Kyoto Free Guide Available on Weekend !: June 2009

★ Shichimi Spice, Kyoto Souvenir

In Kyoto, there is a lot of attractive souvenir ideas!

Including Kyoto sweets, nishijin brocade,
yuzen dyed fabrics, kyo dolls, kiyomizu ware and kyo fans

You may find so hard to select!
what souvenir would like to get?

One of my unique recommends is "Shichimi Spice",
a special Chilli Pepper.

Shichimi,
literally "Seven Flavour", mixture containing seven ingredients.

Fresh red chilli pepper, roasted red chilli pepper, ground sansho (a relative of Sichuan pepper), black sesame seeds, mandarin orange peels, poppy seeds, and hemp seeds.

This is a common and popular spice for us, Japanese.
You can sprinkle this shichimi seasoning over many foods!

Udon/Soba noodle,
Donburi(rice dishes),
Yakitori or even on Okonomiyaki as "Yakumi", garnish.

Yakumi, literally, "Medicine"
Actually, these spice were originally imported to Japan as a medicine in 17th centaury. At first In Edo(Tokyo), and then, Nagano prefecture and Kyoto, near from Kiyomizu temple.

Each spice has a medicinal benefit like to help digestive system, stomach and bladder functions, and to have an anti-inflammatory effect.

When you visit the Shichimi Store, you would be amazed at these special container, too! Most popular one is Hyoutan(a gourd) bottle. You can take your "My Spice" in the bottle for your trip! so that you can enjoy anytime/any food you want! :)

Looking a nice accessory? No! This small metal bottle can actually contain a small quantity of spice inside. Not sold in Kyoto, unfortunately, but in Nagano prefecture.

Or these nice chinese ceramics would be looking great at your dinning table. Perfect Kyoto souvenir and cool appeal to your guests who visit your house! :)

You can get them at "Shichimi-ya" store on the way up to Kiyomizu temple.

Kyoto Visitors?
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★ Kurama Onsen, Houroku-yu

When you visit Japan,
one of the best
"What to Do" you expect is "Onsen", Hot Spring!

Kyoto is not Onsen resort area, so can't find a chance for authentic Onsen in the city.

But here in Kurama Onsen, you will never be disappointed even to take a long train ride all the way from JR Kyoto station!

"HOUROKU-YU" hot spring is located at the foot of the mountain in the north suburb of Kyoto. Why don't you enjoy soaking in the great nature while soaking in the Roten-Buro (outside open-air tub) up to your shoulders.

You can't believe it's just around for an hour away from the busy city! within the tall dark cedar trees will make you quickly forget the hustle and bustle of metropolitan Kyoto.

single-track railroad
The train ride to Kurama Onsen is wonderful

Surrounded by the picturesque scenery, Kibune/Kurama area gives you a wonderful journey feeling.

Explore the nearby hiking trails (around two hours) that lead to Kibune Shrine and Kurama Temple.

Roten-Buro is just 1100yen, very reasonable.
Soap, Shampoo and Towel can be rented.

I recommend you would try Kibune Kawadoko, too.
Japanese authentic Kaiseki cuisine, very traditional Kyoto cuisine, eating on the river! Very special Kyoto experience in summer!

Kyoto Visitors?
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自動車保険

★ Matcha History, Casual Tea Ceremony

Have you ever heard of Matcha?
Matcha is not a regular green tea, but finely-powdered premium green tea. When you visit Japan, you may see various kinds of Matcha used/flavored foods, sweets, ice cream and drinks here and there.

Matcha was originally introduced to Japan from China in twelfth century as "medicine", by the famous preist Eisai who went to China to study Zen Buddhism.

After back to Japan, he wrote the book how tea is healthful.

Actually, you will find lot's of health benefits in Matcha.
Rich in nutrients, antioxidants, fiber and chlorophyll.

One glass of matcha is the equivalent of 10 glasses of
green tea about nutritional value and antioxidant content.

Originally,
Matcha was enjoyed among Zen priests
for the reason to keep awake while Zen sitting meditation practice.

And then, the Shogun (the commander of samurai) was really impressed the book by Eisai and encouraged tea, so it was spread among samurai class, too.

We Japanese are a big fan of Matcha taste!
Enjoying Matcha is really unique to Japan. It is the heart of the Japanese way of tea and has been celebrated in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony for hundreds of years.

Are you curious what is the taste like? ^^

The initial taste is vegetal and bitter, followed by a lingering sweetness.

Chlorophyll and amino acids give Matcha unique rich taste. They say it's similar to one's first taste of dark chocolate

Matcha also adds the flavor and color of green tea to your creation, be it a smoothie, latte, savory sauce or pastry.

After exploring amazing Kyoto city, you may feel like to take some rest...
Why don't you enjoy Matcha Tea Ceremony at the temple?

Sitting on the porch you must be feeling really peaceful with a beautiful view of the garden.

Quietness is so powerful. You may lose the sense of time. So special experience!