Experience Everyday Japanese Culture
In this course, experience Japanese culture that is part of everyday life. Visit a museum that showcases Japanese manga, and visit some of the most beloved neighborhood markets and shops Kyoto has to offer.
(About 4 hours)
Even within Japan, it is rare to find a museum and library dedicated to manga. From precious postwar pieces to modern popular manga and international publications, this museum has amassed about 300,000 different works. The building itself was renovated from an old elementary school building. Within the building, visitors can browse the "Manga Wall" with its massive collection of foreign and domestic manga, and become completely immersed in the history of manga across time and space.
Details
Address: Karasuma Oike-agaru Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 2-minute walk from Karasuma-Oike Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Admission: 500 yen
Hours: 10:00 - 18:00 (Final admission at 17:30)
Closed : Wednesdays
<15-minute walk>
Located at the center of Kyoto city, this market sustains the dining table of the local residents and is lovingly known as "Kyoto's kitchen". In the stores of the covered arcade, you'll find everything from Japanese pickles, tea, sweets, and tofu to ceramics and other traditional goods. Since many stores offer take-out, try sampling some of the foods as you walk the market.
Details
Address: Nishikikoji Teramachi-Takakura Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 3-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Hours: 9:00 - 15:00
<15-minute walk>
1) Konnamonja →
A famous Kyoto shop known for its tofu products, 'Fujino' lines up for these original products which are produced from tofu. Soymilk donuts (250 yen for 10) are baked fresh here and the addicting flavor of the soymilk has made these donuts a bestseller. Soymilk ice cream, cookies, and other items offer strong and mild flavors, which makes these products loved by young and old alike.
Details
Address: Nishikikoji Teramachi-Takakura Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 3-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Hours: 9:00 - 15:00
<5-minute walk>
2) Aritsugu (Kitchen Knife Blacksmith) →
Each of Tagoto's (Traditional Japanese Restaurant) signature dishes includes a colorful arrangement of seasonal ingredients served in a style that evokes the traditional Japanese tea ceremony. Every element of the Kaiseki (traditional gourmet Japanese cuisine) dishes are carefully flavored and seasoned one-by-one.
Details
Address: Gokomachi nishi iru Nishiki-koji Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto>
Access: 10-minute walk from Shijo Station on the Karasuma Subway Line
Hours: 9:00 - 17:30
<5-minute walk>
3. Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine → 16:30 - 17:00
Standing at the east end of Nishiki Market, this shrine specializes in granting the wishes of those engaged in study or business. Drop in a coin to start the mechanized Lion Dancer which picks your fortune. The Lion Dancer's Japanese-English fortune comes in two types: one with your fortune, and another with a traditional Japanese floriography.
Details
Address: Shinkyogoku Shijo agaru Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto
Access: 5-minute walk from Hankyu Kawaramachi Station
Hours: 8:30 - 21:00
