controlling cell adhesion activity and observed the subcellular mechanism through which sound signals are transmitted In addition to providing compelling evidence of the perception of sound at the cell level this study also challenges the traditional concept of sound perception by living beings which is that it is mediated by receptive organs like the brain It turns out that your cells respond to sounds Please view the main text area of the page by skipping the main menu. a different hotel in Kyoto refused accommodation to an Israeli tourist due to the Gaza war An Israeli tourist got a shock this week while checking in at a hotel in Kyoto A former combat medic in the Navy reserves he was asked to sign a declaration denying involvement in war crimes during his military service The incident occurred at Guesthouse Wind Villa in the city’s Higashiyama district on Saturday he was handed the form after presenting his passport at reception He was then told he wouldn’t be able to check in if he didn’t sign the declaration He initially refused but eventually relented when the hotel employee informed him that all guests from Israel and Russia were required to sign it. “It’s ridiculous and absurd,” he said “I told him we don’t kill women and children Why would we do that?” “In the end I decided to sign it because I have nothing to hide The statement is true — I did not commit any war crimes and because this form means nothing.”  In response, the hotel manager said as young Israelis are required to serve in the army This step was also intended to guarantee our safety.”  Unsurprisingly, Gilad Cohen, the Israeli ambassador to Japan, saw things differently. He penned a strongly worded letter to Kyoto Governor Takatoshi Nishiwaki caused the guest significant emotional distress and discomfort,” he wrote “We view this incident as extremely serious and unacceptable It constitutes a blatant violation of Japan’s Hotel Business Law and the values of equality and non-discrimination that we believe are shared by our two nations Particularly concerning is the fact that this does not appear to be an isolated case.”  “We hope all visitors to Japan will be able to engage in various activities in Japan feeling secure.” The employee involved was fired.  one of the world’s largest express transportation companies is enhancing its service to better serve customers who are importing to Kyoto covering the certain areas in Kyotanabe-shi Soraku-gun Seika-cho and Tsuzuki-gun Ide-cho Importers can now receive their deliveries one day earlier for inbound parcel and freight shipments arriving to Japan on a weekday we understand the critical role that speed and reliability play in the success of businesses,” said Kei Alan Kubota we are helping key industries including chemicals and heavy machinery in the area grow and also supporting the local economy This enhancement reflects our commitment to providing customers with a differentiated value proposition and unique solutions to grow their business.” an innovative solution utilizing advanced technology to address the increasing complexities of international trade When I tell my friends that I miss the food in Kyoto and they understand that for any foodie worth their salt Japan is something of a culinary promised land—a place where streets are paved with freshly caught sashimi and rivers flow rich with savory dashi broth is that I’m not just reminiscing about Kyoto’s hearty bowls of ramen This isn’t to say I don’t think fondly of my late-night visits to neighborhood takoyaki stands where thick wedges of octopus are battered and served Nor does it mean I don’t fantasize about the mom-and-pop sushi restaurant down the street where a sumptuous chirashi bowl — overflowing with eel where good Japanese food is always within driving distance But there’s only one place in the world where you can order a Domino's “Sakura Pizza.” it’s incredibly difficult to find a pizza that captures the sweet ephemerality of the sakura cherry blossom whose brilliant pink flowers bloom for just one or two weeks before fluttering away with the wind but I have to assume that pizza in Naples doesn’t come topped with strawberry-flavored tapioca balls — just as I imagine their mozzarella isn’t mixed with sweetened condensed milk and their crust isn’t stuffed with a blend of cheese and cherry-blossom-infused chocolate How could I not take advantage of such an opportunity Maybe there’s a reason they don’t put tapioca on pizza in Naples: the combination makes for a perplexing The cherry blossom gives the mozzarella-filled crust a floral cheesiness so that each bite feels like you’re gnawing a hunk off a used bar of deodorant Did I mention that there’s chocolate in there too It’s a total sensory overload — eight slices of sweet-and-savory sacrilege — and oh It’s not the taste of the Sakura Pizza that I miss (though I am fond of it in a Fear Factor I miss eating Domino’s with my Associated Kyoto Program friends at our monthly “parties,” where we’d rent out an event space and invite some friends from the local Doshisha University and I miss letting go of all inhibitions on the Domino’s website I miss ordering the “Cheese Volcano Giga Meat” pizza I miss bonding with new friends over slices of “Izakaya-style Asparagus and Bacon,” “Cheeseburger Quattro Happy,” and — of course — the Sakura Pizza I had plenty of “authentic” cultural experiences in Japan and discovered that I look pretty darn good in a traditional yukata I find that I really miss the funny little things — the pieces of Japanese culture that aren’t advertised in travel brochures or included in the program’s pre-departure handbook I think the real joy of living in Kyoto was embracing these fragments of daily life: noticing the different jingles that play depending on which train line you’re riding discovering a grape sour candy that fizzes in your mouth you can put just about anything on a pizza A few weeks after trying a Sakura Pizza for the first time I was able to score a reservation at Kyoto restaurant Monk a restaurant made famous after appearing on an episode of Netflix's original series a restaurant renowned for its creative and considered approach to Italian-inspired cuisine Every ingredient at Monk is locally sourced and every ingredient passes through Chef Yoshihiro Imai’s wood-fired oven; the night I went the tasting menu’s pizza de resistance was half venison ragu the venison/shirasu pie was complex yet delicate I don’t think they put shirasu on pizza in Naples I struck up a conversation with the American couple sitting next to me: a pair of foodies visiting Kyoto on their honeymoon They marveled at the quality and the creativity of the meal the likes of which they had never really seen: “Can you imagine a pizza with more creative toppings than this?” Part of  The Claremont Colleges Playwright Joe Murphy and actor Stephen Kunken talk to Christiane Amanpour about their acclaimed new play "Kyoto" which turns the maddeningly intricate climate talks of the 1990s into a political thriller '+n.escapeExpression("function"==typeof(o=null!=(o=r(e,"eyebrowText")||(null!=l?r(l,"eyebrowText"):l))?o:n.hooks.helperMissing)?o.call(null!=l?l:n.nullContext||{},{name:"eyebrowText",hash:{},data:t,loc:{start:{line:28,column:63},end:{line:28,column:78}}}):o)+" \n '+(null!=(o=c(e,"if").call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2PreText"):l,{name:"if",hash:{},fn:n.program(32,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:63,column:20},end:{line:63,column:61}}}))?o:"")+"\n"+(null!=(o=(c(e,"ifAll")||l&&c(l,"ifAll")||n.hooks.helperMissing).call(r,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Text"):l,null!=l?c(l,"cta2Link"):l,{name:"ifAll",hash:{},fn:n.program(34,t,0),inverse:n.noop,data:t,loc:{start:{line:64,column:20},end:{line:70,column:30}}}))?o:"")+" With just enough time to plan a trip before cherry blossom season this spring we're taking a closer look at one of the best hotels in Kyoto Book Ace Hotel Kyoto with The MICHELIN Guide → travel and culture journalist enjoys traveling around the world to experience MICHELIN hotels and restaurants for herself these splurge-worthy hotels have the design and prestige to rival even that most historic of city landmarks The first hotel on this list is just 20 minutes from Florence From vineyards to infinity pools and farm-to-table restaurants every one of these 14 Tuscan classics is within two hours of the city the best hotel rooftops are a go-to when you touch down The MICHELIN Guide Inspectors have already added hundreds of hotels to the MICHELIN selection in 2025 we’re highlighting a special list of 10 that thrive in the sunny season explore some of its best MICHELIN Guide dining spots and uncover its hidden gems From exquisite cuisine to artisan treasures get to know the Tuscan city like a local with our handy guide for a curated taste of Florence’s finest Marseille is a crossroads of culture and cuisine shaped by 2,600 years of migration and maritime trade From its Greek founders to waves of immigrants from Italy each community has left an indelible mark on the city’s dynamic food culture Croatian cuisine boasts a strong identity that reflects both the land and the sea By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. But if you have any hint of trepidation over language or cultural barriers\u2014or you just want a taste of international cool to return to after a day of exploration\u2014Ace Kyoto is your spot Traditional touches are thoughtfully woven throughout the details of the hotel from the artwork in the rooms to the lantern-like light fixtures the Ace Hotel Kyoto feels like a well-curated modern oasis with a Japanese-style photo booth in the lobby and a display of records and tote bags located next to the check-in desk You won\u2019t feel out of your element here as an international traveler taking home a fun tote bag as a souvenir and grabbing your reliable cup of coffee can be appealing especially when you\u2019re on a trip that might feel out of your comfort zone Book Ace Hotel Kyoto with The MICHELIN Guide \u2192 creates a shimmering backdrop for the Hans Wegner table and chairs and Flos Glo-Ball pendant light The rabbit-ear chairs in the study are by SANAA for Maruni and the ceramic vessel at the top of the stairs is by Ryuta Fukumura.Yoshihiro MakinoSave this storySaveSave this storySaveAll products featured on Architectural Digest are independently selected by our editors the place works its magic before you’re even in the door the slatted wood façade revealing a passing glimpse of its residents inside renovated by pritzker Prize–winning architect Kazuyo Sejima cooking would have been done over an open firepit they’re setting an example of how contemporary life can unfold within this age-old envelope The interior garden of this traditional Kyoto Machiya features a Nanten tree and a stone tower and basin made by artisans in Tottori landing on a house that was certified by the City of Kyoto for its exemplary conservation of the traditional style Homeowner Sam Brustad at the historic machiya in Kyoto he shares with his partner who Shirato had met through mutual friends who hadn’t taken on a residential project in many years was intrigued by the building’s history and the prospect of a renovation—her first “Rather than updating the machiya to suit contemporary life I am interested in how contemporary life can be updated within the framework of the old machiya,” she says defined by its bespoke 13-foot-long stainless-steel island crafted by nearby metalworkers Konbu Brothers That meant honoring the essence of the structure—its tsuchikabe walls made of bamboo and clay; the exquisite pine ceiling beams assembled without metal joiners; the kitchen wall stained a deep black from years of cooking by fire—while giving it that airy transparent quality that Sejima is known for led by project manager and SANAA partner Yoshitaka Tanase added a large window panel on the street-facing side and radiant heating to the concrete floors while upstairs they created an open mezzanine that feels like it’s floating installed on the recommendation of interior designer Miya Yoo Faßbender “Historically, the house would have been very dark,” explains Brustad, recalling the way Jun’ichirō Tanizaki described Japanese interiors in his 1933 essay “In Praise of Shadows,” written as electric lights switched on across Japan Tanizaki eulogized the days of candlelight “only in dim half-light is the true beauty of Japanese lacquerware revealed.” An open-air rock garden leads to the primary bath A 20th-century textile dyed with persimmons hangs above the bed which is dressed with Città linens and a piece of Nishijin silk from Kimono Hojo “The first meetings were all about questions,” explains Shirato of their close collaboration Shirato’s priority was more personal: a deluxe bath in the back The 13-foot-long stainless-steel island is the focal point of the first floor a contemporary contrast to the machiya’s earthen walls and timber pillars a lot of the neighbors asked if it was going to be a restaurant,” says Shirato with a laugh explaining that their 13-foot-long kitchen island is the largest piece made for a private residence by local metalworkers Konbu Brothers These were some of the many artisans—intensely vetted—that Sejima and Tanase engaged for this project and the craftspeople who replaced the kawara “It’s very tough to keep these crafts alive,” says Shirato explaining that even the vernacular knowledge necessary to build a machiya is slowly slipping away “Preserving a machiya takes a lot of effort,” he continues “But we think keeping an existing structure for generations instead of tearing it down and rebuilding is much more sustainable.” and the Heian period dish sports a kintsugi fix from the 15th or 16th century Every night people walk the neighborhood clapping bamboo sticks to remind you to put out your fire.” Few households still burn them at night but this centuries-old ritual has persisted some of the younger members of the local district association finding their place in the tight weave of the neighborhood the antique folding screen was scored at Blue Parrot and the bed and cabinet were designed by Yoshitaka Tanase and produced by a local woodworker in Japanese cypress it was critical that the house—and its residents—exist in harmony with this community Early in the process she presented five different design proposals They didn’t just depict the house itself but every structure in the surrounding blocks the architect and her clients could see how the home related to the neighborhood “She wants the building to be contained,” Shirato reflects This story appears in AD’s April issue. Never miss a story when you subscribe to AD. We encourage you to republish Dialogue Earth articles, online or in print, under the Creative Commons license. Please read our republishing guidelines to get started Members of the Kyoto cast playing (left to right) the ambassador for Kiribati Austrian-American physicist Fred Singer and the ambassador for China (Image: Manuel Harlan) Would you pay to watch a dramatisation of a series of summits during which world leaders argue about carbon emissions I extend my sympathies (and respect) to this play’s marketing department the creative minds behind Kyoto know how to captivate an audience Travelling back to the 1980s and 1990s, Kyoto charts the path to the Kyoto Protocol, the landmark 1997 international agreement to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The treaty set binding reduction targets for industrialised countries and was eventually superseded by the Paris Agreement in 2015 The action mostly takes place around a circular negotiating table as countries wrestle over commitments and wording American lawyer Don Pearlman (who was a real person) is our passport into this thicket of warring figureheads. He is head-hunted by a shadowy collective of fossil fuel lobbyists (the “Seven Sisters“) in matching dark overcoats who require his talent for demolishing opposing arguments To obstruct climate action by any means necessary Pearlman establishes himself as the spokesperson for the Global Climate Coalition formed by the US National Association of Manufacturers Pearlman methodically dismantles climate science His transformation from indifferent lawyer to fierce climate sceptic is maddening I had to remind myself that this is a play about pollution negotiations Even the agonising pedantry over commas and phrasing in draft agreements – so often the death knell of diplomatic momentum – becomes electrifying Excerpts of negotiation texts are projected in red above the stage Voices rise to a cacophony as the characters debate each fighting to assert their nation’s interests building to a furious crescendo of clattering nonsense Written by British playwrights Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson, the duo behind the Good Chance theatre in the Calais refugee camp, Kyoto finds the human stakes in a complex geopolitical story. Good Chance, known for its work with displaced artists, collaborated with the Royal Shakespeare Company to bring this play to life In their creative journey from Calais to Kyoto the playwrights subtly connect climate change to displacement without patronising or lecturing their audience they stage negotiations as they were: tense messy and driven by individuals with starkly different motivations While audiences might imagine the all-nighters, the obsession with minutae and the tedium of UN climate negotiations, experiencing them on stage is an entirely different matter. To watch a  representative of the small island state of Kiribati in Micronesia (one of the world’s most climate-vulnerable nations) go toe-to-toe with the globe’s biggest polluters is very different from reading about it in the news It’s difficult to dismiss a crisis when its consequences stand before you Kyoto replaces the grey of politics with the splatter of colours that every person and nation actually is It reminds us that at the heart of every policy debate are people its potential to bring about profound change buried alive under an avalanche of compromise we watch the Paris Agreement teeter on the edge of irrelevance.  Kyoto tells the story of how a person can become so fixated on winning an argument that they will carry it to its illogical extreme – even at the cost of their own grandchildren’s future This is not just a historical drama; it’s the uncomfortable story of how we got where we are today What place does theatre like this have in our present moment? What can art do about atmospheric CO2 levels when the art in question is presented on a stage in London’s West End one of the most exclusive entertainment districts on Earth But as novelist and poet Ben Okri put it in 2021: “Of the things that trouble me most the human inability to imagine its end ranks very high … how else can one explain the refusal of ordinary good-hearted citizens to face the realities of climate change we will not put things in motion that would prevent them.” The play closes not with a curtain coming down but a shower of Japanese cherry blossoms – sakura The ambassador for Japan tells the assembly that Kyoto’s sakura season is arriving earlier each year Here we sit in 2025 and CO2 emissions continue to grow face-to-face with the climate crisis.This is what art must do Kyoto is playing at Soho Place theatre in London until 3 May 2025 Neil Simpson has been an assistant editor for Dialogue Earth since joining in 2023 He graduated with an English degree in 2009 and has predominantly worked in teaching or journalistic roles ever since Neil is particularly interested in environmental activism which led him to co-found the campaign group Bank Green in 2020 Other areas of interest include regenerative agriculture and the ways in which humanity could rebuild its connection with the rest of the natural world Select from our bespoke newsletters for news best suited to you We’ve sent you an email with a confirmation link 我们向您的邮箱发送了一封确认邮件，请点击邮件中的确认链接。如果您未收到该邮件，请查看垃圾邮件。 If you would like more information about the terms of our republication policy or permission to use content, please write to us: [email protected] We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. 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And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market the information we provide and the tools we create are objective This Hyatt property is located in the center of Kyoto making it an ideal base for exploring the sprawling city Many or all of the products on this page are from partners who compensate us when you click to or take an action on their website but this does not influence our evaluations or ratings Fact CheckedHow is this page expert verified NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible Benjamin Din the Hyatt Place Kyoto offers fantastic value with its helpful amenities and prime location atop a subway station While not the fanciest Hyatt in Kyoto, the property’s modern decor, natural wood aesthetic and use of greenery will almost make you forget you’re staying at a Hyatt Place, a mid-tier Hyatt brand I found the Hyatt Place Kyoto to be a cozy yet comfortable base for exploring the city’s attractions and taking day trips to nearby cities like Osaka » Learn more: The complete guide to World of Hyatt The Hyatt Place Kyoto is in the center of the city Cultural sites like Nijo Castle and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden There are also plenty of convenience stores nearby if you’re looking to stock up on snacks and drinks and a major supermarket is a 13-minute walk from the hotel The hotel’s best perk is its proximity to the Marutamachi subway station which has an entrance located on the ground floor of the hotel you’re only a few stops away from the downtown shopping district and Kyoto Station where you can catch the Shinkansen bullet train to Tokyo or other rail lines to nearby cities like Kobe and Osaka The entrance to the subway station is connected to Hyatt Place Kyoto Nearby bus lines can take you to popular sites including the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove Kiyomizu-dera Temple and the Yasaka Shrine where hundreds of lanterns are lit up at night While the facade of the building is a bit drab and gray stepping into the Hyatt Place Kyoto is an entirely different experience That’s a theme reflected throughout the lobby with its wooden furniture and green accent pillows The decor projects a sense of calm and peacefulness a contrast from the urban sprawl just steps outside A seating area in the Hyatt Place Kyoto lobby The Hyatt Place Kyoto does not offer free breakfast for guests, a departure from what you might expect if you’re a frequent guest at Hyatt Places in the U.S. The one exception is for those who hold Hyatt’s top-tier Globalist status I have the World of Hyatt Credit Card, which grants me bottom-tier Discoverist status; however, I was generously gifted a Guest of Honor award by a Globalist which meant I could enjoy the perks of being a Globalist » Learn more: The best hotel credit cards right now The buffet-style breakfast is tasty and offers a variety of Japanese and Western options and rice with a variety of toppings and garnishes You can also get made-to-order Japanese-style omelets expect to pay about $17 per person each day My favorites included the curry with rice and brioche muffins There was also a green tea broth that paired well with rice — a delicious and soothing combo especially since I started to develop a cold toward the end of the stay but I also saw plenty of people opt for the cheaper option of buying breakfast at a local convenience store and bringing it back to eat in the lobby area the Hyatt Place Kyoto also has its grab-and-go Lobby Bar which is a plus if you’re ordering takeout You can even pour yourself a glass of wine for about $7 using the self-serve machine there are free-to-use Nespresso machines in the lobby we booked the standard room with two twin beds and a bathtub but I found it to be well-designed and spacious The natural wood tones that continued from the lobby made the room feel bright and calm The room comes with your typical hotel furnishings including a clothing rack with plenty of hangers There’s also a chaise lounge chair that converts into a pull-out sofa bed The rooms at Hyatt Place Kyoto are compact but efficient the hotel does not provide water bottles for guests there is a jug in each room that can be filled at water and ice machines located on each floor The bathroom is small but offers ample space Bathroom amenities include a hair dryer and dental kits One dental kit will have a toothbrush with white bristles while the other will have a toothbrush with black bristles a thoughtful and helpful design decision for those traveling with others The toilet at Hyatt Place Kyoto comes with a bidet use the hotel’s magnetic card system to let hotel staff know Stick the card corresponding to the desired service (a full simple or ecology cleaning) on the outside of your room door before heading out for the day The housekeeping staff is quick to act when they see the cards so don’t put the card out until you’re ready to leave the room The room cleaning system at Hyatt Place Kyoto and since the hotel is only six floors tall It would have been nice to have sheer curtains to let natural light in while preserving some privacy The street view from a Hyatt Place Kyoto room The building has 239 rooms and three elevators although your keycard only grants you access to the floor your room is on If you’re traveling with other people in different rooms make sure to request rooms on the same floor A standout feature of the Hyatt Place Kyoto is its washing machines Since we arrived at the hotel halfway through our trip it was nice to be able to do laundry onsite — especially considering how hot and humid it was outdoors The laundry room on the ground floor has three washer-dryer combo units and it takes about two hours to run a full wash-and-dry cycle with detergent included for 600 yen (around $4 in U.S Keep in mind that these machines are popular so it might take some time before you can snag one so if you’re planning a later start to your morning that might be a good opportunity to use the machines but it also means you have to wait for someone to come back and get their laundry before you can use the machine don’t be afraid to ask the front desk to remove the other guest’s laundry They’ll set it aside for pickup at the front desk the hotel has an amenity station located across from the check-in desks the service at the Hyatt Place Kyoto was excellent from those on check-in duty to room service and I was always greeted with a polite nod and was able to store my luggage at the front desk until check-in at 3 p.m While early check-ins are common in the U.S. While the check-in and checkout processes were smooth it’s worth noting that the Hyatt Place Kyoto does not have a dedicated elite check-in line This was a missed opportunity to show appreciation for Hyatt loyalists I also had an awkward interaction at the end of my stay late checkout — another perk of the Guest of Honor award (the late checkout time for a Discoverist) a hotel staff member knocked on my door and told me I needed to leave and although she apologized about the mistake it was a disappointing way to end an otherwise fantastic stay The Hyatt Place Kyoto offers helpful amenities and its excellent price point makes it even better Whether you’re paying a cash rate or redeeming World of Hyatt points, you can typically find a great deal for rooms at this property. The Hyatt Place Kyoto is a Category 2 property meaning that you can book a standard room at this hotel for 6,500 to 9,500 points I searched in October 2024 for a two-night stay at the beginning of April 2025 — during prime cherry blossom season — and found availability for 19,000 World of Hyatt points a redemption value of nearly 5 cents per point That’s more than double NerdWallet’s valuation of Hyatt points at 2.2 cents per point If you find yourself short on Hyatt points you can transfer them from Chase Ultimate Rewards® Earn Chase points by signing up for or spending on the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® Always check the cash rates before you book with points a two-night stay in February 2025 was as low as $180 » Learn more: The best credit cards for Hyatt If you arrive in Kyoto from Tokyo on the bullet train Take the Karasuma line from Kyoto Station to Marutamachi Station which will drop you off right at the entrance of the hotel The exit by the hotel does not have an escalator or elevator you may want to opt for a different exit to make your life easier The Hyatt Place Kyoto is a fantastic option for budget travelers While it’s not the fanciest option in the city it’s a comfortable experience with a lot to appreciate If you’re looking for a convenient location close to public transportation at an excellent price You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2025: Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card Rare 100,000-Point Bonus: Limited Time OnlyChase Sapphire Preferred® Card NerdWallet's ratings are determined by our editorial team The scoring formula takes into account the type of card being reviewed (such as cash back travel or balance transfer) and the card's rates rewards and other features.5.0🔥 Huge highest-ever bonus on NerdWallet's 2025 Best All-Purpose Travel Rewards Card is back Don't miss your rare chance to: Earn 100,000 points when you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months That's worth at least $1,250 toward travel booked through Chase opened on April 12 with exhibitions across 15 venues throughout Kyoto Among the highlights is the work of internationally renowned French artist JR who photographed 505 Kyoto residents and transformed their portraits into stunning large-scale artworks.These are on display in the north passage of the Kyoto Station Building and at the Kyoto Shimbun Building JR is known for capturing the diverse faces of city dwellers around the world He cuts out individual portraits and integrates them into cityscapes to form massive murals a panoramic photograph 22.55 meters wide and 5 meters tall The work invites people of all ages and backgrounds to come together and reflect on the contemporary spirit of Kyoto In a former printing factory at the Kyoto Shimbun Building 10 of the participants are featured as 3D "giants," standing 8 to 9 meters tall.Recordings of their voices accompany the installation sharing stories about their work and lives creating an immersive space to learn about the individuals behind the images JR described Kyoto as having a distinct atmosphere combining a sense of calm with a unique vitality Now in its 13th edition since launching in 2013 this year’s KYOTOGRAPHIE features works by both Japanese and international photographers The Kyoto Shimbun Foreign residents and locals unite for Kyoto Hina-matsuri Kyoto Abilympics showcase vocational skills of people with disabilities Kyoto New Year's revelers reach for pieces of luck at temple event To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription Please check your inbox for a confirmation email Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible An Israeli tourist in Japan was asked to sign a “war crimes declaration” at a Kyoto hotel as a condition for check-in after showing his Israeli passport. pic.twitter.com/niW8eYvQEt — Open Source Intel (@Osint613) April 26, 2025 Implicit in this approach is a belief that someone would commit war crimes but would not lie on a form In earlier times I heard of no such attestations that Americans hadn’t been involved in… the Manhattan Project New Zealand has sought extensive information on the military past of Israelis The plan for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian to become once airline from their earnings call Our teams are working through the process to achieve a single operating certificate by the fourth quarter of this year Work is underway to bring both passenger service systems together by early 2026… the goal of achieving a single operating certificate by the end of 2025 followed by the transition to a unified reservation system shortly thereafter Single operating certificate doesn’t exactly tell us when frequent flyer programs combine and neither does a single passenger service system but it gives us something to triangulate around US Airways and American Airlines merged frequent flyer programs in March 2015 a couple of weeks before the two airlines moved to a single operating certificate on April 8 The US Airways brand continued flying until October 17 American AAdvantage systemwide upgrades for 3 or more people can now be requested online (online request no longer limited to 1 and 2 passenger reservations) Of course fewer passengers on a booking means a greater chance of clearing the upgrade – before the airport you need upgrade space available for all passengers on the booking at once Uber Eats driver deported after taking wrong turn A simple wrong turn led to a life-altering consequence for an Uber Eats driver after mistakenly driving onto a one-way toll road connecting the U.S …Ricardo Prada Vasquez was taken into custody and later deported to El Salvador after accidentally driving onto the one-way toll road crossing the border while delivering a food order …Reports indicated that Prada Vasquez had permission to enter the U.S through the CBP One app and was awaiting an immigration appointment officials stated that his status became invalid once he left the country Flying Food Group LAX catering employee files federal charges against UNITE HERE union for “harassment, intimidation, and even physical confrontation” More articles by Gary Leff » a casual tourist being told to attest they are not a war criminal or some poor SOB having his life destroyed for taking a wrong turn Probably the latter as it will provide great amusement for the sadists enforcing such a policy Dealing with people who follow Kafka goes nowhere What a bunch of morons and hypocrites….Japan is notorious for their war crimes IN WWII and concerning Israel….Israel HASNT COMMITTED ANY WAR CRIMES!!! biased and lying mainstream media notwithstanding So glad Israelis are given hell wherever they go The point of the form isn’t that people who have committed war crimes won’t lie on the form The point of the form is to force Israeli citizens to confront the war crimes being committed by their country and fellow citizens The concept that every citizen of a country is guilty of war crimes — aka “collective punishment” — is prohibited by the 1949 Geneva Convention how does anyone think the Japanese would react if a hotel in Seoul demanded every citizen of Japan sign a declaration admitted they were war criminals for the way that the Imperial Japanese Army treated “comfort women,” or for every AUS and other prisoners of war that died due to the ill-treatment at the hands of the IJA [Note: soldiers died at the rate off 1.2% in German POW cams and one could bring up South Africa and the number of killed under apartheid Uganda under Idi Amin and (sadly) countless other examples…is every Palestinian guilty of the war crimes committed by Hamas and the fact that I am in Japan as I write this makes me want to find out the name of the hotel and… The fact that ICE can deport someone for a simple traffic violation is outrageous She had a client who had their visa revoked for a DUI arrest…even though the blood alcohol content turned out to be BELOW the 0.08% limit and no charges were filed Nero is fiddling while Rome burns and most citizens are content to roast marshmallows… Doesn’t everyone checking into a Japanese hotel show a passport Was there something that said *only* Israeli passport holders get the form Otherwise it could just as easily say that Kyoto Hotel Refuses To Check In Bahamian Tourist Without ‘War Crimes Declaration the Japanese committed many of the worst war crimes during WW2 @Jeff It’s not the pot calling the kettle black the way Israel was invaded by Gaza on October 7 and it’s people subjected to the most barbaric mass rape and (still ongoing) kidnappings as Israel was before it defended itself Japan invaded and occupied China unilaterally and without provocation before committing it’s barbarities – which are still celebrated in Japan at the Yasukuni Shrine to this very day the United States didn’t attack Japan before Japan bombed Pearl Harbor killing 2500 American young men and forcing the USA to war the UK didn’t attack Japan before Japan invaded Malaya engaging in brutal mass murder and starving and torturing English and Australian POWs to death So this is not the pot calling the kettle black but complete ignorance mixed liberally with racial hatred that Japan is so famous for I imagine the owner is a supporter of the Communist Party of Japan whose members committed the 1972 massacre at Lod Airport that killed 26 people – many of them Puerto Rican pilgrims returning from visiting Bethlehem and who now walk free in Japan like it never happened That is ridiculous that hotel in Kyoto did that to the Israeli citizen If you have a problem with the Israeli government that is one thing but don’t take it out on the Israeli citizens Perhaps the war crimes declaration is due in part to Japanese shame over the things they did that you brought up I’m far from certain but it may be similar to German guilt about The Holocaust and Japan wanting to avoid any appearance of complicity in war crimes I really don’t see where ANY American can pass judgement on any part of this story or history given the current fascist actions I suggest that you first rid your own sh@t government arrival card’s arbitrary questionnaire section Israel HAS done war crimes (even very recently) and so has the U.S (plenty throughout decades) so stop crying The Japanese hotels have their right to choose their customers just like businesses anywhere else I crossed that bridge in January 1982 but going in the opposite direction Prada Vasquez should have been smart and not left it to chance when he realized he was headed out of the USA Pull over and let the air out of a tire then call a tow truck Have the tow truck take the vehicle but walk in the opposite direction of traffic if needed be to make sure that he stayed in the USA Sometimes there are exits for emergency vehicles and other vehicles Possibly call the police for directions if they are friendly I am almost certain he was instructed to stay in the USA but he didn’t understand the severity I wonder if he was admitted to Canada or was he directed to a return lane From the maps I saw several duty free places Maybe they had a supply entrance from ordinary roads I’m sure some others will bend over backwards with excuses why the rules should be broken for him but he is the one that was working close to the border and made the mistake windvilla.kyoto@gmail.com The scholars and immigration law experts on here are peak internet @Christian — You’re absolutely correct It’s called ‘truth’ and reconciliation I respect the Japanese for their collective honor here and in other regards @Foghorn Leghorn — I’ll remind you that unions are good for workers as they typically advocate for better wages leading to increased job security and a stronger middle class Unions also promote safer workplaces and reduce inequality by increasing the collective bargaining power of employees enjoy me some ‘international treaties that establish legal standards for the humane treatment of individuals during armed conflicts and wounded or sick combatants,’ such as the Geneva Convention but I’m not sure checking into a hotel in Japan today would apply such invasive question of a particular nationality are uncool speaking of ‘collective punishment in an actual war-zone…’ have any examples for us one of millions that Biden released into America was deported for being an illegal immigrant So now illegal immigrant ride share drivers is travel news Gary Leff forgot to attack the Germans for their war crimes and human experimentation during World War II Typical Garry having to reach 70 years back into japans past to excuse the genocide wrought by the Israelis You are taking to the propaganda well not so young padawan Japan has no room to talk about war crimes Surprised by this in Japan of all places where it’s the culture to bend over backwards as a host for guests Also the Arab squatters on Jewish land also sometimes known wrongly as “Palestinians” are getting a lesson they finally deserve getting in what the meaning of FAFO The property is the WIND VILLA HOTEL in Kyoto. Certainly not one I’d ever consider giving a yen of business to. It was covered widely in the Israeli press– https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-851607– and I have to say in a more meaningful way than what you did in your mixed-message jumbled post While I know you have been supportive of Israel in past posts you are conflating some VERY different things systemic and government sanctioned war crimes Japan committed against civilians in Asia in WWII is well documented and inexcusable You make multiple instances of trying to draw parallels to that and the defensive actions in the war of survival Israel has been fighting for over 18 months a war started by an Iranian terror proxy unprovoked attack INSIDE THE BORDERS of the sovereign and UN recognized state of Israel or more specifically the tragic and unintentional civilian casualties (which by all accounts are similar to those in all other major wars) of fighting a terrorist organization that terrorizes and brutalizes and kills its own people and intentionally embeds their terrorist weapons and infrastructure in order to use them as human shields The war would have been over a long time ago if Israel didn’t care about war crimes or civilian loss of life So this is an interesting post but think about how inappropriate your comparisons are to the intentional systemic barbarity and war crimes committed by the Japanese last century the US was rounding up and interring over 100,000 innocent civilian Japanese Americans during WWII so there’s that.) obviously civilian tourists have nothing to do with the war and I hope that even in ethnocentrist Japan there are laws against this kind of blatant and outrageous discrimination Do they require Palestinians or Iranians to sign a declaration they were not involved in the actual genocide of October 7th that took place in Israel or the tens of thousands of intentional attacks directly on Israeli civilian population since then You and your crowd have no respect for the law people who are here illegally should be deported – after due process of law It is tyrannical governments like yours that round people up on the street I don’t know what Japanese public accommodations laws say the hotel’s actions would be illegal I don’t think it’s necessary to blame the whole country for one hotel owner’s actions nor to recall evil things the country did 80 or more years ago I love it that @1990 thinks they’re the thought police around here Makes the Nuremberg Trials look like Judge Judy around here with @1990 being the thought Gestapo the mass slaughter of 50,000 Palestinians is fine as long as they are Arabs Your explicit denial of atrocities committed by Israel and your disregard for laws and the Constitution say much about your racist attitude What about a War Crimes Declaration for anyone from Gaza Dealing with the illegal invaders in that way is both legal and justified Crying about it like clowns like you continue to do won’t change what’s happening Either way people die in war a war Hamas and their Arab enablers started Israel is increasingly isolated in the global community and will eventually suffer the same fate as Apartheid South Africa the World Food Programme,..etc ALL Hamas mouthpieces If lying to yourself makes you sleep at night Expedia has nothing but glowing reviews for this property and aside from this solitary Jerusalem Post story there has been absolutely nothing in any other medium It’s generally a good idea to wait to hear all sides of these story before rushing to judgement @doug Never Again just doesn’t apply to us Jews but to everybody It brings up the question: have we Jews become the oppressors “The point of the form isn’t that people who have committed war crimes won’t lie on the form The point of the form is to force Israeli citizens to confront the war crimes being committed by their country and fellow citizens.” Because the Japanese have been fully transparent about the abysmal actions of their government 80+ years ago they spend weeks on it in elementary schools “I really don’t see where ANY American can pass judgement on any part of this story or history given the current fascist actions then pass judgement.” Is it difficult to live in a world with no shades of gray so I’ll no longer condemn mass murderers Could the Uber case be an attempt to skip the intermediate and costly steps He’s here legally awaiting an appointment but leaving violates that permission to stay so he is expelled on what appears a technicality was he legally allowed to work as a Uber driver if you forgive the technicality (if you even could) would you not have to report him for working I doubt that an IDF reservist would even realize they committed war crimes when they were ordered by their commanding officer to shoot anything that moves including young children… and website in this browser for the next time I comment Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles and frequent business travel -- a topic he has covered since 2002 Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary » © document.write(new Date().getFullYear()) Miles and Points Consulting LLC - All Rights Reserved Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited provided that full and clear credit is given to Miles and Points Consulting LLC with appropriate and specific directions to the original content Masaya Okugawa netted the winner off the bench for the second straight game as Kyoto Sanga saw off Yokohama FC 2-1 to stay top of the J-League first division on Friday The attacker's 70th-minute strike at Sanga Stadium saw Kyoto remain on 24 points who kept up the pace at the congested top end of the table who netted a late winner away to Albirex Niigata last Saturday entered the fray in the 56th minute and came up with another big moment Taichi Hara nodded down a long ball and Okugawa turned a defender inside out in the box before sending a left-footed shot into the net Kyoto had gone ahead in the 15th minute through Hara when the former Alaves forward fired into the left bottom corner from 20 meters out but Yokohama FC leveled four minutes after the break as Towa Yamane headed a cross back into the middle for Lukian to scramble home The promoted side reacted desperately to the goal from former Red Bull Salzburg and Arminia Bielefeld man Okugawa but failed to get past Kyoto keeper Gakuji Ota who produced a string of good saves to keep the visitors on 12 points "I've finally produced a positive result at my favorite home venue and in front of the best fans," said Kyoto youth product Okugawa whose fourth goal of the campaign was his first at home secured their 600th win in the Japanese top flight as they beat Nagoya Grampus 1-0 Nagoya manager Kenta Hasegawa took charge of his 595th game in the J1 also a record as he moved above Mihailo Petrovic while Avispa Fukuoka moved up to 20 points with a 1-1 draw with Fagiano Okayama Machida Zelvia lost three successive games for the first time in the J1 as they went down 1-0 against Shonan Bellmare Football: Ao Tanaka's Leeds earn promotion to Premier League Football: Itakura scores for Gladbach in costly loss to Dortmund Football: Freiburg's Doan nets 9th goal as Machino, Mitoma bag 8th Discover which dishes our MICHELIN inspectors loved in this year’s selection MICHELIN Guide inspectors visit an endless procession of restaurants a dish lands on their tables that is simply unforgettable The selection of restaurants for The MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 was announced on March 27 2025 We asked several of our inspectors to look back on the year and select the dishes they found especially memorable The list the inspectors shared with us was as varied as the Kyoto and Osaka culinary scenes they observed Some were dishes that could only be savoured in a particular season Others were products of venerable tradition while many sprang from the unique experience and sensibility of the chefs who created them Grilled Wagyu Kodaiji Jugyuan MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 Wagyu beef is perfectly grilled and paired with the rich savoury depth of Daitokuji Nato and black olives Generous shavings of chestnut signal the arrival of autumn while the fusion of Japanese and Western ingredients creates a symphony of unique flavours Presented on plates created by contemporary artists dishes such as these are pushing the boundaries of Japanese cuisine into exciting new territories Carpaccio of Hamachi in Fish Sauce, Tlayuda of Tortilla and Chilli Pepper Paste milpa MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 Fresh fish carpaccio is paired with a refreshing granité of yuzu is a whipped concoction of fish and yuzu juice is a staple of home cooking in the Mexican state of Oaxaca these dishes invite diners to explore the depth and subtlety of Mexican cuisine showcasing a vibrant fusion of flavours and traditions Japanese Blue Crab and Grilled Matsutake Oimatsu Hisano, Osaka Two MICHELIN star MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka 2025 Flakes of Japanese blue crab and grilled matsutake mushrooms are layered in a single dish while matsutake extract enhances the ponzu sauce harvested from the waters off Kishiwada in the autumn has a special connection to the town’s vibrant Danjiri Festival This dish weaves together the essence of Osaka’s culinary culture Top Image: Ⓒ Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen The MICHELIN Guide Kyoto and Osaka 2025: Newly-Awarded Restaurants Announced, Including Three Two-MICHELIN Stars, 10 One-MICHELIN Stars, and Two MICHELIN Green Stars MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka New Bib Gourmand Selection The city’s most celebrated sights are perfectly complemented by nearby world-class dining destinations From velvety porridge to bouncy noodles and iconic local delights these unmissable MICHELIN street food spots in Da Nang serve up the city’s best bites Humble Chicken might just be among the most inventive and thrilling restaurants in the UK – which is why the Inspectors have awarded it a second MICHELIN Star Whether it’s your first time in a fine dining restaurant or your fiftieth these tips from our seasoned MICHELIN Guide Inspectors will help you get it right — your way Spend the May bank holiday weekends relaxing in the best London parks followed by top-notch cuisine at MICHELIN Guide restaurants – and if you’re visiting from afar Get away from the big city with these day-long excursions to some of the UK's top destinations and stop around town with design top of mind The White Lotus actor shares his insider’s guide to Bangkok revealing the energy and allure of his ‘own backyard’ the chef and restaurateur behind MICHELIN-Starred Row on 5 and a whole lot more shares his top London recommendations Make the most of seasonal shows and beautiful blooms with our rundown of the best things to do in London this spring The popular belief about the MICHELIN Guide is that it’s all about the stars Bib Gourmand awarded restaurants are adored by their many diners because these restaurants offer satisfaction beyond what you’d expect for the price we present a list of nine restaurants that will be joining our Kyoto Osaka Selection Discover where our experts like to spend their time in the UK capital By continuing I accept the Terms & Condition and Privacy Policy. Top Image: \u24b8 Jean-Georges at The Shinmonzen The MICHELIN Guide Kyoto and Osaka 2025: Newly-Awarded Restaurants Announced, Including Three Two-MICHELIN Stars, 10 One-MICHELIN Stars, and Two MICHELIN Green Stars MICHELIN Guide Kyoto Osaka New Bib Gourmand Selection A man charged with the 2019 fatal arson attack on a Kyoto Animation Co studio has dropped his appeal to overturn his death sentence finalizing the verdict over one of the country's worst mass-murders was sentenced to death by the Kyoto District Court in January 2024 for the attack that killed 36 people at the internationally famous animation production studio after the court found him mentally competent to be held accountable for his crimes there have been cases in the past in which the validity of a defendant's withdrawal of an appeal is contested by the defense lawyers Aoba's defense team has not made a statement regarding the latest development saying that the company cannot respond unless the "situation has been settled." According to the ruling by the Kyoto District Court Aoba entered the Kyoto Animation studio's premises at around 10:30 a.m As Aoba had confessed to his role in the incident the focus of the trial had been whether he could be declared mentally competent and thus held criminally responsible The defendant said he carried out the attack under the belief that Kyoto Animation plagiarized a novel he entered in a contest run by the firm His defense team had sought an acquittal or lesser sentence arguing Aoba was not of sound mind and was suffering from delusions The Kyoto District Court acknowledged in its ruling that Aoba did suffer from a delusional disorder but that his conduct was little affected by it He was expected to contest his criminal liability at his appeal trial often referred to as "KyoAni," is known worldwide for producing hit anime works including "K-On!" and "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya." Relatives of the victims remain angry at the defendant with some questioning the reasoning behind him withdrawing his appeal "I was uncertain about the future and worried about how long this was going to last but there's some sense of relief," said the 74-year-old grandfather of Megumu Ono who was killed in the fire when she was 21 While Aoba said he "felt sorry" toward the end of the trial the grandfather has thought it was far from an apology Ono's grandmother has struggled with resentment questioning why Aoba is still alive when she prays for Megumu every morning and night Another bereaved family member wondered what change of heart happened in Aoba Kyoto Animation marks 5 years since fatal arson attack Man sentenced to death over 2019 Kyoto Animation arson that killed 36 Kyoto municipal authorities plan to raise the lodging tax for hotels and other accommodation to a maximum 10,000 yen ($63) per person per night from the current 1,000 yen limit as the city is struggling with overtourism a source familiar with the matter said Wednesday The new amount will be the highest among Japanese municipalities that adopt fixed fee systems according to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications The city introduced a multitiered lodging tax system in 2018 Currently visitors pay 200 yen for stays that cost less than 20,000 yen per person per night 500 yen for stays ranging from 20,000 yen to under 50,000 yen per night and 1,000 yen for accommodation costing 50,000 yen or more per night with the highest amount being 10,000 yen per night for accommodation costing 100,000 yen or more per night The city aims to introduce the new taxes in the spring of 2026 but the threshold will be narrowed from less than 20,000 yen per night to less than 6,000 yen per night The new system is expected to raise the city's revenue from the lodging tax to 10 billion yen or more from about 5.2 billion yen in fiscal 2023 The city has been grappling with overtourism amid a surge in overseas visitors Mayor Koji Matsui said earlier that taxes would be raised "to balance tourism and the livelihoods of local residents." lodging tax systems have been introduced in 11 municipalities in Japan where the popular Niseko ski resort is located charges a flat rate of 2 percent of accommodation fees FEATURE: Tradition vs tourism debate clouding future for famed local festivals 30% of tourists to Japan experienced overtourism problems in 2024 Foreign visitors to Japan top 3 mil. in July, single-month record To have the latest news and stories delivered to your inbox, subscribe here. Simply enter your email address below and an email will be sent through which to complete your subscription. Please check your inbox for a confirmation email. If you wish to change your message, press 'Cancel' to go back and edit. Thank you for reaching out to us.We will get back to you as soon as possible. Kyoto, Japan -- From the Japanese cypress to the ponderosa pine, wood has been used in construction for millennia. Though materials like steel and concrete have largely taken over large building construction, wood is making a comeback, increasingly being used in public and multi-story buildings for its environmental benefits. Of course, wood has often been passed over in favor of other materials because it is easily damaged by sunlight and moisture when used outdoors. Wood coatings have been designed to protect wood surfaces for this reason, but coating damage often starts before it becomes visible. Once the deterioration can be seen with the naked eye, it is already too late. To solve this problem, a team of researchers at Kyoto University is working to create a simple but effective method of diagnosing this nearly invisible deterioration before the damage becomes irreparable. "If we can 'see' what the eye cannot, we can extend the life of wooden structures and improve sustainability in the building industry," says corresponding author Yoshikuni Teramoto. The team is endeavoring to bring data-driven tools into traditional wood maintenance by combining mid-infrared spectroscopy with machine learning. They've started by testing artificially weathered wood coatings along with coatings containing cellulose nanofiber, a plant-derived additive that can improve the durability of these coatings. Their machine learning component uses a technique called partial least square, which they employed to build a model to predict the extent of deterioration. They also used a genetic algorithm to identify the most informative infrared signals, improving both accuracy and interpretability. "We were surprised to find that very subtle chemical changes -- far too small to detect visually -- could be captured by infrared spectroscopy and predicted by the model," says Teramoto. This approach allows the researchers to detect subtle chemical changes and estimate the level of deterioration with high accuracy. By making it possible to diagnose early coating deterioration quickly and without damaging the wood, their method could also reduce the need for costly visual inspections by detecting early warning signs of deterioration and preventing further decay. With their study, the researchers have also demonstrated how chemistry and data-driven modeling techniques can work together to support smarter maintenance of sustainable buildings. "We hope this technology will help bridge the gap between traditional craftsmanship and modern data science," continues Teramoto. The research team is now conducting tests on real wooden buildings, with plans to improve their model for application in new paint and coating product development. Beyond wood, the team's method may also be applied to materials like concrete or metal to unlock new possibilities for diagnosing other kinds of early material failure, improving the sustainability of other applications and industries in the process. Copyright © Kyoto University. All Rights Reserved. Rich Booth checks in I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Directly connected to Karasuma Oike Station, Ace Hotel Kyoto couldn't be easier to find. From its location, you are just a short ride from the main Kyoto station, with Shinkansen connections to Tokyo and the nearby tourist spots of Osaka and the Fushimi Inari Shrine If you arrive before lunch, the historic Nishiki Market is a ten-minute walk from the hotel and is the perfect way to spend your first afternoon in the city with a range of exotic seafood and local Kyoto street bites to sample The deep-fried curried bread is not to be missed; just don’t think of the calories stop in at Kamesuehiro – a 200-year-old confectionery and sweet restaurant that neighbours the hotel you can also find the Kyoto Museum and an eclectic range of shops and restaurants among the busy narrow streets Many would describe the Ace as a hipster brand and the long table packed with digital nomads tapping away on their laptops by the main entrance of the hotel will attest to that doubles as a communal space where travellers and locals mingle over coffee and cocktails This is not a stuffy chain of yesteryear but one designed with a younger clientele in mind The building blends historic charm with modern design – a collaboration between Japanese architect Kengo Kuma and LA-based Commune Design Warm wood complements exposed concrete and well-curated vintage pieces modern art and vinyl turntables featuring a mix of Latin There was a slight wait at reception on arrival but this was during the busiest period of the year While you will be warmly welcomed at the door don’t expect your bags to be taken to your room for you Staff throughout the hotel were happy to share local knowledge help arrange transport and answer questions about restaurant menus There is bike rental at the front of the hotel – a nice touch – a 24-hour gym but in Kyoto there is so much to see that you are unlikely to spend a huge amount of time inside Each of the 213 rooms has the usual facilities you would expect of a mid-range chain One of the nicest touches is a drip coffee maker; Japan takes its coffee very seriously indeed There are nine room types ranging from a standard king with king-size beds and a Japanese soaking tub original artwork by Samiro Yunoki and a custom Pendleton blanke Bathrooms feature slate tiles and natural ash wood ceilings Some have a TEAC turntable and others a Gibson guitar The suite is found in the former Kyoto Central Telephone Office and offers a separate dining Ace Hotel Kyoto offers a standout breakfast in a room with views over the courtyard garden a rooftop bar and a Slumptown coffee shop – the company's first international branch sourcing ingredients from local farmers in the region Piopiko on the second floor is a Mexican-inspired taco bar and lounge from Chef Wes Avila of LA's Guerrilla Tacos fame The menu blends traditional Mexican flavours with local Kyoto ingredients the Italian restaurant is more of a casual dining spot overseen by Chef Marc Vetri It offers a modern take on Italian comfort food with a Japanese twist is located on the ground floor and is perfect for coffee enthusiasts Enjoy a well-made espresso before heading out to explore the city The hotel doesn't have a huge range of extra facilities There is a 24-hour gym and art spaces for exhibitions including photography There are also vinyl pop-ups and an Ace shop selling branded tote bags and clothing The hotel also offers spaces to rent for business meetings and weddings The hotel and its restaurants are wheelchair accessible An additional fee of 14,300 yen (£75) per dog per night (tax included) and a maximum of two dogs per room Ace Hotel Kyoto is known for its cool and youthful vibe Cots are available for babies and toddlers Being able to walk straight from Karasuma Oike Station into the hotel is great You are well placed to explore the city and further out Perfect for: Couples looking to enjoy a few days and nights exploring the city This is a cosy hotel where nights at the bar are fun but the room isn’t designed for an after-party Instagram from: The rooms complete with record players Address: 245-2 Kurumayacho, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, Kyoto 604-8185, Japan Website: acehotel.com Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies {"adUnitPath":"71347885/_main_independent/gallery","autoGallery":true,"disableAds":false,"gallery":[{"data":{"title":"Ace%20Hotel%20Kyoto%20Ace%20Suite","description":"Ace Hotel","caption":"Inside The Ace suite at Kyoto’s hip Ace Hotel Inside The Ace suite at Kyoto’s hip Ace Hotel Japan review","description":"Rich Booth checks in Martin Parr has been photographing tourists and the cherry blossom in Kyoto this week, before exhibiting his work Small World at Kyotographie an international photography festival held over four weeks each year Martin Parr has been photographing tourists and the cherry blossom in Kyoto this week, before exhibiting his work Small World at Kyotographie A gripping play in London’s West End tells how agreement of the first climate protocol in 1997 was a triumph as scientists share new warnings about the scale of the crisis the backroom machinations of an international climate conference sound unpromising Pedantry, boredom and delegates fighting over the wording of treaty clauses do not sound like the stuff of high drama. Nevertheless, Kyoto, a Royal Shakespeare Company production by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson now playing at Soho Place in London, has been widely praised by critics and rapturously received at its opening this month which focuses on the talks that led to the agreeing of the Kyoto climate treaty of 1997 the oil industry lobbyist – superbly played by Stephen Kunken – we are presented with a cunning unprincipled manipulator who could rival Richard III for villainy humour and pace never flags throughout its two-and-a-half-hour run The play presents the Kyoto treaty as a world-saving triumph that set binding targets for greenhouse gas emissions uniting humanity against the scourge of the climate crisis: a beacon of hope but then fail miserably to deliver real action at home,” said Bob Ward policy director at the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment It is a crucial point that has been endorsed starkly by a swathe of recent papers outlining how comprehensively the world has failed to tackle global heating we have continued with our fossil fuel addiction so that weather systems are now destabilising across the globe more and more solar radiation is being absorbed by the atmosphere An example is provided by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) in its State of the Climate 2024 report “The record-breaking rainfall and flooding relentless drought and raging wildfires that we have seen in different parts of the world this year are unfortunately our new reality and a foretaste of our future,” writes Celeste Saulo following on from 2023 to create the hottest two years on record by a considerable margin This unexpected jump in the rate at which the planet is heating has led some scientists to worry they have missed a factor that may have led them to underestimate the final impact of global warming Scientists monitoring sea temperatures in Sermilik fjord Photograph: Jamie Holte/The University of Edinburgh/PAThen there is the report by Reading University scientists which revealed last week that the rate at which the Earth’s oceans are warming has more than quadrupled over the past four decades ocean temperatures were rising at 0.06C a decade that rate of increase is set to accelerate then in the 1980s the hot tap was running slowly Now it is running much faster and the warming has picked up speed,” said Prof Chris Merchant The “hot tap” referred to by Merchant is greenhouse gas ­emissions Earth’s atmosphere contained about 280 parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide the figure stood at 315ppm as industrialisation took a grip of the planet Today those levels stand at about 420ppm after they jumped by 3.58ppm in 2024 Predictions had anticipated a rise of 2.84ppm That figure contrasts with the target of 1.8ppm that was needed to stay on track to slow down and halt the increase in carbon dioxide levels by 2050 in order to keep the planet on course to hold air temperature rises to 1.5C above preindustrial levels This was the goal of the 2016 Paris climate agreement we are still increasing emissions at twice the limit needed to keep our climate on an even keel we are still not acting quickly enough and on a big enough scale to avoid really terrible consequencesBob Ward climate scientistThe likely consequences of this remorseless rise in emissions are outlined in another uncompromising report Planetary Solvency: Finding our Balance with Nature by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries and Exeter University It argues the global economy “could face a 50% loss in GDP between 2070 and 2090 unless immediate policy action on risks posed by the climate ­crisis is taken,” adding: “Populations are already impacted by food ­system shocks severe economic ­contraction and conflict become more likely.” emeritus professor of geophysical and climate hazards at University College London “In light of the projections in Planetary Solvency it is pretty clear that hope is now a luxury we can no longer afford deep excrement that is getting deeper by the day “It is a simple fact that there is now an extraordinary disconnect between government and business actions and the reality of the colossal impacts of climate breakdown of society and economy.” The recent claim by UK chancellor Rachel Reeves, that economic growth is more important than fighting to achieve net zero who is the author of the forthcoming book The Fate of Our World: How Our Future is Written in the Past An equally gloomy picture is painted by Lancet Countdown a global collaboration of more than 300 researchers and health professionals whose report on health and climate change in 2024 found that climatic extremes were already claiming lives on a massive scale the cause of the most widespread suffering will be the impact on food production said Prof Julian Allwood of Cambridge University “It is going to hit countries near the equator with particular severity As things get hotter and hotter and there is less predictable rain Growing crops in places such as Mongolia might eventually compensate but not before hundreds of millions of people have been left facing starvation across Africa and Asia Mass migration and international conflict will follow and this raises fears of future calamitous ­confrontations the world is now on a very worrying trajectory Firefighting in West Hills Photograph: Ethan Swope/APMany scientists emphasise that such outcomes are not inevitable and that it would be wrong not to continue to fight against the threat of global heating “It is important to ­realise that more action now than ever before is being taken to tackle climate change But we are still not acting quickly enough and on a big enough scale to avoid really terrible consequences.” “Are we going to stabilise the climate and keep global warming well below two degrees and deliver a world that is broadly habitable Or are we going to allow warming to continue unchecked – which is what will happen if we don’t achieve net zero global greenhouse gas emissions That is a real choice that humanity faces.” This article was amended on 26 January 2025 to reflect Rowan Sutton’s primary role as director of the Met Office Hadley Centre This is the archive of The Observer up until 21/04/2025 The Observer is now owned and operated by Tortoise Media Subscribe to the Montecito Journal’s Morning MoJo newsletter and get local news delivered to your inbox twice weekly My brother Benjamin Tolan – and you can ask anyone who went to MUS Crane or Laguna Blanca High School – is best known for his uncanny excellence in whatever he pursues or piano in just a few listens and dominate in any video game you put in front of him So when he changed his major to Japanese language two years into university nor were we surprised when it culminated in a 10-week sojourn to Kyoto for a post-graduation accelerated language program.  Here is how my brother Benjamin became a regular at a chicken-skewer bar in Kyoto When and how did your interest in Japanese culture start I would watch anime like Dragon Ball Z or Naruto I didn’t even know they were originally in Japanese It wasn’t until I took a trip with my family to Japan in 2017 that I really became interested I could tell everyone was hospitable and kind I took some Japanese language classes on a whim I only got two classes in before returning to university How have you spent the years leading up to your adventure abroad I have loved video games since I was a kid The Japanese classes I took at community college I switched majors to East Asian Studies with a Japanese language focus I was practicing and competing in tournaments for the fighting game Super Smash Bros Melee; I attended roughly three tournaments a week for nearly a year I was ranked 15th best player in California known for my skills with the character Luigi I credit those tournaments for developing my post-high-school social skills as I made a ton of friends and met a lot of new people.  Tell us what an average day in Japan looked like for you I’m not much of a morning person – thankfully my Japanese classes in Kyoto were in the afternoon and after getting ready I would either go out to get some breakfast or watch Japanese television if I wasn’t hungry There was a deliberate focus on conversation practice above everything else though we would still learn new vocabulary or Kanji (Japanese characters) We’d perform skits or just have natural conversations speaking only in Japanese inside and outside of the classroom our class would attend extracurricular events or traveling to different cities like Nara and Kobe I would wander aimlessly looking for cool places or restaurants After a month and a half or so I settled into a few shops Once I had a couple drinks and some good food I would retire back to my apartment around 11 pm Who were some of your favorite characters during your stay There was a bar with an owner that everyone called “Boss.” He would let me make song requests on the jukebox and even gave me an awesome Goku figurine I keep on my desk I also frequented a Yakitori izakaya (roughly translated The owner was a man in his 40s whom everyone just called “Tenchou,” literally meaning “owner” or “manager.” He was the type who didn’t take himself seriously in the slightest often cracking jokes while cooking and conversing with regulars You’re late!” before asking me how I was or what I was doing His eight-year-old daughter would often come into the shop carrying a resupply of mayonnaise or garnish and Tenchou would pick her up and twirl her around some other regulars and I went to Karaoke with Tenchou where I gave my goodbyes and appreciation before my departure to the U.S I still occasionally text both Boss and Tenchou to update them on how I’m doing Because of the other regulars and people like Boss and Tenchou I never once felt lonely in Japan despite being so far from home What would you suggest to our readers curious about visiting Kyoto Kyoto was far and away my favorite city because of its surprisingly small scale It gives a more relaxed vibe than one would find in Because Kyoto was originally the capital of Japan there are still many historical sites like castles and temples you can visit The slower pace of life was one of my favorite parts; I found myself wandering along rivers until I reached farms and woods on the outskirts of the city I could take the subway to the Kamagawa River area where tourism booms and the city doesn’t sleep You might be tempted to stay near places like Kamagawa but my suggestion would be to choose somewhere quieter You will get a more authentic snapshot of Kyoto by staying in a smaller neighborhood using the same markets as the people living nearby or even going to the Sentou Water gushing from a broken pipe has inundated a national highway in Kyoto City City officials suspect aging infrastructure is to blame A passerby reported the incident at around 3:30 a.m The Takakura intersection in the city's Shimogyo Ward was said to be under water Officials of Kyoto City Water Supply and Sewerage Bureau say the water spewed from a broken water pipe They say its workers are rushing to replace the aging pipe They warn murky water could contaminate tap water for more than 6,000 buildings and houses in the surrounding area The bureau dispatched six water supply trucks to provide clean water to residents Police say the disruption led to traffic congestion on nearby roads.