rain

it's officially rainy season here in kyoto. note the maiko in gion, the rain guards on the geta [sandals] and the shinto priest in the rickshaw in the rain.

ikebana tools

exquisite, hand made ikebana [flower arranging] and gardening tools.

uses for roof tiles

i love the way old roof tiles are used in walls and garden paths.

macha plate

saw this desert displayed in a restaurant window. macha tea was used to make the shadow of the forks.

elaborate sushi

we had an elaborate sushi meal high up in a kyoto restaurant, with a view of bustling shijo street. people with umbrellas hurried through the rain as it grew dark. lovely.

lotus blossoms

lotus blossoms at a local neighborhood temple.

more from kimono hime magazine

swoon.

kimono hime magazine

i'm completely smitten by the magazine kimono hime, which showcases ways to wear vintage [taisho and meiji era] kimono with a contemporary and playful twist. stunning and inventive.

Street finds #9 medical gear

various amusing and amazing medical gear. note the funny face masks.

wood block printer

on the way up to kiyamizu temple we happened across an artist, tetsupei kawamura, creating wonderful, traditional woodblock prints. it was fascinating to watch the process. the last picture here is the final print.

bunnosuke uji gori shop

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.

bamboo and matsutake cookies