Hands On Kyoto - Japan

25/07/2023

An off-the-beaten track temple on my Hands On Kyoto Private tour with clients the other day.

They discovered an innovative honey comb tatami mat room and a few other stylish art installations.

The highlight of this buddhist temple-a calming, yet aesthetic zen garden to sit next to, drawing in your breath and exhaling while the sounds of nature wash over you.

26/06/2023

I was treated to a wonderful kaiseki lunch by my past Japanese teacher, Takemi sensei.

She introduced me to owner/chef Yagi san who trained and worked at famous kaiseki restaurant Kicho, but opened up Kanzan which is in the process of getting a Michelin star.

He uses carefully selected local ingredients, while artfully creating innovative seasonal masterpieces.

The ambience of the restaurant is very minimalist with a few delicate touches with a flower arrangement and a few pieces that adds a nuanced touch.

Click on my bio if you’re interested in Kyoto tours or Free Insider’s Guide to Kyoto to help you connect to Local Kyoto-deeper side of Kyoto.

26/06/2023

20/06/2023

After a tour, I visited Chikumo restaurant in Gion (Kyoto) last night.

We had a variety of grilled skewers using seasonal ingredients, carefully selected by the chef. Chikumo also serves tempura (I had some of the best conger eel tempura ever, but forgot to get a picture lol) and a range of beef (A5 ranked).

Listening to the chef I realized the speciality of this place is that they use a combination of steaming, frying and grilling methods to bring out the maximum flavour of the seasonal ingredients.

My mouth was exploding with indescribable textures and nuanced tastes I hadn’t experienced before with grilled skewers. 

Click on my bio if you’re interested in Kyoto tours or Free Insider’s Guide to Kyoto to help you connect to Local Kyoto-deeper side of Kyoto.

19/06/2023

Brought clients to Arashiyama "stormy mountain" on a Kyoto tour the other day.

Mostly ignored but occasionally a monkey would grab an apple or peanut at its own whim.

By the way, these guys are the same species commonly known as snow monkeys.

19/06/2023

Looking for a good vegan option when you visit Kyoto?

While you eat vegan ramen, moving kanji characters feel as if they are flowing around you mirrored in the lacquer tables and multiple mirrors on the wall. You also can try organic cocktails and depending on the time vegan gyoza 🥟

18/06/2023

Rainy season or tsuyu has basically fallen upon Kyoto in the past week or so and next month, Gion matsuri festival begins.

And the other day my friend Inoue san outfitted me with this beaut yukata or summer style kimono, perfect for the heat and humidity, I wore during his IG Live.

The design is h**p grass, not for smoking 😂, but looks incredible with the mattcha green colour.

08/05/2023

Other day I checked out Kyoto Photographie, a local Kyoto art, photography festival currently going on in Kyoto.

My friend Patrick is holding an exhibition of his photos of maiko apprentice geisha and geiko inside his ochaya (him and his wife purchased an old tea house previously used by geisha to entertain clients at dinners). You get the rare chance to see the inside of an ochaya (usually exclusive membership only) and learn about the fascinating lives of maiko and geiko.

Highly recommended if you're coming to Kyoto in the next week or so, going on until May 15.

11/03/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon to see the sakura cherry blossoms in Kyoto?

I was on my way to meet some clients for a tour and came across this somei yoshino cherry blossom tree-one of the few early blossoming ones right now.

Looks like the majority will bloom earlier this year, possibly two weeks or so earlier than usual.

Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto.

“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.

10/03/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon and looking for some local, Kyoto restaurants? 

I enjoy finding cool, off-the-beaten path, local restaurants in Kyoto. If you’re into tonkatsu-breaded pork cutlets with curry, then the Coltrane Sweet/Spicy Curry restaurant might be a fit for you!

It’s situated right next to the picturesque Takasegawa canal. Walking distance to the Kyoto downtown area and Kamogawa river.

The interior is a blend between modern and traditional with the roof partially exposed. it’s traditional rafters infuse the ambience with a rustic feel, further enhanced by the sleeves of iconic Jazz artists showcased on the wall and playing over the sound system.

They use their own blend of spices but I asked the staff and they can amp up the spice level by adding extra spices.

Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide (link in bio)to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto. 

“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.

07/03/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon and looking for some local, authentic shops? 

Tosai is a pottery shop located near Kiyomizudera temple, specializing in Kyoyaki or Kyoto-style ceramics.

I’ve developed a relationship with the owner Yamada san and have brought clients and friends alike to his shop over the years.

We also worked together in the 
わん碗One pottery network. He speaks good English and can tell you not only about the pieces, but the history and culture breathed into each piece.

Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto. 

“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.

28/02/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon but don’t know what you should see and do?

One of my favourite temples, Ginkakuji is a must if you’re looking for a Zen moment! No matter how many people are at the temple, the moss seems to absorb all the noise along with any troubles you might have in mind. The peace and tranquility seems to wash over you during your visit.

Feel free to do Kyoto on your own with tips from my FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto or join a tour to feel Local Kyoto.

“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history

24/02/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon but don’t know what you should see and do? 

If you’re interested in Zen gardens, Tofukuji Houjo Hasso Garden is a great option. 

This is a garden not as well-known, yet a great place to feel Local Kyoto. 

“Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experiencing a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history. 

Have a look at my FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto for more Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and much more about Kyoto. Or join a tour by booking on my website handsonkyoto.com

16/02/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon and possibly thinking about a tour?

This is the second half of the video from the previous post but I share with you deeper elements of the type of Local Kyoto Tour I provide for clients.

Tours in Kyoto feel as if you’re with a local friend who happens to be an experienced tour guide.

My private tours in Kyoto focus on a theme I call “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.

Check out this video to see what a tour with me would look and feel like…

Have a look at my FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto for Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and much more about Kyoto.

13/02/2023

Are you coming to Kyoto soon and possibly thinking about a tour?

Tours in Kyoto with me feel as if you’re with a local friend who happens to be an experienced tour guide.

My private tours in Kyoto focus on a theme I call “Local Kyoto” A.K.A. experience a personal feel for Kyoto’s people, culture and history.

Check out this video to see what a tour with me would look and feel like…

Sign up for FREE Insider’s Guide to Kyoto (link in Profile) for Pro-Guide tips on restaurants, shops, places to see and more
about Kyoto.

12/02/2023

Visiting Kyoto soon?

In this short video, I share with you a valuable Pro-guide tip to help you make the most of your time in Kyoto, plus I give you a bonus! Check out the video to find out more!

**FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto**

http://handsonkyoto.com/free-downloadable-kyoto-guide/

**FREE 1-Day Itinerary for Nara**

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnYS1aao2Z-s-6dUqRzZfWGx4BVPl1lw/view?usp=share_link

**Join a Private Tour**
https://handsonkyoto.com

09/02/2023

Visiting Kyoto soon?

Discover Pro-guide tips and tours designed to connect you to local Kyoto.

**FREE Insider’s guide to Kyoto**

http://handsonkyoto.com/free-downloadable-kyoto-guide/

**Hands On Kyoto Private Tours**

https://handsonkyoto.com

In the next video I share a Pro-guide tip to help you avoid making one of the most common mistakes visitors make when coming to Kyoto, plus I have a bonus for you.