All Episodes 2013 - 2024

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Over 1,200 years, Kyoto has evolved into a cultural capital, boasting superb crafts, cuisine and architecture. Narrator Gary Tegler reflects on 200 episodes of Core Kyoto and visits artisans at work.

Kyotoites have lived in kyo-machiya townhouses for centuries. Each year, 1,000 are demolished, but Kyo-machiya Sakujigumi, a group of craftsmen skilled in machiya restoration, use natural materials and traditional methods to preserve them. Megumi Hata, whose family kyo-machiya was built in 1869, discusses how living in a machiya means living comfortably in harmony with nature. Within their walls, the wisdom, the way of life and the spirit of Kyotoites remain unchanged through the generations.

Stimulating all five senses, kaiseki-ryori is a Kyoto culinary work of art. Eiichi Takahashi, 14th generation owner of Hyotei, stresses kaiseki's roots in cha-kaiseki meals served at tea ceremonies. Leading chefs and researchers explore new potential for kaiseki. Takuji Takahashi, 3rd generation owner of Kyo-ryori Kinobu, creates novel dishes using Western methods while preserving the form of Japanese cuisine. These inquisitive minds pursue the ultimate in culinary hospitality.

Kyoto has about 2,700 temples where an array of benevolent, meek, and ferocious Buddhist statues are worshipped. World Heritage temple Toji has a configuration of statues in an imposing, 3D mandala and a beautifully woven mandala, which captures the cosmos. The jizo statues standing on street corners have a special place in the lives and hearts of Kyotoites. Today, sculptors continue to breathe life into Buddhist statues, and skilled craftsmen create magnificent works using gold leaf in microns.

Various locations in Kyoto have been famous cherry-blossom-viewing spots for 1,200 years. As spring approaches, the locals' actions revolve around thoughts of hanami. The cherries keep family ties strong; 3 generations gather once a year for hanami festivities. A 3rd-generation cherry gardener who conserves cherry trees and a photographer who has snapped Kyoto's cherries for about 40 years talk about the enduring allure of these flowers, which feature in bento meals and embroidery designs.

Japanese-style paintings are the embodiment of Kyoto aesthetics. Their delicate scenes are created using unique mineral pigments. Flower artist Rieko Morita emphasizes life in her work. She infuses it with the vitality she feels within the flowers. Modern artists, like her, are grounded in a history that stretches back 1,000 years to the dynastic paintings of the Heian Period. All kinds of schools with distinctive styles were born throughout the long history. The Kano School of painting was favored by samurai. The Rimpa School was characterized by decorativeness. The Maruyama School stressed realism. Various traditions give Kyoto paintings diversity and allure.

The quality of hospitality found at accommodations in Japan's old capital, Kyoto, is known worldwide. They exude a time-honored culture and uniqueness. The entrances are cleansed with sprinkled water and the rooms have peaceful atmospheres with a seasonal touch of flowers. This ingrained sensibility is drawn from Shinto and Buddhist teachings. Once billeting monks, a Zen temple offers pilgrims' lodgings - the roots of Kyoto lodgings. Established inns uphold their founding standards. The essence of consideration that soothes travelers exists in diverse lodgings around the city.

The main stage for hospitality in the glittering kagai entertainment district is the ozashiki function. Geiko and maiko refine their skills over years in dance and other performing arts to present at ozashiki. In this world, shikitari customs and etiquette are dictated by strict protocol drilled into the girls by their elders in their daily lives. A shidashiya caters meals for ozashiki. A yuzenshi dyer creates unique maiko kimono. Many people live within the culture at the heart of the kagai.

The origin of Aoi Matsuri, one of Kyoto's 3 great festivals, goes back more than 1,500 years. Diviners advised the people to ride horses in prayer for bumper crops and to appease the Kamo deities, who were causing storms and floods. Emperors thereafter paid homage to Shimogamo Jinja Shrine and Kamigamo Jinja, and solemnly performed these now-ancient rituals that are reminiscent of the dynastic culture. Aoi Matsuri, its splendid parade and rare customs are full of mystery, even for Japanese.

Sen-no-Rikyu (1522-1591) began the chanoyu, or tea ceremony, that is practiced today, 400 years ago. His simple, rustic wabi philosophy is still discernable in the designs, movements and mindset. In Uji, Kyoto, the year's first shoots from shaded tea plants are ground into a fine powder to make the koicha tea used in the ceremonies. Artisans use time-honored methods to craft the chanoyu utensils. People immerse themselves in this art in which each bowl of tea is considered a once in a lifetime encounter.

Gion Matsuri began as a prayer for the country's health when 66 halberds were erected and 3 mikoshi shrines were paraded through plague-ravaged Heian-kyo in 869. The 33 yamahoko floats in today's climactic procession on July 17 are "moving museums". Revived in 1952, the Kikusui-hoko float was adorned this year with a new tapestry in gratitude to the ancestors. The festival music is traditionally taught orally. The floats are assembled with age-old technics. The streets are alive with revelry on the eve of the parade.

In the 1200's, the monk Dogen brought shojin-ryori, a vegetarian cuisine, from China along with Zen Buddhism, which forbids the killing of animals and the eating of meat. He once said, "Meals and their preparation are part of aesthetic training". Kaiseki-ryori and other Japanese cuisine have their base in and developed from shojin-ryori, which wastes nothing of the seasonal vegetables and cereals used. Chefs, including a chef at a Michelin-rated restaurant, work to spread shojin-ryori worldwide.

Kyoto has many mountain springs, rivers and groundwater. The capital relocated here about 1,200 years ago for the water supply that enriched the citizens' lives and gave rise to Kyoto's culture. Farmers grow vegetables in the fertile delta. Craftspeople continue the kurozome dying traditions. A namafu wheat-gluten store relies on quality groundwater. Supporting them are well sinkers with an extensive knowledge of groundwater arteries. Ever grateful, the locals use water as their livelihood.

As demand for lacquerware grew in the political and cultural hub of Kyoto, artisans refined their designs and techniques with a distinctive approach to aesthetic beauty. This became kyo-shikki, or Kyoto-style lacquerware. The maki-e drawing technique uses sprinkled gold dust on a jet-black background to reproduce dazzling Kyoto scenes. Modern sensibilities combined with traditional techniques produce innovative pieces. Lacquer and gold dust engender the lavish world of this traditional craft.

A pointed boulder with a large stone at its foot reaches for the heavens. The white gravel between them represents a swift flowing river, without the use of water. Karesansui is a unique dry-gardening style that developed in the 14th century from ascetic practices at Kyoto's Zen temples. Monks aim for enlightenment within a world of rippling patterns that run between curious rock arrangements. Enter the infinite Zen cosmos through the karesansui gardens at Tenryu-ji, Daisen-in and Ryoan-ji.

Nishijin-ori symbolizes the ancient capital's elegance and luxury. The obi-weaving process is divided into detailed tasks, such as mon-template design and yarn dying. Each artisan has a specialist role. With a deep sense of responsibility and a mutual trust, they strive for higher levels of perfection. Noh costumes have unsurpassable beauty. Some artisans weave with their fingernails. This magnificent textile meshes the city's 1,200 year-old history and the fervor of artisans through the ages.

The ancient capital has many shinise, or established businesses, with unbroken histories. Kyoto Prefecture classes a firm founded at least a century ago as shinise. Over generations, more than 1,100 Kyoto shinise have maintained imperial court culture and life; and provided for temples, shrines, samurai clans and the common people. Through the ups and downs, they have upheld their trade, reputations and family mottos; and kept the Kyoto entrepreneurial spirit of status and trust alive.

The changing leaves vividly color Kyoto, which lies in a basin and has marked temperature differences. For more than a millennium, people have delighted in their beauty and picnicked under the trees. Today, the changing leaves continue to enchant Kyotoites, who live within the changing seasons. The exquisite leaves adorn traditional kaiseki cuisine dishes, and the trees lit up at night are a magical sight. Some are so captured by their magnificence they express it in waka poetry and the arts.

Kyoto confections are wagashi, or traditional confections, infused with Kyoto's charm and influenced by the tea ceremony. With beautiful designs and names that subtly reflect the seasons, tea confections are an art form to be appreciated with the 5 senses. When making these confections, importance is placed on the semblance and name they are given. Inspiration is drawn from local nature, art, music and literature. Feel Japan's culture, nature and climate through flavorsome Kyoto confections.

Traditional washi paper flourished in the temples, shrines and palaces of the ancient capital. Enduring today, this versatile paper is used to decorate interiors, such as sliding doors and hanging scrolls. Kurotani has been the papermaking center of Kyoto washi for 800 years. Katazome-washi is dyed with traditional yuzen-dyeing patterns. Useless washi and centuries-old books are used in recycle-themed artworks. The efforts of Kyoto's artisans and artists nurture Kyoto's washi culture.

Obanzai are the frugal side dishes that grace dinner tables daily in Kyoto - the home of washoku, or Japanese cuisine. Cooked to make the staple dish of rice taste delicious, they use only simple ingredients. The wisdom in the preparation is eco-friendly; scraps are reused, none are discarded. The menu handed down in the Sugimoto clan for more than 200 years embodies the spirit of obanzai. Washoku was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2013, and obanzai is in the spotlight.

Ikebana is the traditional art of flower arranging. Developed in Kyoto it merges Asian naturalism with the floral offerings to Buddhist altars. The Ikenobo headmaster upholds the school's 550-year-old tradition. A potter imagines vases as extensions of the flowers they hold. A practitioner creates progressive arrangements steeped in tradition. Plants are not mere ornaments. Practitioners impose their lives on that of the flowers. Ikebana's quintessence is in the representation of life as beauty.

Calligraphy is the art of writing characters with a brush. The use of kanji characters, which entered from China, spread with the practice of copying sutras. In temples and shrines, the art projects the state of the practitioner's mind. Calligraphy developed independently through the kana syllabary 1,200 years ago. Kana calligrapher Koho Hibino, master of a flowing style, says it embodies Japanese emotional and aesthetic sensibilities. Discover the essence of the black-and-white realm of calligraphy.

The butsudan Buddhist family altar was built as a miniature of the temple dais upon which the main image stands, so families could worship at home. Reflecting the Pure Land in this world, butsudan not only hold Buddhist images but are also vehicles for people to communicate with their ancestors. Kyoto altars, called kin-butsudan, are decked with gold metalwork and maki-e lacquer. Their beauty is an unparalleled work of art. Strongholds of the heart, kin-butsudan show the core of Kyoto culture.

Tawaraya Sotatsu, who emerged from Kyoto's merchant class, was one pioneer of the Rimpa School in the early Edo Period, and Ogata Korin consolidated it in the mid-Edo Period. The school is not hereditary but is propagated by artists, who admire Sotatsu and Korin, and follow their styles. Rimpa is characterized by a notable use of space; abstract, vibrant designs; and creative playfulness. The works of Kyoto-based Nihonga artists continue the Rimpa style 400 years after its inception.

Kyoto has long-been a leading bamboo-growing region. Bamboo was considered holy in ancient times for its strong vitality. It is used at shrines and palaces as the barrier between the sacred and secular worlds. Gagaku music for the deities is played on bamboo instruments. Since Heian times, this durable, pliable material was important in the development of Japanese architecture in Kyoto, such as garden gates and fences. Bamboo also appears in various capacities in the diet and clothing of Kyoto.

Kyo-yuzen fabric has distinct patterns and splendid, delicate colors. Kyo-yuzen dyed kimono brighten special occasions in Kyoto. A lady takes extra care of her grandmother's kimono that is filled with joyous memories. An established wholesaler and its skilled artisans resolutely provide the ultimate in kyo-yuzen. An artist, whose one aim is to make women shine beautifully, breathes life into kyo-yuzen. Admire the beauty of Kyoto attire through kyo-yuzen, nurtured by a refined eye for beauty.

Filled with noble, graceful dignity, Kyoto dolls have long embodied people's prayers, relieved loneliness, and represented prayers for their children's growth. Connected to dynastic culture, these dolls evolved in the hands of talented Kyoto artisans. Edo-period craftsmen honed their doll-making skills, and these techniques are still practiced. Hina dolls reflect adoration for the nobility. Gosho dolls were adored at the palace. Find out how people's hearts are connected through Kyoto dolls.

Kyoto is home to most Buddhist head temples, which shaped the ancient capital's historical landscape and fascinate visitors. Shichido-garan, the 7 most important buildings for Zen religious training, are positioned in the shape of a person. Maintaining temples for centuries, carpenters conduct major repairs at Chion-in and thatch Kiyomizu-dera's main-hall with cypress bark using traditional roofing methods. Look at the world of Buddhist architecture, sustained by craftsmanship and faith.

Shinto shrines have sacred shimenawa ropes, bells with cords attached, mirrors, various fittings, and ceremonial ornamentation that have adorned these places of worship since time immemorial. Made from wood, metal, silk threads, hemp, and other materials, this ornamentation became more elaborate and brilliant in the hands of artisans who gathered in the ancient capital, Heian-kyo, when it was established some 1,200 years ago. These crafts, which live on today, link worshippers with the deities.

The Kyoto basin is blessed with fertile soil and an abundant supply of good water. Kyoto winters are frigid; and summers, scorching. This environment yields eggplants, pumpkin, and other produce known as 'Kyoto vegetables', many of which have been grown for more than 150 years. One local farmer works to promote new varieties, while students try to revive an almost extinct variety of gourd. Discover the allure of nutritional, flavorsome Kyoto vegetables in the hands of various chefs.

Ogres, specters, demons, ghosts and hell. The ancient capital's many myths of the spirit world seem fantastic today. Kyoto's citizens lived in fear and awe of the other world and appealed to the deities for help. They honored milestones and kept the annual events in thanks to the deities for their protection. Consequences of the city's prosperity, the legends have origins in the deep in the recesses of the human mind, and the epidemics and wars that occurred throughout Kyoto's history.

The Japanese believe their ancestors' spirits return from the other world to visit during Obon in mid-August. The Gozan-no-okuribi ceremony to send them off is held in Kyoto at the end of Obon on August 16. Bonfires are lit on 5 Kyoto mountains as guides for the spirits to find their way back safely. Watch the locals' prepare for this fiery traditional event in the Matsugasaki area of Kyoto, where 2 of the bonfires are lit, and discover the ancient customs of the living and the dead.

Fushimi Inari Taisha is famous worldwide for the vermillion shrine gates that line the paths in the mountain behind it, where its origins lie. Worshippers seeking happiness have visited this sacred ground where the deities rest for centuries. One family prays religiously every month for business prosperity. Another has the divided spirit of the deity protecting their home and business. Kyotoites live for the future, every day in thanks, through the shrine that embodies their unwavering faith.

Noh is one of the oldest, extant performing arts and is a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It has been performed in Kyoto some 650 years, and its form remains largely unchanged. Through few moves and props, the plays portray human drama around age-old themes, such as love and parent-child bonds. Protagonists are mostly spirits of the dead telling of their earthly grief and joy. Within the seemingly expressionless masks lies a subtle beauty, drawing spectators into a dream world.

Dynastic culture thrived some 1,200 years ago in Heian-kyo, heavily influenced by mainland Asian, especially Chinese, culture. Over time, it developed its own idiosyncrasies and permeated all aspects of life: clothing, architecture and food. The invention of the kana syllabary spawned waka poetry, essays and novels. For 800 years the Reizei clan has kept the waka traditions and other aristocratic rituals alive. The roots of today's Japanese culture can be seen in elements of dynastic culture.

The ancient capital, Kyoto, continues to be innovative after 1,200 years. We dive deep into its core in this definitive program. Today: Kyoto Gardens as aesthetic spaces mirroring nature.

Kyoto boasts upwards of 1,000 shinise businesses, each more than 100 years old, many of which are in the food industry. Kyoto cuisine is the foundation of washoku Japanese cuisine, and these shinise are its core. Their trade names, signboards and noren curtains convey the philosophy and principles of operating a shinise. The spirit of the artisans focuses on honoring traditional skills and conventions while concentrating on the future. Discover Kyoto's culture through its timeless food culture.

Around 400 years ago, Sen-no-rikyu pursued the art of heart-to-heart communication through a bowl of tea and advanced the wabi-cha style of tea ceremony, stressing the beauty within simplicity. The utensils are vital in conveying the hosts' sentiments. The essence of wabi-cha pervades the utensils made by 10 artisan families, purveyors to the Sen clan. Watch these artisans at work in a range of crafts from lacquerware to joinery and discover the spirit and aesthetic sensibilities of Kyoto.

Kyoto tsukemono, or pickles, are made with various combinations of pickles and agents to preserve seasonal vegetables. Of these, three major varieties are still made using unique methods. Suguki turnip pickles, once made by Shinto priestly clans, have a rich, sour taste. Shibazuke pickled eggplants have the reddish hue of shiso leaves. One family makes senmaizuke white-turnip pickles with a special recipe. Discover the wisdom and skill accumulated over centuries that make vegetables tastier.

February 3 is New Year's Eve by the old, lunar calendar and is the boundary between winter and spring. On this day, called Setsubun, households scatter soybeans for good fortune in the coming year, expelling the demons that represent misfortune and calamity. The shrine Yoshida Jinja protects Kyoto at the 'demon's gate' in the northeast with a ritual in which the 'shaman' wears a four-eyed mask. Farmers in rural areas uphold the custom of driving out moles. Disguised geiko pray for protection against evil. Discover how Kyotoites pray for order in life through these safeguarding traditions.

In the ancient capital, sake was for religious and imperial rites. Made exclusively at the imperial brewery, the process evolved under the influence of palace cuisine. Kyoto with its bountiful water supply is ideal for production, and Fushimi later prospered as the sake brewing area. Gaining attention with the popularity of Japanese cuisine, sake is one of few alcoholic beverages in the world served hot or chilled. Discover the brewing process and the influence Kyoto sake had on Japan's culture.

Kyotoites have an affinity for the kimono that shares deep ties with traditional culture. A kimono researcher explains its aesthetics and the wisdom within this traditional clothing. The obi is an infinite expression of beauty. Wearing white socks is a sign of purity. Generations wear the same kimono, because it can be re-sown. Men's kimono exude style with lavish patterns in the coat lining and the family crest on formalwear. Discover the world of kimono, imbued with Kyoto's sensibilities.

After the first cafe opened in Kyoto in 1930, a coffee culture flourished as coffee salons enjoyed the patronage of local merchants, who prided themselves on staying abreast of the latest fashions. Kyotoites always placed the utmost importance on hospitality. Cafes may be relatively new to the cityscape, but they exude the local spirit of hospitality. Owners of distinct cafes find ingenious ways to infuse their service with this ethos. Discover the charm of Kyoto cafes while sipping on a brew.

Kannon Bosatsu is warmly worshipped, a comfort for the heart. The subject of many paintings and statues, he saves people across Buddhist sects. The 11-faced Kannon faces each direction in search of people to save. The 1,000-armed Kannon holds objects used to relieve people's anguish. Kiyomizu-dera, where memorial services are held for him, attracts worshippers seeking salvation. Watch a sculptor carve a statue of Kannon. Discover the deep faith Kannon has drawn among Kyotoites over centuries.

In the late 1800's Kyoto architects and builders were the first to embrace change as Japan modernized. They incorporated the unusual Western designs into their buildings, changing the cityscape with its many temples and shrines. The great achievements of these pioneers remain today, used as public institutions, places of learning, worship and business. Conspicuous yet congruous, they represent the dawn of a new era. Discover the modern architecture in the ancient capital, whose colors never fade.

Kyogen is a traditional performing art, popular in Kyoto for more than 600 years. Noh evolved at around the same time and draws many of its tragic plots from historical events. But Kyogen is more accessible, because it uses the vernacular and draws humorous themes from everyday situations, such as blunders and marital tiffs and other events. The Shigeyama family has been active in the art since the early 1700s. Mibu Kyogen evolved as religious drama. Discover the Kyoto's culture of laughter.

The decorative arts evolved throughout during the city's 1,200-year history and survive today. Kyoto's reputation commands the highest quality, and many works of stunning beauty emerged as artisans refined their techniques and aesthetic sensibilities. With strict attention to detail, the artisans devote themselves to and project their sensitivities onto each piece they create. Discover the pinnacle of Kyoto beauty as seen in the supreme decorative arts of kirikane, shippo, kyo-nui and raden.

Kyoto is home to many Buddhist and Shinto head temples and shrines. The approaches to the gates have long attracted vendors plying local specialties to worshippers. Kiyomizudera Monzenkai was formed by vendors along Kiyomizu-dera's approach as a vigilante group to protect the temple. When Nishihongan-ji was established 400 years ago, a "temple town" developed near its gates, and it thrives today with stores selling Buddhist items. Toji's Kobo Market connects the hearts of everyone who gathers.

Shidashi-ryori is Kyoto hospitality. Kyotoites do not serve visitors and honored guests homemade dishes on ceremonial occasions. The convention is to entrust the preparations to trusted caterers. The caterers fulfill their customers' needs, be they budgetary or ingredients. Caterers in different districts specialize for the local clientele: shojin-ryori for temples, kaiseki for tea gatherings, courses for entertainment districts. Discover bento meals and other various forms of shidashi-ryori.

The ancient capital was devastated during a period of intense war lasting 2 centuries until the late 16th century, when Toyotomi Hideyoshi assumed supreme power. He envisioned rebuilding a city that would prosper through a free economy and a stable government. A rampart was built around Kyoto, and rezoning increased residential areas. Hideyoshi's palace of gold was a symbol of his glory, and he influenced the lavish Momoyama culture. Discover the traces of Hideyoshi's legacy in Kyoto, today.

For Heian aristocrats some 1,200 years ago, Kyoto life was the world of officialdom. Uji, located southeast of the capital, was the retreat where they let their bodies and minds run free. It represented the transience of the material world as depicted in the classic novel, The Tale of Genji. The nobles embraced Uji-grown tea, which sustained the tea ceremony, and the pastime of cormorant fishing, and gave them form. Byodo-in was later built by the Jodo Sect to represent the Pure Land of Buddha.

Kyoto cuisine evolved in the old capital to please aristocratic eyes and palates. The local soft underground water inspired a cuisine that draws out flavors using dashi stock. Seafood was geographically hard to get, so locals refined techniques and contrivances, and the use of seasonings and utensils, for making tasty dishes with the available produce. Artisans provide quality products to maintain this food culture. Discover how the chefs' attention to detail brings out the ultimate in flavors.

Over its 1,000 year history as capital, Kyoto attracted craftsmen with outstanding artistry from around Japan. They made quality implements and furnishings, and the craft developed a distinct Kyoto refinement that became renowned. The craftsmen's knowledge of wood they work and their command of the delicate processes convey the traditions that survive to this today. Discover how various Kyoto woodcraft traditions evolved by watching the turners, joiners, coopers and other craftsmen at work.

Iwashimizu Hachiman-gu lies in the southwest of Kyoto Prefecture. On September 15, this shrine holds the Iwashimizu-sai. This some 1,000-year-old festival is held in prayer for the peace of all living things. In the darkness at 2 a.m., the mystical ritual begins with three mikoshi portable shrines, on which the deities ride, departing down the mountain. The scene is a living manifestation of ancient picture scrolls. Discover the Kyotoites' respect for life through this festival's rituals.

The Inoue School of Dance evolved as a distinct form of traditional Japanese dance in Kyoto. Danced to a shamisen and song backing, it developed exclusively for the geiko and maiko of Gion Kobu, Kyoto's largest entertainment district. Traditional Kyoto dance, or Kyo-mai, exalts life and can represent urbane people by acting out the universal emotion of females. Discover the consummate art of Kyo-mai with its history of more than 200 years through the current 5th head of the Inoue School.

Kyoto today is a bustling tourist destination, but there was a time when it had lost its sparkle. The emperor moved to Tokyo 120 years ago to forge a modern state, and many followed, depleting the population. This crisis shook the city's foundation, but it reinvented itself through modern public works and other initiatives. The Jidai Matsuri pays homage to the past with 2,000 people parading in period costumes. Discover the citizens' resilience as they redefined their city, creating a new Kyoto.

Byobu, or folding screens, were introduced to Japan in the 7th century as room partitions and windbreaks. Their distinct form today was shaped by Heian lifestyles and sensibilities, and they were elevated to an art form. Byobu are used to indicate the seasons. Gold screens grace formal receptions. Japanese artists are still drawn to them as a medium, and they produce byobu for religious and secular uses. Mounters uphold age-old techniques to restore them. Discover the profound allure of byobu.

Kyo-yaki, or artistic ceramics fired in Kyoto, evolved within the rich culture of the ancient capital as crockery for the local cuisine and as utensils in tea ceremony. One potter, who devotes his life to overglaze enamels, renders refined patterns and colors on his pieces. Another has refined his molding skills and creates pieces that are easy for chefs to use. These ceramics embody the Kyotoites' desire to please their guests. Discover how the charm of Kyo-yaki ceramics grows with use.

Suiseki is the appreciation of natural stone shapes using poetic imagination to visualize magnificent mountain, island, or waterfall landscapes. This pastime arrived from China in the late 1100's and spread among Kyoto aristocrats and Zen monks. Suiseki's beauty lies in the stones' understated simplicity and becalming quality. The Seven Stones of Kamo found in the Kamo River basin are prized in suiseki circles. Discover the profound world of rock appreciation that evolved in the old capital.

Kyo-kanoko shibori is the general term used for tie-dyed fabric made in Kyoto. The bumpy pattern on the fabric's surface is mesmerizing with its delicate shadows. Binding parts of the fabric to leave undyed areas allows certain colors to bleed and lends the design solidity. Each stage in the process has its own specialized artisan for design, binding, dyeing, and other stages in between. Discover the alluring world of Kyo-kanoko shibori through the dexterous hands of passionate artisans.

The streets of Kyoto are dotted with many cozy-looking restaurants, which some may feel awkward about entering. Many of these small restaurants, referred to as koryoriya, specialize in Japanese cuisine. The owner-chefs behind the counter, who take the orders personally, pride themselves on serving food that complements the drink, and vice versa. So koryoriya are places to enjoy good food, good drinks and good conversation. Discover the allure of Kyoto's food culture and how to enjoy koryoriya.

The obi sash is an integral accessory for the kimono. One company has produced opulent Nishijin-ori obi for more than 120 years. A lady conveys the obi's allure through fitting classes. A dresser deftly ties the trailing obi of the Gion maiko. Fastened with a decorative cord, the obi is the final touch in a kimono ensemble. Its form manifests the obi's rich history and the sentiments of the people who produce or tie them. Discover the profound world hiding in a beautiful obi and its knot.

The world's oldest orchestral music, gagaku was imported from mainland China in ancient times. The melody is not based on a scale, yet the tunes are gentle, unmetered tones of continuous notes. The shakuhachi flute is a Buddhist instrument that brings enlightenment. The koto zither was much loved among the ancient aristocracy. The guitar-like shamisen entertains banquet guests in the flower districts. Discover the eternal tunes that harmonized the musical instruments' nature with human emotions.

Traditional woodblock prints in the ancient capital have a strong, distinct history. Their origins lie in the woodblock printing of Buddhist scriptures. Compared to the mass production of ukiyo-e prints that were popular with Edo (now Tokyo) residents, woodblock printers in Kyoto were more focused on quality over quantity, creating delicate, soft expressions of art with their honed skills. Discover the subtle, elaborate beauty through the expertise of the three artists involved in process.

Traditional Kyoto Machiya townhouses have narrow entrances, and are long and deep. At the back lie small Tsubo-niwa gardens, enclosed on all sides. Originally serving to light and ventilate the house, they enabled residents to comfortably endure the intense, summer heat. Over time, people applied their simple, austere aesthetic sensibilities to create beauty in these confined spaces. Discover the wisdom behind these gardens through the local lifestyle and the expertise of the landscape artists.

Kyoto artist Insho Domoto was prolific in the mid-20th century. He painted more than 600 dynamic sliding door paintings for Tofuku-ji, Chishaku-in and other major Buddhist temples in styles ranging from traditional Nihonga painting to innovative abstract painting. He has influenced a range of fields, such as sculpture, architecture, and the designs of traditional confectionery and accessories. Discover how "innovation is tradition" in Kyoto through works that reveal Domoto's creative spirit.

During the spring and fall tourist seasons Kyoto's shrines and temples open their usually hidden treasures to the public. The Buddhist statues and paintings, and other precious cultural assets that have survived centuries are threatened by degeneration, so special exhibitions are held to raise funds through entrance fees for repairing and preserving the objects. Discover Kyoto's fervor for preserving its cultural assets through the hidden treasures exhibited in Fushimi in spring 2016.

The ancient capital's dignified air of yesteryear is in part generated by earthen walls: the walls of the imperial palace, shrines, temples and even private properties. Earthen walls imbue tea houses with a rustic air. Kyoto is blessed with soil of a color ideal for these walls. Plasterers over centuries developed and refined their technique to produce walls befitting a capital. Discover the aesthetic sensibilities and expertise of traditional plasterers as they pursue beauty in earthen walls.

Kata-yuzen is a Kyoto yuzen dyeing method that sometimes requires as many as 100 stencils to complete a bolt of kimono fabric. The development of this method saved dyers much time and enabled mass production. The most skill-intensive task is the carving of the washi paper to create the stencils. The elaborate designs and sharp lines that are difficult to attain by hand are captivating. Discover how the Kata-yuzen techniques were refined through the Kyotoites passionate pursuit of stunning kimono.

Kyoto is surrounded by mountains on 3 sides, so the city is concentrated in the basin where summers are sultry. Over the centuries, Kyotoites contrived ways to stay cool. They dread the heat but revel in the traditions. Come June, they prepare themselves physically and mentally by replacing the winter fittings, holding rituals for good health, and eating sweets that resemble ice. Discover the ingenuity and aesthetic beauty behind the customs Kyotoites observe to live in harmony with nature.

Paper talismans protecting against fire are common sights in Kyoto homes. People receive them at Atago Jinja, situated on top of a rugged mountain. The shrine holds Sennichi-mairi, or the 1,000-day pilgrimage, on the evening of July 31. Worshippers believe that if they make the grueling trek they have 1,000 days' worth of protection against fire-related disasters. Discover the deep faith in Atago as more than 10,000 Kyotoites undertake the pilgrimage with gratitude for the gifts fire bestows.

The Kiyomizu Rokubey studio, one of Kyoto's leading potteries, was established 245 years ago. Led by the current Rokubey, the 8th generation to take the name, it continues to produce elegant yet practical ceramics. Rokubey VIII is also a leading ceramic artist making original art objects. Yakushi-ji in Nara, which holds superb Buddhist art works, commissioned him to create a piece that will retain its presence throughout time. Discover the work of Rokubey as he strives to fulfill this request.

Some 10,000 stone Jizo Buddhist statues dot the streets of Kyoto. At the end of summer, children gather at the street corners where the statues stand for lively Jizo Bon festivities. This annual event, where people pray for the health and success of their children, is also an opportunity for neighborhoods to strengthen their ties. Discover a cornerstone of ordinary Kyoto citizen's faith through the small, charming Jizo statues that are an integral part of local life.

Camera crews are common sights in Kyoto's historic streets and peaceful rural areas. The first film screening in Japan was held here in 1897, and Kyoto became the cradle of the Japanese movie industry, giving birth to masterpieces. Studios attracted expert craftsmen who created the sword fighting scenes, wigs and props needed to give samurai dramas authenticity. Discover a facet of the ancient capital at Uzumasa, the heart of the local film industry, where culture and history take center stage.

Fusuma are uniquely Japanese fittings, dating back a millennium, that act as partitions, sliding doors and walls. Painting them can transform a room's ambience. Fusuma paintings have evolved in keeping with the times, space, and patrons and artists' tastes. In the 1500's, magnificent paintings became signs of the wealth and power of the samurai class. In temples, ink paintings conveyed Buddhist teachings. Discover how fusuma paintings have raised furniture to the level of art.

Boys dressed as maidens walk the streets at night wearing lanterns adorned with intricate, cut-paper designs on their heads. Girls perform a votive dance. This intriguing festival held in Yase, located at the foot of Mt. Hiei in Kyoto's northeast, dates back some 300 years when a Senior Councilor in the shogunate sided with the people of Yase in a land dispute, which occurred nearby. Discover the residents' enduring gratitude as they prepare to fete the Councilor, now revered as a deity.

At 3 a.m. on October 22, two large pine torches over 10m long are lit to signal the start of the fire festival at Iwakura Jinja. Long ago, it was believed that demons were contained by a huge boulder in the area, after which both the shrine and the area are named. In the late 1100's the shrine was built and the deity was transferred there, but it returns to the boulder on the day of the festival. Discover this 500-year-old festival through the preparations of the residents of Iwakura.

Some 1,000 years ago, monks from warring Mt. Hiei and nobles from the capital retreated from the world in rustic Ohara, northeast of Kyoto. The monks perfected the practice of shomyo, a melodic singing of Buddhist sutras, and in its heyday the village had as many as 50 practice halls. Ohara also was a sanctuary for nuns, and is known for the distinctively dressed local women called Oharame, who sold firewood in Kyoto. Discover the nature and history of Ohara through the deep faith at its heart.

The Kyoto State Guest House was built as a Japanese-style reception facility within the Kyoto Imperial Palace Park in 2005. This serene, elegant single-story facility hosts dignitaries from around the world. As of 2016 it is now open to the public year-round. Seasoned Kyoto craftsmen in traditional architecture and the industrial arts applied their expertise to imbue it with the ultimate in hospitality. Discover another facet to Kyoto sensibilities through their impeccable attention to detail.

Sento, or bathhouses, were built in Kyoto to cater to the large student and artisan population who lived in lodgings without baths. Many are worthy of historic note. One has been operating for 1,300 years; another is part of a temple complex. Some have splendid decors or interesting baths. Today they remain lively social hubs of their communities. A young manager strives to create a Sento young people frequent. Discover the allure of Sento where people gather to relieve the stress of the day.

The soaring forest of tall, straight cedars in Kitayama, in Kyoto's northwest, is a glorious sight. Kitayama cedar -- known for its light color, uniform thickness, and smooth, knotless trunk -- is treasured as a material for floors and pillars in Japanese architecture. And daisugi cedars, pruned to produce dozens of tree-like offshoots from one trunk, are prized in gardens for their aesthetic value. Discover the allure of Kitayama cedar through the foresters who inherited their management.

Incense is primarily made by mixing natural plant-derived scents. It lends rooms ambience to welcome guests and is used in grooming. Originally burned in prayer, it now enrichens everyday life in Kyoto. Kodo, or the way of incense, which arrived in Japan with Buddhism 1,500 years ago, has deep ties to the spiritual world. Aloeswood and other aromatic woods are cut to rice-sized pieces and appreciated following set protocols. Discover how incense is intertwined with the hearts of Kyotoites.

Tofu arrived from China along with Buddhism over a millennium ago. It further evolved in Japan as an ingredient in Shojin-ryori vegetarian Zen cuisine and in time appeared on the tables of the common folk. The pursuit and refinement of tofu-making and its cooking in the ancient capital produced distinct varieties. The artisans curdle the mix of soybeans and water with bittern to give a taste that is profound in its simplicity and sophistication. Discover the food culture surrounding Kyoto Tofu.

Kyoto's revitalization at the dawn of modernization in the 1860's was spurred by its 1,000-year history of tradition and innovation. The source of this vitality is the "generous and adaptable spirit" of Kyotoites. An exemplar of this is a painting of a kimono-clad woman playing the piano. Today the city – its temples and century-old buildings – continue to evolve. Discover modern Kyoto through the inheritors to the traditional crafts who are promoting their works to the world.

Kanjiro Kawai was prolific in Kyoto in the mid-1900's. Originally from Shimane Prefecture, he devoted himself to pottery at Gojozaka, the hub for graceful Kiyomizu ceramics, for 46 years. He is regarded a master of glazes, and his works are characterized by an abundance of color and a strength of form. A leader of the Folk Arts Movement, he pursued the beauty of everyday implements. Discover how the cultural climate of Kyoto nurtured and supported Kawai as he pursued beauty within "life as work".

The business of Araiya in Kyoto involves cleaning and restoring old temples, shrines, Machiya-style townhouses, and other wooden structures to their former glory. The industry is sustained by many Kyotoites' desire to cherish and hand down their belongings over generations. Araiya essentially work by hand patiently using age-old techniques to remove the grime and stains from homes, furniture, and kimono, too. Discover Kyotoites' respect for history and continuity through the expertise of Araiya.

Nenbutsu Kyogen is held at Kyoto temples in spring. This masked theater began here 1,000 years ago as group recitations of Buddhist teachings to receive greater blessings. In time this evolved into a means of imparting the teachings through comedic theater, and today amateur locals avidly perform and preserve the tradition. The 3 main temples are Seiryo-ji, Injo-ji, and Mibu-dera. Discover the local's deep Buddhist faith and their strong community ties through this age-old performing art.

Kyotoites have for centuries refrained from directly conveying their true sentiments. Instead, they have refined the art of gift wrapping as a means of subtle communication. As senders honed their skills, recipients became deft at perceiving the thoughts and feelings enclosed. However, this custom was not just a show of gratitude. The packages embrace a sense of the seasons, sympathy, or delight as the recipient opens them. Discover the hidden sentiments within the folds of wrapping culture.

Nishiki Market, referred to as "Kyoto's kitchen", supplies local households and businesses with choice local cooking ingredients, including Kyoto vegetables and seafood. It began 1,000 years ago with fish peddlers, and in time a market evolved around the abundant local supply of pure artesian water. The market has faced many crises but survived, the driving force being the merchants' solidarity. Discover how the local merchants uphold the Nishiki brand through their workings and community ties.

Gion Matsuri was restored to its former glory in 2014, almost 50 years after its two processions were merged into one. Again one parade precedes the deities' journey from the shrine to their temporary abode during the festival, and another precedes their return. The festival's revival was led by the resurrection of the Ofune Hoko float after 150 years. Now the Taka Yama float, absent for 190 years, will also be rebuilt. Discover the pride and passion of locals in bringing back old traditions.

In early summer, confectioners display traditional sweets shaped like ayu, or sweetfish. For Kyotoites, ayu is as important a summer fish as conger pike. For centuries, fresh seafood was limited in landlocked Kyoto, so ayu caught in the Kamo and Katsura Rivers was considered precious. So much so that according to 1,000-year-old records it was often gifted to the imperial court. Discover the rich culture inspired by this fresh summer delicacy that Kyotoites still cherish today.

Japanese believe their ancestors' spirits visit in mid-August. To safely guide the spirits back to the other world, they light bonfires on 5 mountains in the Gozan-no-okuribi ceremony. The residents charged with the Hidari-daimonji bonfire solemnly uphold the traditional spirit of prayer and allow only local participation. Here, a large torch is used to transport the fire from the temple at the foot of the mountain. Discover the customs that continue to bind the living and the dead in Kyoto.

Kyoto's braided cords came into their own as fashion accessories for the nobility, 1,000 years ago. Elegant and practical, they were highly prized, and used in religious and formal settings. They came to be deployed in samurai armor, and their use then spread to the common folk, stimulating production. Today braided cords, with their fine detail, shine as bit players in various occasions in daily life. Discover the allure of Kyoto braided cords and the ancient culture of elegant fastenings.

Geta and zori set off the kimono ensemble. People from all walks of life covet Kyoto footwear that evolved with the kimono. Artisans pursue beauty and functionality in the simple construction of a V-shaped toe thong attached to a base. Maiko wear special geta made with traditional techniques. Strict rules of footwear etiquette still pertain today, while a child's first geta are endowed with their parents' hopes for their future. Discover the footwear culture of the ancient capital.

In early October, Kitano Tenmangu shrine holds the Zuiki Matsuri festival. Sacred palanquins carry the spirit of the shrine's deity through the parish to its temporary abode. Enshrined there is a portable mikoshi shrine with a 400-year history. Residents spend a month festooning it with local produce and imbue it with gratitude for an abundant harvest. Discover their connection with nature through this festival that retains vestiges of bygone days when the district was a farming area.

Dramatic blacks and pearly grays evoke profound scenes. Originating in China, ink painting was once part of Zen monks' ascetic training. It reveals the beauty of space in a simple, refined state and captivates the viewer, while conveying the Zen tenets. The art form took hold and matured in Kyoto in the 15th C. with masters, such as Josetsu and Sesshu, and Jakuchu in modern times, wielding great influence on the genre. Discover how ink painting evolved in the austere, spiritual climate of Kyoto.

In Kyoto, people regularly buy sweet treats at stores, which specialize in seasonal sweets that are also used in festivals. Some purveyors continue to use age-old ingredients and methods, and the lines outside their stores are proof of their popularity. People believe eating red adzuki beans wards off evil, as well as providing nutrition and energy, so they are a favored ingredient for ritual sweets. Discover Kyoto's beating heart in the sweets and treats that embody the everyday wisdom of old.

Mount Kurama, located north of urban Kyoto, is steeped in legend. Goblin-like creatures called Tengu are believed to live deep in the forest, where one allegedly taught swordsmanship to a 12th-century samurai general. Other legends swirl around Kurama-dera, the main temple. Kifune Jinja is dedicated to the water deity and draws many women wanting to discover their fortunes in love. Discover the mystic energy that surrounds one of Kyoto's prime "power spots" through the local folklore.

Kyotoites in days of old valued high quality fabric and woven textiles from abroad like gold. Pieces of these fabrics have been handed down and continue to fascinate people today. Their eternal beauty is preserved through repurposing as tea utensil pouches, tobacco holders, obi sashes and even as works of art. Weavers strive to learn the techniques used in days gone by in order to reproduce them. Discover the culture of reverence for the great beauty and skill to be found in old fabric pieces.

The year end begins in mid-December. Maiko and geiko pay their respects to teachers. Decorations and other seasonal goods enjoy brisk sales at markets, homes are decorated and osechi cuisine is prepared. On New Year's Eve people give thanks for the old year at Yasaka Jinja, and the next day the Toshigami deity brings the New Year to every home. Families exchange greetings and feast on osechi with gratitude to the deity. Discover how Kyotoites revere the New Year through their long-held customs.

Kyoto City University of Arts was founded in 1880. Its educational policy emphasizes shasei – painting from life through intensive observation to glean a subject's true essence. It continues a practice advocated by 18th-century Kyoto artist, Maruyama Okyo. The university's alumni include leading painters in the art world and artisans in Kyoto's traditional arts and crafts. Discover the ethos underlying Kyoto art through the eyes of contemporary students of Nihonga Japanese-style painting.

Hot green tea poured over steamed rice topped with salted kombu kelp and other flavorings is commonly known as ochazuke, but called bubuzuke in Kyoto. Records from the 1800's show that common folk cooked rice once a day, at lunchtime, and for other meals they would pour hot tea over cold rice. Today topped with a colorful variety of pickles, or eel or sea bream, bubuzuke has become a local specialty in its own right. Discover the Kyoto spirit of frugality through a simple meal of rice and tea.

Maiko are the charming symbol of Kyoto's kagai entertainment districts. Their hairstyle and hair ornaments are key elements of their kawaii appeal. The ornaments are changed every month to reflect the flowers of the season, while the hairstyle differs according to what stage a maiko is in her career. The artisans making the items worn by maiko support the girls as though they were their own daughters. Discover the warmth of the people contributing to kagai culture through maiko hair ornaments.

Red and black demons beating drums and gongs dance through the streets of Kyoto's north in the Yasurai Matsuri, one of the city's three most curious festivals. In days of old, pestilence ran rampant every year when the cherry blossoms fell. Locals believed the 2 were linked, so with lively dances they lured deities of plagues under a bright umbrella to return them to the shrine for the year. Discover local beliefs through the lens of a festival that continues in this age of advanced medicine.

Vividly painted clamshells and a pristine cypress helmet -- these and other works bear a legacy of beauty and formality dating back over 1,200 years to the Heian dynasty. Behind them lies a code of practices governing the color and form of all aspects of Heian court life from rites to attire. It remains foremost in artisans' minds as they strive to give their work dignity and form. Discover the fervent desire of the imperial court for health and happiness through the artisans' reproductions.

Mirei Shigemori, a prolific landscape artist based in Kyoto from the late 1920's, is famous for the striking and abundant creativity of his gardens. He made a powerful impact on garden design in Kyoto with his checkerboard-patterned gardens and dry karesansui gardens that use dynamic rock groupings, such as Hasso-no-niwa at Tofuku-ji and Joko-no-niwa at Matsunoo Taisha. Discover the ageless modernity of Mirei's revolutionary designs that continue to stimulate, inspire and influence people today.

1,000 years ago, aristocrats would compose short waka poems seated by a babbling brook at the imperial palace, sipping sake and admiring the changes in the seasons. This outdoor party was revived at Jonangu Shrine in 1970. Experts tend the recreated period garden, and poets yearning for a bygone era strive to render the spirit of their Heian forebears. A court dancer provides a dance accompaniment. Discover the passion of those who breathe life into an elegant historical event.

The satoyama style of living in harmony with nature, and the customs that influenced life in the ancient capital, survive in the mountains north of central Kyoto. An old inn in the town of Hanase continues to serve the local specialty, tsumikusa (foraged wild foods) cuisine. Miyama is famous for its thatching tradition, and the local artisans use skills passed down for generations to re-thatch Kyoto's many temples and shrines. Discover the local customs that keep Kyoto's culture alive.

Japanese pepper, or sansho, is characterized by a fresh aroma and a tongue-numbing tingle. A sprinkle of it can dramatically perk up the flavor of food. Used in Japanese cooking for over 1,000 years, it has given birth to many local delicacies, as well as a proverb that means, "size isn't everything". Every part of the plant, from the young leaves to the flowers, berries and even the bark, is used. Discover why Kyoto chefs cherish this almighty magical seasoning that is both an herb and a spice.

Tatami's history stretches back 800 years to the imperial court. Later it evolved with the tea ceremony and with the lifestyles of ordinary people. Tatami has influenced comportment, and even determines the arrangement of participants and utensils in a tea ceremony room. Demand for high quality tatami in Kyoto ensures hand-sewing and other skills are passed on among expert craftsmen. Discover the flooring culture of the ancient capital that gives Japanese rooms their traditional atmosphere.

In Japan's humid summers, people cool themselves with fans that can be conveniently folded away. Large folding fans, or ogi, were first used as symbols of nobility in Heian court rituals over 1,000 years ago. Later, smaller folding fans, or sensu, were incorporated into festivals, the performing arts and tea ceremony, and came to be recognized as works of art embellished with gold, silver and lacquer. Still a part of life today, discover the cooling arts of Kyoto-made sensu through the ages.

The biggest event in the mountain village of Hirogawara in northern Kyoto is held in late August. Men hurl flaming bundles into the air to light a torch towering 20m high in prayer for good health and harvests. Originating from a fire prevention ritual held when the main local industry was charcoal making, villagers still start preparing months in advance. Discover the efforts being made to maintain this 300-year-old summer festival despite concerns for the future of this depopulating village.

Kyoto has a particular profusion of Shinto shrines and festivals. The sacred and ritual objects, and priestly vestments used in Shinto are made in accordance with a 1,000-year-old system of conventions governing laws and religious rites called Yusoku Kojitsu. Discover the dedication of artisans as they adhere to rules dictating the form, color, materials and techniques used to craft divine objects.

Local-brand cosmetics are must-have souvenirs for women visiting Kyoto. New products in pretty Japanese-style packaging are constantly being released, made with gentle natural ingredients and methods developed over centuries, in colors used since ancient times. Maiko, the embodiment of "Kyoto beauty," apply their distinctive makeup according to strict rules and age-old conventions. Discover the "traditional yet new" beauty products of Kyoto that are so sought after by modern women.

Gold leaf is just 0.1 micron thick, and almost translucent, but it has a lasting luster. Gilt craftsmen utilize its qualities to accent brocade, lacquerware, and Buddhist structures and statues. In the ancient court, a soft and muted finish was favored over glitter and gloss, and this cultivated a Kyoto aesthetic. Today tradition is a stepping stone to new art forms, while gold flakes embellish sake, coffee, and traditional sweets. Discover the gleaming appeal of gold leaf culture in Kyoto.

Swordsmiths have forged swords in Kyoto for over a millennium. More than mere blades, these swords were also symbols of a spiritual culture. As they gained prestige, they became much sought-after gifts among domain lords from the 1600's. Swords also played major roles in the culture of the capital's bourgeoisie. In fall 2018, the Kyoto National Museum will hold the "Swords of Kyoto" exhibition. Discover the splendor of Kyoto-made swords through the passion of the people who forge and wield them.

The events of the mid-1800's that led to the dawn of the modern era in 1868 shook Kyoto. The Tokugawa Shogunate collapsed, ending 700 years of samurai control. Youths battled for their conflicting ideals of imperialism, the exclusion of foreigners, and the opening of Japan to the world. Kyotoites defied the accepted norms and supported them in their endeavors. Retrace the steps of these heroes of the Meiji Restoration and discover the passion of the citizens, who survived these turbulent times.

Arashiyama -- one of Japan's most scenic spots -- and famous temples are located in Sagano. Its lush nature and seasonal beauty enchanted the court nobility who made it their retreat a millennium ago, and it is still regarded as a special destination today. Daikaku-ji was once the villa of Emperor Sagano. Many other temples and shrines are the settings for literary and historical tales. Discover the relaxing, peaceful qualities of Sagano through the people dedicated to conserving its picturesque scenery.

Many modern buildings for use by ordinary citizens, such as homes, schools, and restaurants, sprang up around Kyoto in the early 1900's. Kyotoites desired buildings that blended in with the natural environment and suited the local lifestyle. So they erected impressive structures merging the latest Western technology and design with Japanese flair. Discover Kyoto's modern architecture through the citizens who aimed to revitalize the city through their quest for buildings befitting the new age.

It may come as a surprise that Kyoto -- the capital of Japanese cuisine -- leads the country in the consumption of Western culture's staple food. Bread entered through Yokohama and Kobe during modernization in the mid-1800's and soon took root in Kyoto, leading to a flourishing bakery culture centered around snack buns and sandwiches, as practical, novelty-loving Kyotoites took to the convenience and modernity of baked goods. Discover Kyoto's love of the new through its embrace of bread.

Kabuki evolved from the unorthodox dances of a female performer in Kyoto in the early 1600's. The Minamiza is the only remaining theatre of the many that operated in its time. The name Kabuki derives from the verb kabuku, which refers to unusual dancing and bold behavior. Festive Kaomise Performances and maneki signboards heighten pre-season anticipation for fans of the genre. Discover Kyoto's swaggering and innovative spirit through the reopening of the Minamiza after a three-year refurbishment.

Traditional Kyoto store frontages feature latticework, a "noren" entrance curtain and perhaps a signboard. Confectioner, retailer or restaurant - most trades developed their own distinct style. These were refined over centuries by the local culture, values, love of the changing seasons and aesthetic sensibilities. With pride, owners add their own special touches to enhance the enticement. Discover the spirit of "motenashi" hospitality that awaits you beyond the "noren" of Kyoto's serene storefronts.

Buddhists faithful intone "Namu Amida Butsu" in ardent prayer to Amida Buddha for the release from suffering and death in this world into the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. "Namu" means to embrace or take refuge in something. In this ideology, believers supplicate for a peaceful death and salvation in the afterlife. Discover the diverse faiths in Amida through Kyoto temples, the majority of which are dedicated to this celestial Buddha.

The origins of the local sushi, which does not use raw fish and places importance on the rice, lie in mackerel sushi. The fish needed to be salted to prevent spoilage on its journey to landlocked Kyoto. So, to balance its saltiness, the mackerel was paired with sweet vinegared rice. The sushi catered to special occasions and the entertainment districts emphasizes presentation, so it is prepared to sate diners' eyes and palates. Discover the chefs who have elevated Kyoto sushi to an art form.

Many of Japan's traditional toys and playthings originate in the culture of the imperial court 1,000 years ago: a lavish shell game, Fushimi figurines that are thought to have inspired clay figures now made throughout Japan, spinning tops made of cloth and bamboo, and a card game based around classical poems. The expert craftsmanship behind each item makes them veritable works of art. Discover the playful hearts of Kyotoites through the games and toys that have delighted them through the ages.

The dignified crests adorning various items from Noren curtains to temple roofs are a common sight in Kyoto. These symbols of families and organizations originated over 1,000 years ago. Once the privilege of the imperial household and samurai class, they were adopted by merchants and the populace as marks of status and pride. The refined designs now draw the attention of people abroad. Discover the crests that are emblematic of old Kyoto families preserving their heritage.

All manner of floral encounters await people around Kyoto. Florists do not just sell flowers but also arrange them on site with designer flair. Ikebana schools collaborate to revive the secret art of wrapping flowers in washi. A future school head seeks new paths by posting his playful arrangements to social media. One artist has created a novel way of arranging flowers directly in the hair. Discover the panache with which modern floral artists and artisans make the utmost of tradition.

Randen weaves its way to popular tourist destinations Arashiyama and Kitano, with Ryoan-ji and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered along the tramlines. Founded in 1912, the streetcar remains a leading mode of transport connecting Kyoto's west with the city center. Meet a photographer who has snapped the trolley cars for decades, and a producer who showed his love for them by making a movie. Discover the affection Kyotoites have for Randen through its passengers and gardening volunteers.