Inuyarai
The inuyarai, a slanted lattice of wooden or bamboo slats, has been a hallmark of Kyoto’s streets for centuries, likely dating back to the Edo period (1603–1868). These protective barriers, often seen at the…
Kyoto
Souvenir
The Japan Adventures of Arturo Elias
Chapter one
A Very Large Souvenir
Once upon a time, a writer and his wife loved Kyoto so much that they bought a very large souvenir; a house.
No, that’s Tofukuji Temple, we’re in a modest 120-year-old machiya, which is the name for a traditional Kyoto townhouse. It is very small, but comfortable—except in winter when it’s frickin’ cold.
Slowly, our house is coming into shape. Especially with the addition of this traditional inuyarai.
Join us on our journey!
Now available
Kyoto Souvenir, the book
A Funny Memoir of Buying a Home in Japan, Renovation, and Other Chaos
It’s finally here! Order Kyoto Souvenir today and live all the hilarious, and exciting adventures today!
From the journal
All entries
Thanksgiving In Kyoto
Finding turkey isn’t easy in Kyoto. Fortunately, we found a company in Nagoya that imports turkey (www.themeatguy.jp). This meant scheduling a delivery…
Sakura In Kyoto
Springtime — when the sakura blossoms fall like large flakes of snow upon your feet.
Autumn In Kyoto
Chionin (知恩院) You might have seen this temple’s impressive stairs in the movie The Last Samurai. The head temple of the Jōdo-shū,…