July 2021

IMG_9951

The Museum of Kyoto was opened in 1988 to commemorate the 1200th anniversary of the founding of the Heian Capital as a comprehensive cultural facility that introduces the history and culture of Kyoto in an easy-to-understand manner.

The red brick annex is the former Kyoto branch of the Bank of Japan, which was designated as an important cultural property as a modern Western-style building representative of the Meiji era. The former vault is now a coffee shop, where you can take a break in a retro atmosphere.

In addition to exhibits of arts and crafts by Japanese-style painters, Western-style painters, sculptors, and craftsmen associated with Kyoto, there are also materials related to Kyoto's traditional festivals.

After learning about Kyoto, you can spend a full day visiting Japanese restaurants and stores selling Kyoto's finest products. On the first floor on the north side of the annex is the "Roji Shop," a reproduction of a traditional Kyoto townhouse where you can take your time to explore Kyoto's gourmet food and souvenirs.

There are many places to see in Kyoto, but sometimes it is good to relax and experience traditional culture in a quiet space. Please visit the Museum of Kyoto on your days off, as it has a lot to offer. In that case, please come to our Sanjo Showroom, just around the corner!

Sanjo Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/sanjo.html
6SHiKi's Messenger Bag
https://www.shokunin.com/en/6shiki/messenger.html 
Okai Mafu Shoten's Handwoven Linen Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/okai/handkerchief.html　

References
https://www.bunpaku.or.jp/about_us/ 
https://www.artagenda.jp/museum/detail/329
https://souda-kyoto.jp/guide/spot/bunpaku.html
https://www.travelbook.co.jp/topic/18743
https://rtrp.jp/articles/113844/#25850801 
https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E4%BA%AC%E9%83%BD%E6%96%87%E5%8C%96%E5%8D%9A%E7%89%A9%E9%A4%A8

3934559_m

Saiho-ji Temple is an ancient temple founded by Gyoki in the Nara period, which was restored in 1339 by Musō Soseki, a master landscaper.

This temple is popularly known as the "Moss Temple (Koke-dera)" because of the beauty of about 120 species of moss that covers the precincts of the temple, just like a green carpet. The Shonan-tei Pavilion (Important Cultural Property), where Iwakura Tomomi lived in hiding at the end of the Edo period, is also a must-see.

The two-tiered garden, created by Soseki, which has been designated as a special place of scenic beauty, consists of the Karesansui (dry landscape) garden and the pond garden, latter of which surrounds the Golden Pond in the shape of a heart. This is also the garden that Ashikaga Yoshimasa used as a model when he built the famous Ginkaku-ji Temple. During the season of autumn leaves, the scenery created by the green of the moss and the red of the leaves is enchanting.

Why don't you visit the ancient temple, which present a beautiful sight in the season when the greenery shines brightly? When you do so, please visit our Sanjo Showroom when you return. We also have a variety of goods that are perfect for your visit to the shrine, so be sure to check out our online store as well.

Please note that advance registration is required to visit Saiho-ji Temple. Enjoy the luxury of admiring the moss garden in a small group.

Sanjo Showroom
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/sanjo.html
m+'s Millefoglie
https://www.shokunin.com/en/mpiu/millefoglie2.html
Okai Mafu Shoten's Handwoven Linen Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/okai/handkerchief.html
Ao's Colored Handkerchief
https://www.shokunin.com/en/ao/handkerchief.html

References
http://saihoji-kokedera.com/top.html　
http://www.pref.kyoto.jp/isan/saihouji.html 
https://www.jalan.net/kankou/spt_guide000000186743/ 
https://souda-kyoto.jp/guide/spot/saihoji-kokedera.html 
https://souda-kyoto.jp/event/card_member/795.html
https://ja.kyoto.travel/tourism/single02.php?category_id=7&tourism_id=301

IMG_8496

[Surrounded by Ducklings]

The ducklings can be seen from the corridor outside our Ginza Showroom, and more and more customers are coming into the showroom after spotting these ducks. There are not only one, but six of these ducklings in total. They are so adorable that you will want to collect them.

This duck series is a reprint of a popular series that was produced in 1983, and more than 30 years later, they are still loved by many users. It is indeed connected from parents to children and then to grandchildren.

Bowl S and L look just right to hold your dog's or cat's food. It is hard to find matching tableware for your dog, but this might be a good opportunity to do so. It is now on display in our Ginza Showroom. Please come and visit us.

Ceramic Japan's Duck
https://www.shokunin.com/en/ceramicjapan/ahiru.html
Ginza Showroom (Open from 9:00-18:00 on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday)
https://www.shokunin.com/en/showroom/ginza.html