Have you seen a little statue outside of houses in the old town of Kyoto? They are called Shoki, charms against evil. They are placed above the entrance of houses, therefore, only spotted if you look [...]

We had cold days and five or more snowy days in Kyoto in February. But the day’s lowest temperatures rarely dropped below freezing point in March and Ume flower is blooming. Tourists season begi [...]

A 670 year-old Jizo statue in my neighborhood is always visited by the locals who pray for their good life. It’s a common sight you see in an old city like Kyoto. But what’s different for [...]