Tips for getting the most out of Cherry Blossoms viewing in Kyoto
As the chill of winter gradually fades away, spring in Kyoto brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and renewal. The season is marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura), …
Pitstop Recommendations for Exploring Kyoto by Area
Kyoto is ideal for exploring by area - compact, easy to navigate and brimming with attractions. We recommend an itinerary that covers a few spots within walking or short ride distance, and planning in advance the best places for a lunch or coffee break.
Autumn Colors in Kyoto - Nature + Nurture
In Kyoto, you can see autumn colors not just in nature, but also in harmony with the hues of temples, gardens and shrines. Imagine how picturesque the vista when red leaves add lustre to temple gates, pagodas, ponds and bridges.
Kyoto Discovery - Kawai Kanjiro’s House
A visit to Kawai Kanjiro's house can help you discover the authentic style and humanity of a wonderful Japanese artist who influenced generations of potters and craftsmen.
Best Things to Do in the Hot Days of a Kyoto Summer
See our recommendations for escaping the heat and enjoying Kyoto's unique offerings while keeping cool.
Kyoto’s Azaleas 2023
If you love flowers, Kyoto is for you. Plum and peach blossoms, cherry blossoms, azaleas, wisterias, hydrangeas, lotuses and waterlilies, all until red and orange foliage steal the limelight in November…
Reviews from Genji Kyoto’s 1st Year
A year ago when we first opened our doors, it was with great hope and excitement as well as trepidation. Covid was raging, the travel industry was still in the doldrums, and …
Kyoto's Best Cherry Blossoms Viewing Spots 2023
As the chill of winter gradually fades away, spring in Kyoto brings with it a sense of rejuvenation and renewal. The season is marked by the blooming of cherry blossoms (sakura), …
Marc Keane on Gardens of Genji Kyoto
There is nothing that expresses the elements of Japanese culture more completely than a Japanese garden. It reflects the island nation's geography and climate, the people's relationship…
“Embrace” - Ceramic Art of Momoko Takeshita Keane
If you love Japanese ceramics like we do, you will be blown away by the stunning works of Momoko Takeshita Keane that we plan to show in a 3-day exhibition from 2022.11.18.
Ceramics Exhibition and Cocktail Reception
Ceramics Exhibition and Cocktail Reception
We will be hosting a 3-day ceramics exhibition by Kyoto artist Momoko Takeshita Keane, whose clay sculpture "Curl" is already part of Genji Kyoto's art collection. Come join us for a sunset cocktail reception on 2022.11.18 to open the special event, …
Space Colony Terrariums
One of the first things you will notice as you walk into Genji Kyoto is an eye-catching glass ball hanging in the middle of our lobby. With a miniature plant inside and illuminated by LED light, it looks like a bonsai lamp.
A Memorable Event
What makes a good event? The right venue, an engaging theme, interested participants, and of course delicious food and drinks!
In Praise of Washi
Of all things Japanese, Washi (和紙), the traditional paper used for everything from painting and printing to lamps, screens and art, is the most fundamental building block of Japanese culture.
Obon in the Old Days
Obon, the Japanese Buddhist custom for honoring ancestral spirits, has become spontaneous holidays where shops and restaurants choose to close, and families gather or embark on travel for a few days …
Kyoto Calendar - Summer
It is said that Kyoto has very distinct seasons. But it is tricky when it comes to the transition between spring and summer. June, the first month of summer, is the rainy season. It lasts the whole month and considerably…
Kyoto Calendar - Spring
We talked about a "hanatouro" illumination event in Arashiyama in December in our Winter blog. That was unfortunately the last such event to be held in that location.If you missed it, however, there is still one…
You Guys Are Gonna Looove Japan!
My partner and I are Paris-based fashion designers in "experimental luxury", the branch of high fashion that pushes the boundaries of "normal" or "conventional". It is a movement that started in Japan…
When in Kyoto, Kappo or Kaiseki?
What is the difference between Kaiseki (懐石) and Kappo (割烹)? This is one of the most frequently asked questions about Japanese cuisine. Not much is written about this subject…
Kyoto Calendar - Winter
We are at the tail-end of the momiji foliage. Major temples like Kiyomizudera and Kodaiji may have light ups for a few more days. From around Dec 10, for 10 days, there will be a spectacular illumination event, called "hanatouro", in Arashiyama…