Kyoto, My Hometown

By Jessica Shiga

-Okoshiyasu ~Kyoto~

My hometown is Kyoto. Kyoto has more than 1200 years of history and is a very interesting city in Japan. Kyoto’s seasonal changes are superb. Especially, so many people visit Kyoto in the sightseeing seasons of spring and autumn. Cherry blossoms in the spring, and autumn colours (=maple) in the autumn. It is terrific! Many tourists visit Kyoto to see those.

I think the reason for the popularity is because the beautiful buildings of the shrines and temples combine with the scenery of the cherry blossoms or autumn colours. I stated above about the shrines and temples in Kyoto. This is one of the characteristics. As I have said, history of Kyoto is international sightseeing city. If you visit Kyoto, you’ll encounter many shrines and temples. I want to recommend “Kiyomizu-dera (=temple).”

It’s sacred to the Statue of eleven-faced Kannon (=the Goddess of Mercy)” and the façade is a national treasure. It says “Kiyomizu stage” on the façade. Moreover, there is a proverb. “Jump off the Kiyomizu stage” means “pluck up your courage and make a big decision.” You can see a glorious view out over the city from “Kiyomizu stage.”

Next, “Maiko” and “Geiko” are famous too in Kyoto. Even today, entertainment areas where they practice their art fluorish in Kyoto. “Maiko” and “Geiko” learn dancing and how to play musical instruments like “Koto” to entertain their customers with artistic skill. “Maiko” are women undertaking training to become “Geiko” and have a flashy appearance. However, parlors where visitors can directly meet a “Maiko” and “Geiko” turn away first-time customers. In other words, it is rather difficult to find women. I think that’s why they are really popular among visitors. You visit “Gion” on the chance that you might meet them.

Speaking of Kyoto, don’t forget about “Kyoto cuisine.” It’s delicate, refined, and tender. High class Japanese restaurants serve “Kyoto cuisine,” which is especially marvelous. If you want to eat, it might be expensive but sometimes can be eaten for affordable prices. Carefully made lunches that are reasonably priced are very good!

You can enjoy discriminating palate and you can enjoy visually too. In addition, we call “Obanzai” our home cooking. “Obanzai” means “plain food.” Kyoto’s tables support not flamboyant Kyoto cuisine but “Obanzai.” What’s more, I want to recommend two places. One is “Nishiki Market.” The Nishiki Market extends for 390 meters through the center of Kyoto. Shops selling fresh food such as fish have lined this marketplace for many years, and this area is also known as “Kyoto’s kitchen.”

Next, I want to recommend “Machiya.” “Machiya” is a building constructed in a style that has been handed down from old time in Kyoto. Many “Machiya” combine the owner’s residence and business. In recent years, the beauty of these classic buildings has been reappraised, and they have attracted attention following transformations into restaurants, cafés, galleries, and so on.

Then, there are many traditional industries. For example, “Nishijin textiles,” “Yu-zen dyeing,” “Kiyomizu ceramic wares,” “Fushimi refined sake,” and so on. We have many cultural assets too.

Finally, Kyoto’s fascination is harmony with old and new.

I have many other places to tell you about. I think Kyoto is very deep and it’s just right for sightseeing.

"Welcome to Kyoto!!"