Deep Kyoto

30/04/2026

Biwako Grand Hotel – Our Return to Ogoto Onsen

FeaturedBiwako Grand Hotel – Our Return to Ogoto OnsenMichael LambeApril 30, 2026Not too long ago, having an errand to run in Shiga Prefecture, Mewby and I decided to make the most of our trip and stay overnight at a hot spring hotel. We ended up staying at the Biwako Grand Hotel, which we had act...

22/03/2026

22/03/2026

Original "Deep Kyoto" T-shirts from the original Deep Kyoto are now available!
https://deep-kyoto.teemill.com/

22/03/2026

Original "Deep Kyoto" T-shirts from the original Deep Kyoto are now available!
https://deep-kyoto.teemill.com/

15/03/2026

From Kimono to Yukata: Japan’s Traditional Clothing Explained https://www.deepkyoto.com/from-kimono-to-yukata-japans-traditional-clothing-explained/

03/03/2026

One from the archives: Hina Matsuri ~ A Magical Doll Festival https://www.deepkyoto.com/hina-matsuri-a-magical-doll-festival/

13/02/2026

In December I visited the Japan Kanji Museum in Kyoto and I have written about it here: https://www.deepkyoto.com/japan-kanji-museum/ #漢字

Japan Kanji Museum February 13, 2026 by Michael Lambe Leave a Comment The Japan Kanji Museum is a place I’ve been wanting to go to for a super-long time and in December I finally managed it. I enjoyed my visit, but before I proceed I should say right away that this museum might not appeal to you i...

03/02/2026

National Foundation Day in Kyoto: On February 11th Japan takes a day off to celebrate the nation’s mythic beginnings, and in Kyoto, Shinto priests celebrate with an ancient game of keepie-uppie.

National Foundation Day in Kyoto February 2, 2026 by Michael Lambe Leave a Comment On February 11th Japan takes a day off to celebrate the nation’s mythic beginnings, and in Kyoto, Shinto priests celebrate with an ancient game of football. February 11th is an annual public holiday in Japan called ...

27/01/2026

Setsubun is coming and a full guide to the festival along with a listing of some key Setsubun events in Kyoto is now up on Deep Kyoto:

https://www.deepkyoto.com/all-about-setsubun-the-bean-throwing-festival/

All About Setsubun: The Bean-Throwing Festival January 27, 2026 by Michael Lambe Leave a Comment Setsubun is an annual festival in Japan celebrated widely both in private homes and public areas that at first glance seems to consist of equal parts charm and eccentricity. Can you imagine wearing a pla...

11/01/2026

As Monday is 成人の日 (“seijin no hi” or “Coming of Age Day“) it seems timely to revisit Ian Ropke’s article: Kimono Old & New. https://www.deepkyoto.com/kimono-old-new/

04/01/2026

Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) and Kyo-yaki (京焼) ceramics have enjoyed over four centuries of history. The names refer to pottery produced around Higashiyama in Kyoto, or within the wider city area. Kyoto ware is today a highly valued and government-designated traditional Japanese craft. Since Kyoto was long the seat of Japan’s Imperial Court, Kyoto ware is renowned for its stately elegance and ornate decoration.

Kyoto ware is mostly handmade in small quantities. It is especially prized for its exquisite hand-painted ceramics. These intricately drawn designs often depict the graceful scenery of Kyoto’s four seasons as well as reproducing other masterpieces in pottery form. These are highly decorative works of art that showcase classic luxury that are rarely found anywhere else in Japan.

Teaware Stall Kiyomizu-yaki (清水焼) and Kyo-yaki (京焼) ceramics have enjoyed over four centuries of history. The names refer to pottery produced around Higashiyama in Kyoto, or within the wider city area. Kyoto ware is today a highly valued and government-designated traditional Japanese craft...