Mapping Kyoto Streets - 2012/08/22 - Shijo-Dori

Aug. 22, Wed.
Shijo-dori

Shijo-dori runs about seven kilometers east west through the heart of Kyoto. At the east end of the street is Yasaka Jinja, surrounded by the elegant Gion district graced by geikos and maikos. The shopping and entertainment district, west over Shijo Ohashi bridge, is the most colorful part of Kyoto with many boutiques and departments stores. Shijo-dori is one of Kyoto's busiest streets, but it is at its liveliest in the summer when the local residents deck the street and transform it to its most dazzling. Summer in Kyoto is also summer sweets, the noryoyuka along the Kamo River banks, and pike conger eel. But Gion Matsuri - one of Japan's three largest festivals - in July certainly turns up the heat. Shijo-dori becomes the focus of everyone's attention during this festival when the floats roll by.

In this episode, we take a trip along Shijo-dori in its summer glory.

Presenter
Randall V. Channell (Soei)
Professional tea ceremony

Presenter

MAPPING Shijo-dori

Map

Yasaka Jinja
Kagizenyoshifusa
Minami-za
Yamatomi
Jusanya
Hayashi Manshodo
Kinmata
Sugimoto Residence
Gion Matsuri

Yasaka Jinja
This shrine at the eastern tip of Shijo-dori was built in 656 to enshrine the local god, Susano'o-no-mikoto. The locals, who affectionately call it "Gion-san," worship the god for household prosperity and protection against all misfortunes.

http://web.kyoto-inet.or.jp/org/yasaka/

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Kagizenyoshifusa
This sweets store, established 300 years ago, is famous for kuzukiri. This typical Kyoto summer sweet is made from kudzu root starch dissolved in water and cut into noodles, and is commonly eaten dipped in a molasses syrup. In years of old, kuzukiri was delivered in splendid mother-of-pearl containers.

http://www.kagizen.co.jp/

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Minami-za
In the 1600s, seven playhouses stood on the eastern side of Shijo-gawara. Of these, only Minami-za remains and is Japan's oldest theater. Kabuki, which is performed here at various times throughout the year, is a traditional Japanese performing art that has enjoyed unceasing popularity throughout its history and continues to be popular, today.

http://www.shochiku.co.jp/play/minamiza/

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Yamatomi
Located on the west side of Shijo Ohashi bridge in the Pontocho entertainment district, Yamatomi is ideal for enjoying drinks and a meal of Kyoto cuisine or home cooking - especially on its terrace. Many establishments build decks, called noryuyuka, along the Kamo River bank in the summer, so their customers can enjoy the cool summer breezes while they dine. Kyotoites definitely know how to beat the heat, in style.

http://kyoto-yamatomi.com/

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Jusanya
Boxwood comb specialist, Jusanya, was established in 1875. Since ancient times, the Japanese have said "raven locks are a woman's crowning glory." These combs have always been indispensable in helping women keep their raven hair lustrous and beautiful.

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Hayashi Manshodo
Hayashi Manshodo, which faces Shijo-dori, has been selling sweet roasted chestnuts in this area since the early 20th century. The chestnuts are placed in a special pot and roasted over pebbles gathered from the river. Their sweet aroma fills the air. Easily peeled, chestnuts are believed to relieve tiredness in the summer.

http://www.hayashi-mansyodo.jp/

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Kinmata
Kinmata was established in 1801 and is located on Gokomachi-dori, between Shijo-dori and Nishiki Shopping Arcade. Many local and overseas visitors stay at this restaurant-inn, but you can also just dine on their fine cooking. Here, we enjoy hamo - pike conger eel - a Kyoto summer delicacy. This fish has a strong vitality, and the Japanese commonly believe that eating it perks you up during the summer months when you have less of an appetite.

http://www.kinmata.com/

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Sugimoto Residence
This traditional Kyoto residence - one street south of Shijo-dori, along Ayanokoji-dori - was the drapery store and home of the Sugimoto family over 240 years ago, during the Edo Period. Today, it is maintained by a non-profit foundation. The Sugimoto family stores and preserves the Yadacho float used in Gion Matsuri, and plays a key role in the event.

http://www.sugimotoke.or.jp/

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Gion Matsuri
Continuing for over 1,100 years, Gion Matsuri is one of Japan's three largest festivals. The highlight of the festival is the four days - July 14th through 17th - when over one million people converge on the area to enjoy the festivities. The origin of the float parade held on the 17th stretches back to 869 when 66 spears were erected to cleanse Kyoto of the plague ravaging the city. Gion Matsuri has continued through the centuries on the zeal and creativity of the local leaders.

http://www.gionmatsuri.jp/

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