we've found a new, favorite [to date] uji gori shop. it's right in front of the yasaka pagoda and it's called, bunnosuke. uji gori is shaved ice with super sweet macha [green tea] poured over it. it's pretty much the only solution to the summer heat and humidity in kyoto.we're on a mission to explore every uji gori shop we cross.
we stumbled across this wedding being held at gion shrine. shinto priest chanting and playing koto, a traditional japanese string instrument, shrine maidens,the whole works.
can you tell i was completely smitten with this koshin shrine, which is dedicated to the deity koshin who has the 3 monkeys as his messengers [remember them, the hear no evil, see no evil, speak no evil guys?] they feature prominently here. so colorful and full of delight. the chains of hanging fabric emas have prayers and wishes written on them.
we spent a wonderful day wandering around nishijin, our old neighborhood where the kimono making industry is based. spinning, dying, weaving, designing, handpainting all happens here. the first images are of raw silk, then there's a pic of the weaving patterns, the next batch shows an artist hand painting a kimono.
a favorite shrine here in kyoto is kugi nugi jizo, a small, intimate place that is covered with emas [prayer tablets] that have nail pullers attached. the nail pullers are for pain removal.
Carin Berger is an award-winning author, designer, and illustrator. Her cut-paper collages are made using ephemera such as catalogues, old books, receipts, letters, and ticket stubs. Her book, The Little Yellow Leaf was a 2008 New York Times Best Illustrated Children's Books selection, and Finding Spring was awarded the 2016 Bull-Bransom award from the National Museum of Wildlife Art of the United States. In a starred review of Finding Spring, Kirkus Reviews wrote: "Multidimensional and Magial...Exceptional, exhilarating artwork perfectly suited for a story about anticipation, discover and joy." In a starred review of Forever Friends, Kirkus wrote: "Sophisticated, sensitive, and accessible, this picture book will offer new insights and pleasures with each season." She is also the illustrator of the acclaimed Stardines Swim High across the Sky and Behold the Blod Umbrellaphant, both by Jack Prelutsky, among other books. Her newest book is Good Night! Good Night!
She lives with her family in New York City.