Tag Archives: Kyoto

August Bonfires

Posted on August 12, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

Gozan Okuribi (bonfires) held on the evening of August 16 is one of Kyoto’s many popular and symbolic religious ceremonies in summer. Okuribi (bonfires) are said to send off ancestors’ spirits to the other side. People believe ancestral spirits come … Continue reading →

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Kyoto Retreat

Posted on June 29, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

During my all too brief week in Kyoto, I was unable to visit one of the city’s best kept secrets due to scheduling conflicts. If find yourself in the old imperial capital and you want to escape the frenetic pace … Continue reading →

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Minding Your Manners

Posted on June 1, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

I’ve just returned from an amazing three-week trip to Japan and was delighted and overwhelmed by so much that I encountered, including the fabulous graphic design work everywhere. Passing through Kyoto Station I spotted a clever ad campaign while heading … Continue reading →

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Sentimental Souvenirs of the Past

Posted on March 10, 2025 by Brian D. Butler

   

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Book and Bed

Posted on December 1, 2016 by Brian D. Butler

Last year, I shared a story about Tokyo’s brilliant Book and Bed Hostel. Now the traveling bibliophile’s Eden has expanded with a new location in the heart of Kyoto. The 20 bed hostel, which officially opens tomorrow, features cozy sleeping nooks tucked … Continue reading →

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Mapmania

Posted on November 7, 2011 by Brian D. Butler

You won’t find any of these marvelous one-of-a-kind maps in your typical travel guidebook, but they make exceedingly clever ways to interact with geographic places. Some of the very talented creators of these diverse and idiosyncratic maps are professional illustrators … Continue reading →

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