KYOTO, JAPAN

Travel Notes


Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years, which left an indelible imprint on the city’s charm and old world sophistication. Here, tradition harmoniously balances with modernity. A manicured state of nature melds into urbanity. Rich in meticulously preserved history, this is where one truly begins to understand the roots of Japanese culture.

Currency
Yen

Time Zone
Japanese Standard Time
Language
Japanese

Local Cuisine
Tempora, Udon
Best time to visit
Year-round

Dress Code
Kimono-inspired silks
WHERE TO STAY

HASU KYOTO

231 Iwatakicho
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 600-8115

HOSHINA KYOTO

11-2 Arashiyama
Genrokuzancho, Nishikyo-ku
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto 616-0007
+81 50 378 6114

FOUR SEASONS KYOTO

445-3 Myohoin Maekawa-cho Higashioji-dori
Shibutani-sagaru, Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0932
+81 75 541 8288

WHERE TO DINE

MISOKA-AN KAWAMICHI-YA

295 Shimokusancho
Fuyamachi-dori Santo Agaru
Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
+81 75 221 2525

GION ENDO

566 Komatsu-cho
Higashiyama-ku, Kyoto 605-0811
+81 75 551 1488

OZU MAISON DU SAKE

25 Konoe-cho
Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8019 
+81 75 411 4102

WHERE TO SHOP

SOHYA KYOTO

Chiso Building 2F
80, Mikuracho, Nakagyo-ku
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-8166
+81 75 211 2531

YDS SHOP & GALLERY

Shinmachi Dori
Kyoto-shi, Kyoto, 604-0013
+81 75 211 1664

MORITA WASHI

1F Kajinoha Building
298 Ogisakaya-cho
Higashinotoin-dori Bukkoji agaru
Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8095
+81 75 341 1419

WHAT TO DO

TEA CEREMONY

YUHISAI KOUDOUKAN

524-1 Mototsuchimakidado-cho
Kamigyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8006
+81 75 441 6662

MUSIC

STARDUST CLUB

Asahi Building 2F
Pontocho
Shijyou, Nakagyou-ku, Kyoto 604-8015
+81 75 221 2505

TEMPLES

KINKAKU-JI

Kita Ward, Kinkakujicho
Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto 603-8361
+81 75 461 0013

GINKAKU-JI

Sakyo Ward, Ginkakujicho
Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto 606-8402
+81 75 771 5725

FUSHIMI INARI-TAISHA

Fushimi Ward, Fukakusa Yabunouchicho
Kyoto Prefecture, Kyoto 612-0882
+81 75 461 0013



REQUIRED READING

BY TERRY SATSUKI MILHAUPT

PURCHASE
The Objects

Exclusive Edition 011 Japanese Silk Kimono


Silk kimonos are deeply connected to the rich cultural history of Japan. The variations of styling are nearly innumerable with designs based on personal stories, natural landscapes, Japanese gods and lucky motifs. A kimono is typically constructed in nearly twenty steps which include the finest silk cloth as a canvas for the artistic creations that are carefully brush-dyed by masters employing the ancient Yuzen technique. Golden embroidery can also be delicately applied in 24 or 18 carat gold to further heighten the luxurious finish of these wearable works of art.

Details

Silk kimonos are deeply connected to the rich cultural history of Japan. The variations of styling are nearly innumerable with designs based on personal stories, natural landscapes, Japanese gods and lucky motifs. A kimono is typically constructed in nearly twenty steps which include the finest silk cloth as a canvas for the artistic creations that are carefully brush-dyed by masters employing the ancient Yuzen technique. Golden embroidery can also be delicately applied in 24 or 18 carat gold to further heighten the luxurious finish of these wearable works of art.

The Story

THE EXPRESSIVE KIMONO


En Isomoto manages production for Chiso, a Kyoto-based, Yuzen-dyeing fabric and kimono house founded in 1555. His role is to ensure the continuation of the invaluable artistry of traditional dyeing techniques, including the hand-crafted, bespoke silk kimono masterpieces that his team of designers, draftsmen and craftsmen specialists create over a period of four weeks to eighteen months, depending on the intricacies of the design.