The hotel consists of an entire alley of renovated old machiyas, which were originally built over 110 years ago. This private escape offers a quaint atmosphere, that is reminiscent of the old geisha neighborhoods. Beautiful wooden facades accompanied with moody lantern lights – and the feel of time standing still. Nostalgia, privacy, and calm at its best.

Going into Tsubaki Street feels like stepping into a movie, a small nostalgic universe in one alley – truly inviting guests to stay and be absorbed in it.

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. – Through the Elements

The rooms, accommodating 2-3 guests, come in five different themes. “Take” (bamboo), “Mizu” (water), “Iwa” (stone), “Hana” (flower), and “Ha” (leaf). All are individual and uniquely follow the themes to the very last detail. From the overall décor to art pieces and glassware a little escape into beautifully designed representations of each theme. So if you are a fan of a more natural and earthy feel, ask for the beautiful bamboo room. But if you feel most at home on a cliff overlooking the sea, the Iwa or Mizu room might be what you are looking for.

The stay provides the best of both worlds – feel of 100 years of history but a modern take on comfortability and amenities. Western-style beds will ensure a good night’s sleep even for anyone more unacquainted with the tatami & futon sleeping. A truly luxurious yet homey setting, with the highlight of their signature semi-open-air baths – you really feel like you don’t want to leave.

Attention to Detail

Nazuna Tsubaki St. takes pride in highlighting craftsmanship and design and is currently hosting a pop-up exhibition “Find My Favorite Japan: Curated Japanese Design”, on until May 9th. Joint showcase of different Japanese artists with another clever take on mixing of traditional and modern. New ideas showcased from all around Japan, such as the Toyama hailing “Re-Bear Project” with the aim to bring back a re-design of the decor traditionally seen in many households in Japan. Beautiful Oita Usuki pottery, presenting another form of craftmanship sadly dwindling away or Mobje brand featuring Hiroshima hatters repurposing their millinery skills to create vases – and many more, all available to purchase. The second part of the exhibition will feature jewelry, hats, and other fashion accessories from brands such as Kitchibe, Fujii Seibo and Yuzen.

Dining at Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St.

The lobby, which also doubles as a lounge offers free drinks and snacks for guests to start the night (from 3 to 9 pm), and Wagyu Ryotei Bungo, the restaurant on the premises, invites guests to indulge in long form. The restaurant focuses on the less-known but high-quality, delicious Oita Wagyu. Showcasing the premium ingredient in different takes from beef sashimi and sushi to shabu shabu, a beef lover’s dream.

As expected from a luxury ryokan, omotenashi plays a crucial role – a favorite detail the delivery of the most luscious egg sandwich right to your door for a late-night bite. In fact, the food is so good one might just want to stay within the walls of Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki, which of course would be a shame as Kyoto has so much to offer.

Best of Both Worlds 

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki St. keeps you safely away from the tourist masses, but still within a stone’s throw of all the main sights and shops. Offering the best of both worlds, this stay is not for someone looking for the old-school ryokan experience – but perfect for someone who wants the traditional Kyoto magic with a luxury touch and modern comforts.

Whether you are taking reprise in between your Kyoto exploration or opt to be cocooned on Tsubaki street your whole stay – you will find an oasis of quiet luxury and atmosphere to keep you mesmerized throughout your stay.

Web

Nazuna Kyoto Tsubaki Street

Address

838 Bomoncho, Omiya Nishiiru, Takatsuji-dori, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto city

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It is a small neighborhood in Setagaya, laid-back, local, and far from the city lights of Tokyo. Yet only about 30min from Shinjuku on the train. It is a nice little getaway, especially if you love cats…

Find Your Luck at Gotokuji Temple

Let’s start with the main attraction, cause who am I kidding, this is what we are here for!

Arriving at the station you will already be greeted by one of these lucky cats and a leisurely 10-15min walk later you will be facing this beautiful temple, with its immaculately trimmed gardens, main hall, and wooden pagoda.To be honest this Gotokuji Temple is already worth visiting for this alone. However, the moment you see the cats, all of it becomes background purr.

Gotokuji Temple

This temple, even without its feline inhabitants is worth a visit, peaceful and calm it is a place to rest an take a breath. Perfect to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of Tokyo. Come in autumn and see the temple’s trees all turn beautifully red and orange.

Walking through the front gate you will first see a beautiful black lion statue and only at second glance realize this is actually an incense burner.

As you move on you are passing the majestic wooden pagoda on your left. To shortly after discovering the temples “Ema” plaques, the small wooden plaques to write your wishes and prayers on. And of course, these too feature our cat friend, along with the current year zodiac animal. Funnily enough which is the mouse/rat this year…

And just as you may get excited by these you will already be able to see a glimpse of what we came here for in the back. Like a sea of white cats, shelves over shelves…

It’s hard not to get excited and yes you will take too many pictures here. But how could you not? With every angle giving you another photo opportunity and with cats as small as your thumbnail or as big as a real ones it is impossible to resist.

And if you like, just around the corner you find the temple shop, so why not add your own? Starting from as little as ¥300 for a tiny one (which is absolutely adorable and will also make a great gift or souvenir). Or if you want to go all out and spend ¥5,000 for a life-size one. Good to know, the size does not matter here and your lucky cat will look after you no matter how big or small it is.

The idea is, you make a wish and either leave your cat there or you take it home and bring it back once your wish has come true. However, many of these lucky cats make their permanent home abroad and I have a feeling that is just as ok.

The Lucky Cat – A Story

If you are visiting the temple shop, you will be given the story of the Lucky Cat. They have an English leaflet so don’t worry.

As the legend goes, along time ago, this temple was looked after by a monk and his cat. In a particularly bad year the monk asked that the cat please bring good fortune. One day there was a big storm and five samurai were caught in it, as they saw the temple the cat waved them to come and stay and take shelter. As it turned out, one of them was the feudal lord of Hikone. And he was so grateful he donated rice fields as well as the grounds. Making Gotokuji into the temple of his family.

And this is how the story goes. After his lucky cat passed away, the monk put a cat statue on its grave and it became what we now know as the “Maneki Neko”, a symbol for luck and good fortune…

Gotokuji – Best Places to Eat

Now that you have fulfilled your cat-related needs, it is time to see what culinary delights this small neighborhood has to offer. With many small mum and pop shops, stalls and cafes you will not leave hungry, wait, unless it is a Monday…

Because as I sadly discovered, many places are shut on Mondays. Also, if you arrive before 11 am many things will still be closed. So make sure you had your coffee before and explore what Gotokuji has to offer after you visited the lucky cats. Let me share some of my favorite places to stop here.

Eat Sweet Potato from Around Japan at Fuji

Fuji is all about the humble sweet potato. Offering seasonal and often rare varieties from all over Japan, this is a great treat. The highlight and must-eat is the purple one from Miyazaki, but it is only available in autumn and winter. The rest of the year, the shop owner told me, they only sell 1 or 2 local varieties.

Contempory Japanese Sweets at Mahorodou Sougetsu

Between the Station and Gotokuji Temple, you will find these Japanese sweets shop. Come here to try some of their seasonal Japanese sweets with a nice cup of green tea for the full traditional experience. And the best part, you can also buy their sweets to take home. Look out for the “Maneki Neko dorayaki” the purr-fect treat to share with friends.

Get Your Coffee Fix at Iron Coffee

This small standing coffee bar offers what might be the best coffee in the area. And as my secret tip, if you do want to sit down, just about 30m down the road is a small covered waiting area, including tables and all.

Pastries Galore at Uneclef

If you do like your danish and pastries than this is another place you don’t want to miss out on. Great to grab a quick breakfast or reenergise after walking around. It is located behind the station, in the opposite direction of the cat temple, which is why many people don’t see it. Making it the perfect stop on the way back.

Some Last Facts

How to get here?

Take the Odakyu Line from Shinjuku, it is about a 30min ride.

How much time to spend?

You can just do a quick 1h visit, however I would suggest spending at least 2h in the area. Half a day is probably the best amount of time, especially if you try some of the food or get a coffee.

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Often categorized as a garment of the east, only being worn in Japan, the Kimono has influenced fashion all around the world. From singer Bjork’s famous album cover for “Chromogenic” in 1997, showcasing a kimono-inspired creation by Alexander McQueen. The Kimono also inspired many costume designers, including the famous Star Wars franchise, just take a closer look at Obi-Wan.

Kimono – Kyoto to Catwalk

The five short videos in this series by the V&A, the Victoria and Albert Museum, will answer all you ever wanted to know about the Kimono. From its History, how it changed over the centuries, and how it still exists in modern-day Japanese culture.

So make sure to join Anna Jackson at the V&A in this short video series for a curated tour of its exhibition: Kimono – Kyoto to Catwalk. Where she brings you on a walk through time. A chance for you to learn more about this traditional Japanese garment, that has influenced our pop culture, in a personal virtual tour through the V&A.

You will be astounded with the presenter’s detailed explanations of how the fabrics have changed over the centuries and how they have slowly made their way into mainstream fashion. I personally love her insights and thoughts on woodblock prints depicting ancient scenes of every day Japanese life. As she gives a unique perspective and amazing insights not just about the Kimono, but also into the Japanese lifestyle at the time.

So why not take a quick break, lean back and enjoy this mini series…

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Tell Me More

About 2h drive from Tokyo in Niigata, a prefecture famous for its rice, every year in autumn, just after harvest the fields turn into huge outdoor galleries. With local farmers inviting students from well-known Musashino Art University in Tokyo to showcase their talent and create sculptures that will transport you into another realm.

What started in 2006, with a few exhibits has since grown into a full festival. With more sculptures being added each year. With bigger definitely being better in this case. As this local festival has grown, aside from the beautiful straw sculptures you will also find markets, workshops, and even small performances. Making it well worth a day trip from Tokyo. But of course, the majestic sculptures are still the main reason why people are visiting.

When & Where

The Wara Art Festival is held every year in late August at the Uwasekigata Park with the beautiful sculptures being showcased until the end of October (depending on the weather of course). Check their homepage for updates as these dates are not set in stone and for those of you who cannot visit, you can also check out their Facebook page for some behind-the-scenes insights.

But now, lets have a look at these amazing artworks and don’t miss the Video at the end…

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A Little History

“Children’s Day” was not always all-inclusive. Because this we know for sure, it used to be called “Boy’s Day”. And I guess, the same as in many other cultures, historically boys would have been celebrated as name-keepers and put in charge to be set out for bigger things.

As for when it all started this is a little bit unclear (as so often with that kind of events). However, it is said to have been celebrated for over 700 years. And yes its origin is equally mysterious, with rumors saying that it all started as a celebration for a samurai warrior, hence the name: Boy’s Day.

But Why The Shape Of A Carp?

Well, there are two rival theories. The first is that the koi or carp became the symbol of “Boy’s Day” because of its characteristic of being the most spirited fish, full of energy, holding so much strength it could swim upstream and even conquer the strongest currents and cascades with ease, sternly focused on its goal. Because of this ability to overcome obstacles it became a synonym for courage and success. These being highly desired traits for boys in the old days, families placed the Koinobori outside their houses. In honor of their sons and in the hope these traits would manifest in their little ones.

The 2nd theory, which I do love more I must say, brings us back to mythical Japan, full of legends and stories. Taking us back to the Han Dynasty in China and to an ancient tale of a school of golden koi swimming up the Yellow River. Struggling for one hundred years and being teased by demons one of them finally reached the top of the stream and was ultimately rewarded. As a god was watching and turned it into a majestic golden dragon, an image of pure power and strength.

So no matter which of the two stories you prefer, this graceful fish has become a symbol of strength and courage and is the reason why these days on now “Children’s Day” we see them floating in the wind around homes and businesses alike.

When To Spot The Koinobori

Children’s Day marks the end of Golden week every year on the 5th of May, but this is not just a one day show. It has become a beloved tradition, with many people already hanging the carp- streamers out from mid-April. They also often stay on for a while after. With many popular places in Japan displaying beautiful exhibits of them.

You will see them literally everywhere, but one of my favorite places would be at Tokyo Tower. Where the whole square in front of it is turned into a stream of carps swimming to reach the top. It is a real highlight and with the mild weather around this time of the year, the perfect place to check out. And just on the off-chance that there are some showers when you are in Tokyo, I recommend to check out Nakano Broadway for an amazing indoor display under their covered market.

However, and this is the best part, you will also find them in many shopping malls, especially in more local areas. Which makes this the perfect reason to explore some off-the-beaten-path places. So just go for a wander and see where it takes you.

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This would be the time of the year to see these fish like windsocks everywhere in Japan! ⁣ ⁣ They are called Koinobori, which means "carp streamer" in Japanese. How beautiful are they moving in the wind?!? ⁣ ⁣ Learn more about them in our next article

A post shared by Life In Japan • Travel • Food (@obsessedwithjapan) on May 1, 2020 at 11:54pm PDT

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So I went on a mission to find great restaurants, bars, and producers that have changed the way they operate. That have added delivery options to their menus for us to eat excellent food, stay healthy and sane while we are waiting for life to go back to “normal”. 

On another thought, what would dinner be without a glass of wine or some delicious Japanese sake? Which is why I also added some great shops for you to buy your favorite tipple.

Delicious Food From Small Local Businesses

OUT

Is now offering a special delivery menu in Tokyo. They offer fresh organic pasta including weekly pasta specials and different sauces. And for a little more luxury you can add truffle and even wine.

Alchemist Bar and Dining

Is now specializing in family-style TV dinners delivered Japan-wide including vegan options, real bread, and burger packs.

Bistro Kiki

This popular Harajuku eatery is offering takeout and delivery of salads and main dishes from its fusion menu including open sandwiches and beef straw-yaki rice.

Cocofulu Cafe

Is selling lunches and sweets as take-out and delivery, check out their products online and just email them for your order at cocofulucafe@gmail.com

The Perfect Beverages For Your Meals

Sake Lovers Inc

Is selling a variety of Japanese sake, including original brand Reiwashu sparkling sake. Make sure to use the 10% discount code “SAKELOVERS” at the checkout or if you are buying the “3 Goddesses gift set” get 500yen discount by adding “CORONA”.

JAPAN CIDER MARKET

Selling international ciders online and also have homebrewing kits. Currently offering shipping discounts, the more you order – the more you save.

Schmatz

With their restaurants currently closed, they have started selling beer and merchandise online and will add food to their offers soon too.

Local Farmers offering their best Products

Oishimon Organic Farm

A small farm providing locally and organically produced vegetables delivered to your home. Get a trial box for 2262円.

Base Side Farm

Provides boxes of fesh vegetables at their farm near the Yokota Air Base, you can go pick up some of their great produce or order online. They have different delivery options depending on your area, so please check their pages.

Sho Farm

Sells organic vegetables from its farm located in Kanagawa. It delivers plastic free and zero waste. With a great variety of produce this is a great one to order from.

Farmers Market @UN

This popular weekend market has joint forces and distributes a list of its producers, so you can buy their amazing product and support all the small businesses you would usually buy from on a weekend at their Aoyama market.

Itadakimasu Or Bon Appétit

Make sure to bookmark this list, as we will add more businesses for you over the next few weeks. And if you know of any business that should be included, let us know in the comments below or via our contact page.

If there is any other way you think we could help we would love to hear from you too!

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But these can be pretty boring. And no, not just the subjects, but also the decor. Although it can be fun seeing your coworker’s house, giving you that little extra insight into their personality. There is also the making-sure-everything-looks-respectable and that struggle of getting a good angle to not show the freshly done laundry spread around the house or that stain on the wall.

Introduction: Wallpapers!

This is exactly what makes wallpapers such a great invention for our virtual conversations! Ranging from original artwork or that great holiday picture, these give us a chance to spice up that meeting, be creative and showcase our interests and personality.

And it is why I love that Studio Ghibli has added wallpapers of some of everyone’s favorite movies. They include a scene of Sophie’s room from ‘Howl’s Moving Castle’ as well as a gorgeous street view, straight from ‘Spirited Away’.

How do I download these FREE Studio Ghibli wallpapers?

And yes you heard right, they are available for download for FREE!

All you need to do is visit Studio Ghibli’s official website, select the image you want to download, click and then add it to your chat platform. As easy as that.

I personally love the “Ponyo on the cliff” one, but any of them will certainly brighten up any of your online gatherings.

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We know the hospitality industry is having a pretty hard time, and no, that is not just the Hotels. It is the small tour operators, restaurants, coffee shops and shops next door. But also artists and craftspeople are being hit hard by this.

So what can we do to help them?

Well, for one, buy locally. And this applies not just to your shop next door, but also for your virtual shopping cart. Which is why we want to help businesses and individuals to promote their products and give them a shout out.

With many making enormous efforts already, we have seen Ramen shops offer takeaway and many other cafes and restaurants introducing similar options as well as deliveries. We know more are to follow, so we want to make it easier for you to find them!

Over the next weeks, we will introduce these small businesses so keep an eye on this place as well as follow us on Instagram and Facebook, as we will be sharing their updates and shout out their news. Hopefully, we can make a change, even if small, so they can stay in business!

If you are a local business owner or know somebody, then get in touch with us here and let’s see what we can do for you.

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What kinda virtual museums are we walking about?

The good thing is, there are virtual museums for everyone. Not into Art? Then how about science? From walking through the Vatican to checking out some dinosaurs at the Smithsonian, come have a look. And as you are at it, why not participate in “The Getty museum challenge” once you found that perfect painting to recreate?

We challenge you to recreate a work of art with objects (and people) in your home.

Choose your favorite artwork
Find three things lying around your house⠀
Recreate the artwork with those items

And share with us. pic.twitter.com/9BNq35HY2V

— Getty (@GettyMuseum) March 25, 2020

1.The GOOGLE Art Project

Not technically a virtual Museum, Google has partnered with over 1000 cultural institutions worldwide to help you discover artworks online. Which is hard to beat.

With many amazing works of art available in high resolution you can even create your own virtual museum tour via Google Street View! So go on, wander and discover some of the most famous art there is, or take a shortcut and check the complete list of museums here.

2.The Vatican Museum

I have been to the Vatican Museums before and it is one of the most amazing collections of art that exists in the world to date. Imagine rooms filled from top to bottom with artwork curated by the many Popes over centuries.

The sheer volume is overwhelming, so this virtual tour will give you a great look inside, in case you have not had the chance to visit. Or if you have, will let you revisit its iconic exhibits. And yes, you can even take a look at Sistine Chapel, Michelangelo’s masterpiece, where photography is not even allowed…

3.The Louvre

Being one of the largest museums of the arts, this iconic Paris Museum had to be on this list. We love their online tours, as you get a chance to see its most popular exhibits. So go on, explore some rare artifacts as well as world-renowned artists, as you virtually walk through the Louvre’s maze-like interiors…

4.Epson TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum

Being an all-time favourite since its opening in 2018, the Epson TeamLab Borderless Digital Art Museum located in Odaiba, Tokyo has awed its audience. Submerging visitors in outer-worldly spaces, it is an amazing real-life experience.

And yes, it will not be as grand watching the projections from home. But I promise, once you turn on the sound and turn of the light you will get closer to it then you may have dared to imagine…

5.The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

From paintings and digital worlds how about exploring some natural history? With about 145 million specimens and artifacts (who is counting) the Smithsonian will keep you busy for some time.

So takes its online tour, meet dinosaurs and get a glance at our own origins. And for anyone interested, it also includes an exhibition on outbreaks and epidemics.

6.Nasa

Not that interested in art but want to find out more about space? Than this is the one for you!

Here, NASA will bring you on a virtual tour of its facilities. Go on and check out the Langley Research Center, the Glenn Research Center, or drop in the Houston Space Center via their app. Aside from virtual tours, here you can also find some augmented reality experiences and all you need to know about their space exploration.

And that is not all…

Because this is only a small collection of what is out there. With plenty of other virtual museums and many especially opening their doors online in times of Coronavirus, it would be a pity to not check them out. Or how about some virtual Hanami? With plenty of live cams all around Japan, you don’t have to miss out.

And it might just as well be the time to get creative yourself, so if you do get inspired, why not check out some of the free tutorials and workshops available online?

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So if you were waiting for that overseas delivery, it may or may not arrive. The reason given is that due to the Coronavirus, flights have been significantly reduced or suspended. This has affected the delivery of international mail. Therefore Japan Post has made the unusual decision to temporarily suspend some of its services. Best case, this could mean delays, worst case, mail might not be accepted and/or returned to sender.

With almost no English information or update on this yet, the only broadcaster mentioning this so far is NHK News:

【速報 JUST IN 】国際郵便物 あさってから引受停止拡大 153の国と地域対象 #nhk_news https://t.co/Zrb65kig3t

— NHKニュース (@nhk_news) March 31, 2020

Which countries are affected?

Not all countries are affected. That is good, right?

So far, it has been communicated that for example the United States, United Kingdom, and France are not included at this point in time. But with recent developments, this too could change.

For a detailed list of which countries are affected please check the official Japan Post site here. It is regularly updated so keep an eye on it…

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