In the mind of an average traveller, Kyoto, the ancient capital of Japan, is the city of temples and green tea ceremonies. But in reality, it is one of the most coffee-consuming cities in the world and, by a long distance, the most coffee-focused city in the country. From old, dimly-lit kissatens and tiny roasteries preparing fresh beans on demand, through small window stands and craft coffee shops, to espresso chains, convenience stores and ubiquitous vending machines selling canned coffee — one is never far away from an abundant supply of “kōhī “.
This guide focuses on 3rd wave indie coffee shops that sprung up all over Kyoto in the past decade, some of which have become tourist draws in their own right, even in a city that’s already full of them — the queue to the espresso stand in Arashiyama is sometimes longer than that to the famous local temples.
Whenever I’m at a café, I always try to get the window seat. There’s nothing quite like drinking the strong, black, hot brew and watching the life pass outside. The passers-by, the cyclists, the dogs, the trees, even the cars acquire an otherworldly quality when observed through the misted-up glass of a café window.
70 photos of cafe windows from all over the world.
Everything you need to record your 2020 Motorhome or Caravan adventure, UK edition.
A modern style of journal for a modern traveller.
Features:
- daily planner for summer season 2020
- every day from April 1st to September 30th
- yearly calendar
- and oodles of useful information at the back.
For each day, there is space to note: – the stopover location, price and review – distance travelled and fuel consumed- maintenance performed- shopping lists and budget sheet- memories!- and more!Also included plenty of checklist, to-do lists, and useful information for travelling around UK and Europe.
Either as a crucial ingredient of the tea ceremony, an important element of shrine rituals, or simply as a way to cool oneself during the scorching Japanese summer, sweets are as central to Japanese life and culture as poetry or gardening. To me, they have also been a way to experience this culture – and some of my best memories of Japan are in one way or another connected with its myriad snacks. One summer night, I started writing haiku about these memories – the result of which is this little book.
Poetry and sweets
What more does a wise man need
On this summer night
70 haiku and senryu on the theme of Japanese sweets – with a few words of commentary for each poem, about history and origin of each snack.
James Calbraith 