Nagomi no Wa

Competition of Japanese art of archery!!

2012-01-06T05:32:00.000-08:00

This can be an additional information of Coming of Age Day. On 15th January, at Sanju-Sangen-Do, from 9am, there is a competition of Japanese art of archery by people who are coming of age this year. About 2000 people from all over Japan come and aim at targets 60meter away. As you can see from the picture, they are really cool in colorful costume thinking only to hit a target.

Coming of Age Day is literally coming!!!!!

2012-01-03T23:22:00.000-08:00

Coming of Age Day (成人の日) is a Japanese holiday annually on the second Monday of January. On this day, all those who have reached the age of 20 years old are celebrated that they have become adults. Festivities are taken place at local and prefectural offices. Traditionally, girls wear Kimono on the day and boys wear hakama(these days suits get more popular, though). If you see someone who looks happy in colorful costumes on the day around , she or he must be 20 years old:)

2012!!!!

2011-12-31T19:57:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!! Japan turned into 2012!!!! What did you see in your dream?? If what you saw was Mt fuji, congratulation!! this year is going to be your year:)

We thank you everyone very much for being our friend through facebook and sharing lots of things. This year we do our best to update lots more than last year we did. If you got any chance to come to Kyoto, please feel free to contact us! You are always welocme here as long as you like!!

Best Regards,All staff

Pray to them, then eat them!!

2011-12-21T05:06:00.001-08:00

-Tomorrow Event in Kyoto- 23rd December, there is an unique memorial service at 矢田寺(yadadera-temple). Guess what it is for. Suprisingly...it is pumpkins!! In there, you pray that you might be safe next year, and that your wishes might be granted by rubbing the worshiped pumpkins. What made me laugh is, at the end of the event, you can eat them for free(only offered to first 100people,though).Go pray to them and eat them!!!

Today's Kimono Experience!!

2011-12-06T19:52:00.000-08:00

This time we did with a Japanese couple! Not very often this happens. It was just awesome!! They thankfully taught us how to make a pause beautifully. Please see below our improvement!

Autumn leaves are not over yet!!!!

2011-12-02T02:28:00.000-08:00

It seems the number of tourists in kyoto are already going down, compared to a week ago....but...No No No!!! Hang on!!! right now is the best!!! full of red leaves everywhere!! Don't miss this chance! It will also be easier to get an accomodation now. Of course, we expect you to stay with us, though:)

Bhutan King and Queen visit Japan!!

2011-11-16T23:01:00.000-08:00

The King and Queen of Bhutan is in Japan now!!!! and day after tomorrow, they are going to visit at Kyoto!!Kyoto are already a full of people enjoying autumn leaves all around. Their historic visit will make it accelerated and get more tourists to Kyoto:)

Light-ups is what you must not miss in this season!!

2011-11-09T04:32:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone:) How are you doing??
As we have finally got in beautiful autumn, lots of temples and shrines have started light-ups each place. This temple, called 'Kodaji', is one of the best places where you can have illuminated red-yellow trees. It is available to December 4th. Autumn leaves are not really yet turned red, though. I am sure it would give you a great time:) For the detail, visit this page!! http://www.kodaiji.com/e_illumi.html

The most beautiful season is coming to here Kyoto soon:)

2011-11-01T20:23:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!!

Let me start with apologize..How often do you think we update this blog?? We are sooo lazy, aren't we?? If you wait us for update everyday, we are, no, 'I' am so sorry about that.

As the heading say, we are having the most gorgeous season in about 2 weeks. (This year is relatively late that leaves turn up)

Catch the latest information from this site http://weathernews.jp/koyo/. (Only Japanese is available..) If anyone knows anysite where you get update information of autumn leaves in English, tell us!!(by anyway is fine) We'll appreciate it:)

See you next week!! I promise!!

2011-09-04T04:16:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!! How are you doing!?!?
We are sorry it has taken very long since we updated last time.

The biggest and best festival in Kyoto 'Gion-Matsuri' and hectic Japanese summer week 'Bon' has gone now. This 2 months, September and October, before the season of autumn leaves come up, are when we are kind of taking a break. So in this calm and relaxing mood, nothing was expected to happen.....However we forgot one thing that could happen in this month..........it was typhoon!!!!! We got huge one in this 2 days. It was just horrible to walk down streets in such a strong wind that almost blew up a storm.
A week ago, NY had a hurricane as well........what is going on on the earth!?!?

2011-07-26T04:31:00.001-07:00

Hello!!

We've uploaded some photos of this year's Gion Festival!! Did you go and see it?? Millions of people were there watching the spectacular festival.

Masaomi

7th July Tanabata!!

2011-07-05T05:56:00.001-07:00

Hello every one!! Today's topic is Tanabata(七夕) Have you ever heard of this??Do you know anything about this?? If not, don't worry. I will explain:)

Here is the explanation of the Japanese event.

Tanabata(七夕, meaning 'Evening of the seventh') is a Japanese star festival. On the day, Japanese people celebrate the meeting of Orihime(Vega) and Hikoboshi(Altair).
-What happened between these two guys??
According to legend, the Milkiy Way, a river of stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. The celebration is held at night.
I personally think that this is a kind of sad story...but we celebrate it.

-How to celebrate it??
People generally celebrate this day by writing wishes on tanzaku(短冊), small pieces of paper, and hanging them on bamboo with other decorations.

If you have tanzaku, some pieces of paper and bamboo, it is ready to make wishes!! On 7th July is the day!! Please don't miss it:)

See you!!

Masaomi

Gion Matsuri

2011-06-22T03:12:00.000-07:00

Hi folks!

Today I would like to tell you about Gion Festival. Gion Festival is one of the most known festivals in Japan, and a lot of people come to Kyoto to see it. It is held around Gion district, hence the name.

It's a very long festival that spans from July 1 to the end of the month, containing several high lights. One of which is a parade called Yamaboko Junko (山鉾巡行） in June 17.The Festival originally made as a part of purification ritual to appease the gods of disasters. The emperor of the time ordered the citizens to pray to the God of Yasaka shrine, Susanoono Mikoto.

You can see a big float walking around in Kyoto. (See the picture above)

During Gion Matsuri Kyoto will be crowded with many tourists all over the world.

Why don't you come to Kyoto this time and be a part of it?

Teshi

SOMEN

2011-06-16T04:09:00.000-07:00

Hi friends!

Summer is coming, and we are all craving for something cold to devour so we can cool down our hot bodies.

Some eat ice cream, some gobble down a bottle of extreamly cold tea (or coke), some love to compete with the heat and eat boiling ramen (and excessive sweat would chill them out. A bit disgusting, but you know it works).

But what's loved throughout the summer is Somen. I have never heard anyone disliking it.

Somen is a type of noodle which is mainly made of flour. After we boil the noodle, we put it in very cold water and serve with ice to maintain its cold temperature (See the picture above).

When we eat it, we can't help but feel that the summer is just round the corner, or maybe already out there somewhere.

We once held a Somen party in 2009 just outside the street of the hotel. We installed a bamboo slide, which resembles the waterfall, and from the top thrown a chopstick-full of somen. As the noodle slides down the flume one must catch it quickly to eat., or it goes out for someone else.

We call it "Nagashi Somen" (flowing noodle).

We invited neighbors and the guests!
Quick!!

If we you have a chance, please try Somen!

Teshi

June Event Highlights

2011-06-12T04:01:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends!

I bet you noticed the change in the background and colours.

Following the previous post the blog has turned into the season's special edition.

But after the rain Kyoto will be brimmed with summer heat.

Today I would like to introduce some of the main events in June.

Hope it will be an usefull guideline to your travel.

June 15

Yasaka Shrine Reisai Festival

This is an annual ceremony and dance perfomance, based on a dance style that was developed by the Heian imperial court.
From 10:00 a poetry reading will be also organised.
Link

June 17-July 17

Bell Flower Viewing Party at Tenju-in Temple in Tofukuji Temple

Tenju-in temple is famous for exquisite bell flowers. The temple will also be open at night.
Entry:500 yen.
Link

June 17-19

Kyoto Antique Fair

About 350 antique dealers, including many foreign dealers will participate in this exciting event, which is the largest antique market in western Japan.
This fair will be held at Kyoto Pulse Plaza.
Link

Please give it a try.
I'm certain you'll have a heavenly experience.

Teshi

Rain Season Has Come!

2011-06-02T04:39:00.000-07:00

Hello, friends!

The year 2011 has reached the half point already, and now we are in the month of rain, June.

According to Wikipedia,

The month is named after the Roman goddess Juno, wife of Jupiter and
equivalent to the Greek goddess Hera, whilst the second is that the name
comes from the Latin word iuniores, meaning "younger ones".

Also, Juno is believed to be the guardian of marridge, so the brides that marry in June are called June Bride, wishing to be blessed by the goddess power to preserve the marridge in peace.

We also believe in this tradition, and lots of women like to have the ceremony in June.

BUT, June in Japan is not necessarily a good season to have the wedding because we will be in Rain Season.

Funnily enough, in olden Japanese name, June was called 水無月(pronunced Mi-Na-Zuki), and each kanji represents different meanings.

水 means Water and 無　means None while 月means Month. June was called the month with no water.

And it is pararell to the rain season, for the rain brings lots of water!

There are many interepretaton and studies have been made, but the one I trust the most is this;

"The seasonal rain dried the water in heaven"

How Romantic is that!

Kyoto, not to mention, is also in rain season at the moment.. But there's also some virtue in staying home and read hearing the rain drops.

And the rain in Kyoto will start to look not as bad.

teshi

Kawadoko

2011-05-20T03:07:00.000-07:00

Hello friends!

The spring has passed, and now the heat of summer is slowly settling in in Kyoto.

It's one way to stay in cozy air-conditioned places, but how about a lovely dinner by the

beloved River, "Kamogawa"?

Some cafes and restaurants which are facing the riverbed are allowed to build a huge veranda outside exclusively in the summer, so the customers can enjoy themselves outside watching the night of Kyoto as well as the lovely dinner with your special someone.

This is called "KAWADOKO".

Isn't this cool if you can get over the dog days like this?

Teshi

It's hot just like in summer.

2011-05-10T00:47:00.000-07:00

Hello!! How are you doing??

Did you have lots of funs in Golden Week??

Here kyoto is having very hot days in this 2 weeks, up to 28 degrees. It's killing us and just like we have already got summer we don't want to have right now. The problem of this does not just come from the hotness but also horrible mosquito emaergence that we all hate. That is we all hate. Actually, I got bitten by the monster yesterday. I got shocked and couldn't believe the fact because now it is May. Nomally, or people expect, the monsters come in summer around July. I want to say to them, ' It not time yet you come, come back latter!!'

Anyway, it's very hot, though, you will be able to enjoy hanging around outside all day with T-shirt. Along Kamo-river, sitting down and drinking would be so much funs:)

Best,

Masaomi

Aoi-Matsuri

2011-04-26T06:48:00.000-07:00

Hello!! How are you doing??

Here Kyoto, finally beautiful cherry blossom season is over. Did you see and enjoy with it?? It was just amazing.....already really missing it...

Today, we would like you to know a festival called, Aoi-Matsuri(Festival) that is taken place on 15th May in kyoto. It is well-known that the festival is one of the three biggest annual festivals here. The two Kamo shrines, Shimogamo-Shrine and Kamigamo-Shrine, are the host of it. The feature is a gorgeous parade in the style of the ancient Heian Court, and everything in the parade is decorated with hollyhock leaf crest, Japanese name 'Aoi'. The parade leaves the Kyoto Imperial Palace at 10:30 in the morning. The 700-meter-long parade passes Simogamo-Shrine and heads for Kamigamo-Shrine.
It is worth to go and see it for sure. Please check this link. Very kind explanation with some photos!!http://www.kyotoguide.com/ver2/thismonth/aoimatsuri10.html

See you later!!
Masaomi

Golden Week

2011-04-18T04:09:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Today I would like to introduce a special holiday season in May.

It is called Golden Week.

We all look forward to this holiday because we will have many tourists visiting Kyoto.

I will tell you a brief history of this holiday, and how it is made.

GW (Golden Week) often refers to a particular week that starts from Apr 29.

GW contains four national holidays: Apr 29, Showa Day

: May 3, Constitutional Memorial Day

: May 4, Greenery Day

: May 5, Children's Day

When the national holiday lands on Sunday, thet next day substitutes the holiday. So if we

had Children's Day on Sunday, we will have the coming Monday off.

Let's take a look at this year's calender.

If you take a few paid holiday, you will have maximum 10 days off!

That is why we have many visitors in GW.

We will have many interesting events coming soon, so stay tuned!

Yours,

Teshi

More Arashiyama Updates

2011-04-13T04:55:00.000-07:00

Earlier I have posted some pictures of the long-beloved Arashiyama.

Now that the cherry blossom is full in bloom, I roamed around the area once again
in search of beautiful sceneries to share.

This time Iwent to Togetsu Bridge, and a temple called "GION-JI".

GION-JI is located in a remote part of Arashiyama. It takes about 20 min. from JR Saga-Arashiyama Station.

The temple is beautifully accompanied by the moss-covered garden , and in the
midst of the green there stand graceful trees. My poor vocabulary cannot explain the beauty.

Utterly Indescribable!

Also I visited the bamboo pathway. It was dribbling at the time but was still nice.

I just wanted to share the memory ;)

yours ,

Teshi

sakura✿

2011-04-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

Hello!! How are you doing??

Here Kyoto, the cherry blossoms are in full bloom finally!! It is absolutely beautiful. There are thousands of people walking down streets, taking pictures, having a lunch or drinking, doing what they like to do, in the fantastic scenery. We hope you are one of them:)

Cherry Blossom full in bloom in ARASHIYAMA

2011-04-06T03:47:00.000-07:00

Hello!

As we have been anoucing for so long, Kyoto is now full in bloom.

And I have made my way to Arashiyama by bike yesterday.

It was immensely beautiful. I was very glad to witness such beauty in my life time.

It left me totally speechless. I got a bit welled up!

Here are some excerptions of these sights I managed, rather badly, to capture with my phone.

Just wanted to share the memory ;)

Yours,
Teshi

cherry-blossom season

2011-04-01T06:59:00.000-07:00

Hello, how are you doing??

Here kyoto is having a lot of festivals and events with wonderful view of cherry blossom soon.

Today, HostelWorld.com has uploaded this below page on its website.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Following the massive earthquake and ensuing tsunami that rocked Japan on March 11th, our Shanghai office has been in constant contact with our Japanese properties so we can bring you the most up-to-date information about safe areas to travel in Japan.

Northern areas of the country like Sendai have been devastated by this horrific natural disaster and further revelations of earthquake damage to the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Things are quite different in southern Japan, which wasn’t affected by either the earthquake or tsunami. According to our colleagues in Shanghai and our properties in southern Japan, it’s completely safe to travel to areas like Kyoto, Osaka, Hiroshima, Kobe and Okinawa. All these areas can be reached by flying directly to Osaka Kansai International Airport.

For updates on air travel to and from Japan, check out the following websites:

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)

For up-to-date health and safety information relating to travel in Japan, you’ll find everything you need to know on the World Health Organization (WHO) site.

If you’d like to make a donation to support disaster relief efforts in the area, the American Red Cross has set up a Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami Appeal.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you see from what they say, there is nothing to worry about travelling in Kansai area, Kyoto, Osaka, Nara etc..
Although we can really understand why people are afraid of comming to Japan, just would like you to know these places are very safe enough to visit.

We all hope that more people come visit Japan and feel how beautiful country is.

Best Regards,
Masaomi

for this Spring

2011-03-24T22:25:00.000-07:00

How are you doing??
Everyone knows what is going on in Japan.
We appreciate our guests are sending very encouraging message for us, and for Japan.

Kyoto is totally fine and safe.
Transportation, restaurant, supermarket, convenience stores and so on are opening as usual. We don’t have any problem with that now. So it is something like nothing happened in Japan. But actually it isn’t.

The number of tourists coming to Japan sharply decreased after the disaster. We are struggling to deal with many cancellations related to this. Still don’t know where we are going to.

However, surely and steadily the beautiful spring season is coming here.
This year there might be not a lot of people around here, sightseeing spot won't be crowded, compared to last year. Hostels in kyoto are preparing usual price for even this busy season. Some people even say that this would be a good experience for you to get to know a gentle spring in Japan. We hope this spring makes everyone feel peaceful and forget about this sad thing just one moment.

For them, for our future guests, we would like to serve with our heart.
We would like to make your journey safe and unforgettable.

New Japan is beginning from now!! 

SAKURA

2011-03-23T17:15:00.001-07:00

As you know Kyoto is the one of the most famous city in Japan about the BEAUTUFUL cherry blossam "Sakura".A lot of tourists are coming to Kyoto from around the world to see wonderful nature.We are exciting that most beautiful season is coming to Kyoto now!!

The cherry blossom will come out early in April.This year cherry blossam will be bloom delayed, becase of unusual wheather.You can see the cherry blossam from 29th of March.We are expecting to see in full bloom cherry blossam on 6th of April in Kyoto city!:)

Hopefully you could be come to make the most beautiful experince about cherry blossam in here, KYOTO;D

Kyoto is alright!

2011-03-22T19:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends,

Despite of the disaster that has overwhelmed the whole country, Kyoto has fortunately been dismissed of further distruption. However, it is much too soon to be relieved, or grieved over the concequence of the earthquake.

Japan is not dead.

Kyoto is looking as brightful as it has ever been;
with the Cherry blossoms starting to bloom, with Miyako-Odori marching on the way.
The spring is coming!

Thank you so much for the kind words of condolences.

Teshi

a massive earthquake hit!! but we kyoto are fine.

2011-03-11T19:11:00.000-08:00

As you may know, a massive earthquake hit the north of east Japan yesterday. It is said around 300 people have been killed and more than 700 people are missing by the earthquake, and also by huge tsunami after the earthquake.
Japan is in total chaos at the moment. Nobody knows where we are going to.

Last night, we got many people who had to return to our place to stay due to all traffic closed down. There may be still hundreds of people stuck at the station and have nowhere to go and stay.

Today, we feel terrified of the serious damage to the north of east Japan and deeply sorry for the people suffering from the earthquake. Who can we brame this happening for? It is nobody's fault. It is natural disaster.

At the same time, we have got a lot of heart-warming messages from our guests. They all worry about us and Kyoto. This is really encuraging us in this situation. Thanks a lot for all of them, we are fine.

Fortunately, except the area near to seachoast, there was almost nothing happned in kyoto and osaka. We actually could feel the earthquake a bit, though. However, some of us have family living in near to the quake-hit area, and one who used to work here is from the area, so we are praying for safety of the people in there. Even a small thing would make difference. We want to do something for them.

We all just wish all people's safety and prevent the damage from spreading anymore.

2011年3月11日14時46分頃、
東北地方を中心とした大地震が発生し、現在日本は混乱をしています。

昨晩は突然の事で、京都から東京などの家に帰ることができなくなった方々が、
当宿へ急きょチェックインをされて慌しくなり、ご報告が遅れてしまいました。

一日空けた今、テレビに映る深刻な被害に、自然の恐ろしさをあらためて感じています。

前に宿泊してくれていたお客様や、これからいらっしゃるお客さまからも、
大丈夫ですかとメールをいただくと、がんばらなくてはと勇気が湧いてきます。
本当にありがとうございます。

京都や大阪では小さな地震しか感じなかったので、海沿いを除くエリアでは大きな被害もありませんでした。
スタッフも地震による怪我や事故がなく、胸を撫で下ろしています。
しかし、震源地に近いところに家族が住んでいたり、昔働いていたスタッフの出身が震源地だという事もあって、
被災地の方々の無事を、ただただ祈るばかりです。

被害に合われた皆様の無事と、これ以上被害が拡がらないよう、スタッフ一同お祈り申し上げます。

2011-03-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

March 3rd is celebrated as the Girl's Day, or the Festival of Dolls. People display graceful dolls in ancient court costumes on a tier of 5 or 7 shelves covered with scarlet cloth. These dolls represent the Emperor and Empress, the court ladies, the ministers and the court musicians. The girls are expected to be as elegant as these courtly ladies.
Young girls wear their beautiful Kimono and get together before the display and have a good time, eating sweet rice crackers (Hina arare) and drinking white sake (Shirozake). It is also known as the Peach Festival.

there is the festival in Ichihime-jinja shrine. the temple is very close to our hostel.

Spring is coming soon??

2011-02-24T01:20:00.000-08:00

How are you doing, everyone?

It is getting warm these days in Kyoto:)
That is good for us and our guest as well.
This winter was so cold!!

By the way, we are going to do an event on 3rd March!!
The Japanese Doll Festival (雛祭り, Hina-matsuri)
We will let you know about the detail soon!

Anyway, take care of yourself everone!!
Be carful to get a cold as seasons change!!

CHEERS!!

trip to Miyama!!

2011-02-15T00:32:00.000-08:00

Hi-ya!!

Here is snowing again. Where is hopeful Spring? We cant wait!!
Recently, we have been searching any place where you can experience more authentic japanese atmosphere. The place would be something you have never seen.
A few days ago, we went to Miyama district, some 15km from north of Kyto city, where you will find the collection of houses with a thatched roof in the beautiful landscape. As you see from the picture, the houses in the district are quite similar to the one called gassyo-zukuri in Shirakawa-go which was selected World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.
It was snowing a lot when we were there so that we could see and enjoy winter scenery of the village.
There are still a lot of places people dont know and go in Kyoto so We would like you to know such a hidden spot through this blog.

See you later!
Masaomi

National Foundation Day!

2011-02-11T03:57:00.000-08:00

Hi how are you doing everyone??
Today is National Foundtion Day in Kyoto.
The first Emperor succeeded to the throne on this day in B.C.660.

So many poeple having day off today!
But actually we don't do anything special on this day.
We don't cerebrate like other countries.
So we just usually go out and have fun, that's all.

Anyway, do you know Kyoto Imperial Palace?
That's the place where Emperor used to live.
When poeple come to Kyoto, they often visit Kyoto Imperial Palace & Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
You can visit garden whnever you want.
If you want to go inside the palace, please take your passport to the counter of the Imperial Household Agency Kyoto Office to apply for entry permission.
You can join the English tour free of charge!
I think it worth going there!

See you!

Mizuki

Save money!! Do great experience!!

2011-01-27T00:38:00.000-08:00

Hi there!
May be, almost of the people who check our infomation know that we have Winter Special.
The geusts on the pictures put on Kimono for free!!
If you book and stay at our hostel by 5th March, Kimono Experiece is included in the room rate. Sounds economical~~!! Kind to your wallets~~~!! hahaha :)
If you want to know ...the detail about WINTER SPECIAL, check it out!!
http://www.nagomi-kyoto.com/yuu/winter-special.html
We are not sure yet but we might be going to do Winter Special next winter.
So if you cannot come over to our place this winter, please check this community often.
We will let you know some information before the next winter!!

See you ~~ =>

What's special of our building??

2011-01-26T02:57:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!!
Today we want to show our special:)
Look at the pictuers.
These lamps are not normal ones.
The all lampshades in Yuu and Sato were made and used in early Syowa period.
That means about 90 years ago.
Each lampshade is all different.
They have been collected by our owner.
If you come here, you can feel and experience the old Japanese=>
That sounds graet, right?? hahaha
Please enjoy your staying at our hostel as that aspect,too :)

Thanks,
Good night☆

Hello!!

2011-01-22T00:53:00.000-08:00

How are you??
It is still cold in Kyoto:)
These days, there are many calls and mails of inquiry for this spring.
Spring is one of the busiest season in Kyoto.
You can see a lot of cherry blossoms!!
The weather is nice as well. Good for sightseeing :)
By the way, one of our staff has a serious cold. He is taking a rest in his home.
It also happen to everyone. Winter is not over yet.
Let's take care and be careful of catching a cold!!～=>
Good night!!!

Gift!!!

2011-01-21T02:21:00.001-08:00

Hi!! Everyone!
We had a good thing!!
So, we wanted to share this news with everyone :)
We had great pesents yeserday!!
Look at the above picture.
...One of our guest sent us some sweets!!
We were so happy and thank him!!
He stayed here before, and is coming soon to stay again!
He seems to like staying here. That makes us get motivated :)
Thanks agian and look forward to see him.
See you!!:)

Snowing again!!

2011-01-16T03:49:00.000-08:00

Hi :)
How's it going everybody!!

Today, it was snowy again in Kyoto.
Usually, there is a snowing day in a season at Kyoto.
However, we had snow a lot this year!!

Many Japanese would like to take a long time bath when it is cold like today!!
There are a lot booking of private open-air bath that we have.
When you come over here, why don't you try it!!
It's so comfortable and can be relaxed!!:)

See you later!!

Happy New Year

2011-01-06T18:42:00.000-08:00

How's it going, guys!?
HAPPY NEW YEAR FROM JAPAN =>
bit late though hahaha

We had a OSECHI!
It is special and traditional, kind of Bento Box, for new year meal.
It is not just looking gorgeous and deliciou.
Eveything ingreddients have meaning.
Ex, Rooling Egg looks like sun and it is an auspicious symbol.

Hope New Year brings good luck for everybody =>

Snow! Snow!! Snow!!!

2010-12-31T03:50:00.001-08:00

Hello～!! How's it going, everyone!!
I caught a cold and have cough now. hahaha～
But!!! Today is special, right? End of the year～！YES!!!:)
Most japanese go to shrines or temples to celebrate the new year!!

By the way, look at the picture!! It was snowy today.
...Long time time no snow in Kyoto!! So we got excited!!

Everyone!!!! Have a happy new year!!!
Looking forward to seeing you next year as well!!

Winter Special

2010-12-15T00:55:00.000-08:00

Good evening, everyone!!!
How are you?

No Kimono
No Tea cheremony
No Open-Air Bath
is not KYOTO.

Enjoy your Kyoto stay!!!

Hiro

Hot Pod Party!!

2010-12-08T19:21:00.000-08:00

We had a Hot Pod Party!!!
It was really good party. i had a great time with you guys.thanks!
Oh, definitely we will make this party again. Try Japanese traditional food with us!

Have a good weekend!

Hiro

Hot Pod Party in Nagomi Ryokan Yuu! 08/12/2010 start 6pm ～.

2010-12-03T05:42:00.000-08:00

KONBANWA!!!　←Good evening in Japanese.
How you going,mate?
we will make a Hot Pod party on 8th.
lets have a Hot Pod with us.
It will be fun if you join us!

Date:08/12/2010
Stat:6pm
Close:when you drunk.
Drink:B.Y.O
We will divide the bill for the ingredients(Veges,meats,fishes,...etc)with everybody join this party.

We are waiting you in Nagomi-Ryokan Yuu!!!

See u soon. OYASUMI.←Good night!

Hiro

Common space!

2010-12-01T04:30:00.000-08:00

hi,everyone!How are you?

this is the common space in Nagomi-Ryokan Yuu.
i took the photo when they were chatting.
when it's cold outside,it's better to drink a hot tea.it makes you warm.
There is free green tea and english tea in here.
Don't drink coffee at night time,you can't sleep after,you know.
Tea is better. hey you know? you can do tea ceremony in our hostel.
If you would like to do something special,why don't you try it!!

oh,tea is ready, i have to go. See you soon.

Have a good night!

Hiro

Christmas tree!!

2010-11-30T02:28:00.000-08:00

Hi, how u going?
it was nice weather today.
yesterday we decorated Christmas tree!!!
what do u think about this tree?
I think its good idea.Look at Mizuki.
Its a harmony between Kimono n Christmas.

It's not easy to get this experience, so...

Why don't you come to kyoto and visit us?

Hi hi.Anyway,we might wearing special costume around Christmas.
I will take photo of them.

See you then!

Hot Pod Party!!

2010-11-28T18:02:00.000-08:00

Hi,hows it going?

it's getting cold in kyoto.
i went to Kiyomizu temple last Sat.
If you wanna go there you need a warm jacket.
otherwise,you can't enjoy with beautiful views.
And after i went to hotpod restaurant!
It was awesome.But a bit expensive.

anyway i'm thinking something makes you warm in our hostel.
I know i can makes you warm with my smile.But probably not enough.
So...
Let's have a HotPod party!!!
i will let you know,when we will make this party.

Have a good day!

Hiro

We love Kyoto in winter!!

2010-11-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

Hello～:)
There are a lot of place that you can enjoy the beuatiful lights in Kyoto!!
Look at these pictures!!
They are so great, aren't they?? =>
If you have chance to come over to Kyoto, I recomend you to wander around the city.
Most illumination are until 25th December.

Take care!!Have a nice day!!
See you soon!

2010-11-27T04:00:00.000-08:00

How are you??
Autumn is very busy season for Kyoto.
We hear from our guests that color leaves or sceneries in many place are so great.Every guests seems to have wonderful time in Kyoto. And we are so glad to be able to share the time with them.The new year is coming soon. How was 2010 for you? good?not bad? :)
We hope your rest of this year will be great for you.

Actually, I prefer winter to autumn in Kyoto.
It's so cold but there are illumination in Kyoto city. And if you go to a suburb that is north part in Kyoto, we can see a lot of stars in the sky!!
That is so beuatiful!!

I will let you know some events soon!!
Thank you and see you soon!

Events in Kyoto!

2010-10-05T05:32:00.000-07:00

Good evening! How are you?

Nowadays, it is gradually getting cool at Kyoto.
Finally, this long summer is over!!!

At autumn, there are a lot of events or festivals in Kyoto.
For example, Kyoto Jidai Matsuri, Nijo Castle Festival, Maple illumination festival and so on.

If you would like to know the detail of them, please look at the websites!!
http://www.kyotojoho.co.jp/english/index.html

Of course, we also have an event.
The next event at our hostel, is………..Halloween!!
We are still planning what we’re going to do.
If you have your stay at our place on 31st, please come with special costumes!!
I’ll let you know the detail soon!!

Good night!!

Tea Ceremony

2010-09-28T16:44:00.001-07:00

Hello～!!:)
How is it going, everyone～?

When you come to Kyoto, you want to know Kyoto’s culture, right?
Kyoto has older and special culture than other cities.
We want to share the culture with our guests.
That’s why there are some special options at our place.

One of the most popular options is Tea Ceremony Experience.
You can know how to have a cup of tea with the formal way.
Of course, you can try Green tea.

The most good point of our Tea Ceremony is the price!!
Just 1500 yen/person!!(From 2 people)

Many guests said they had great experience.
When you stay at our guest house, why don’t you try it??

Have a nice day~~~~~!!!! :)

Tsukimi Events!!

2010-09-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

Hello～!!!:)
How are you??

9/22, we had the event that I told you before, Tsukimi festival!!!

Many our guests joined the event!!
http://www.nagomi-kyoto.com/yuu/photo/photo-event-tsukimi.html

Unfortunately, we couldn’t see the moon at all… hahaha～
However, the party was so great and everyone seemed to have enjoyable time!!

The staffs also had great time!!
We are going to hold the next event!!
I’ll let you know soon!
Let’s share a great time with us next!!
Good night!!

Tsukimi Event is coming soon!!

2010-09-15T20:37:00.000-07:00

Hi!!
How is it going?

We have a good news!!

Have you heard the word, Tsukimi?
Tsukimi is the festival for moon watching.
We have rice dumpling or chicken on the festival day in order to
celebrate the beauty of the moon!!

On 22nd September, we are going to hold the party at our hostel!
There are various foods such as dumplings, chicken and so on.
All you can eat! Only 500yen!
It will start at 6pm

If you have a plan to visit our place, let’s share a great time with us!!

Have a nice day!!.

Festival!!!

2010-09-13T02:50:00.000-07:00

Hello!
How is it going?
There was a festival near here yesterday!!
The festival is mainly for children!
I heard that anyone can join this festival.
If you have a plan to come Kyoto next summer with your children,
let your children join it!!

We’re gonna let you know about this festival in our homepage.

Have a nice day!!:)

The typhoon was approching Kyoto!!

2010-09-08T18:15:00.000-07:00

Hi!

How are you ??

Yesterday, the typhoon was approching Kyoto!!

However, there was no harm at Kyoto! :)

The typhoon seems to have damaged Kanto area, around Tokyo.

It is not so hot today, but will be hot from tomorrow again.

Is this cause of global warming??

I really miss winter now. lol

Nowadays, we have a lot of call or E-mail.

We guess many people are ready for autumn sightseeing at Kyoto!

We always welcome with smile and heart!! :)

Have a nice day!!

Thanks.

See you soon～♪

BBQ Party!

2010-07-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we had our first BBQ Party at Nagomi-Ryokan Yuu!!! This year we were blessed with good weather. A lot of guests and staffs joined the party. Everyone looked very satisfied with a lot of delicious foods. All the participants enjoyed spending a cool early evening having BBQ and interacting with each other!

TANABATA festival!

2010-07-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

We hold TANABATA fes in 7th of JUL.

According to traditional fairy tale ( find the Tanabata in Wikipedia)

We write wishes on the paper and decolated the bamboo with paper strips and ornaments.

We believed that the wishes may come ture some day.

Many guests wrote thier wishes and decolotaed the bamboo.

We also hold wooden craft events!

We made wooden guns and hit the target!!

We gave special paper crafts to our guests as prise!

The good Tanabata nights with guests...

We are planning lots more events...... !

Thank you for joing us!!

Nagomi-bar is opend!!

2010-06-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Finally The World Cup has Begun at 6/11!!
Our NAGOMI BAR are also Opened !!
DRINKS(300yen~), SNACKS(300yen~) and a 200-inch Screen for World Cup!

We just finished our 4th day at -Nagomi Bar- !
We had a great match and night. Thanks for all our guests who joined us ! As you can imagine, Japanese are going to be crazy because our national team won the first match and we are getting closer to the round of 16. As we promised, we will be following the whole World Cup at our Bar.

Hope to see you here in NAGOMI BAR!

Nagomi-no-wa weather forecast for this summer!!

2010-05-30T05:46:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone!

According to the weather forecast, this summer is going to be a cool one. Do you think this is bad? Actually, this is not just bad.
The summer in Kyoto is extremely hot because of the humidity. You cannot compare with the other cities in Japan. This is because Kyoto is surrounded by mountains except the south side, and warm air comes into Kyoto from there, then the sun heat it up, hear it up and heat it up…It is like being in a sauna all the day! :-S

So, having a cool summer is a good news in some points! There are lots of events going on then. Gion festival, the most famous festival in Kyoto, is in the middle of July. Also, there are lots of Japanese festivals (Matsuri) and fireworks during summer!! Let’s go out for these events wearing Yukata (Japanese traditional clothes) like we Japanese normally do. That would be the best memory of traveling in Kyoto. We have an activity, "Kimono-experience", which you can try to wear Kimono/Yukata. Check this web page for more detail!
http://www.nagomi-kyoto.com/yuu/kimono.html

We never know how the weather will be, but we are sure that you can enjoy Kyoto anyway, not depending on weather or season… ;-)

Looking forward to seeing you at our guesthouse!

Our guesthouse was broadcasted!!

2010-05-05T23:42:00.000-07:00

After the long cold weather (It snowed in Tokyo in APRIL!!), It's been very hot in Kyoto...finally! It was more than 30 degrees yesterday.

We had a great "Golden Week", which is one of the longest public holidays in Japan, and there were lots of tourists came to Kyoto.

In the Golden Week, our guesthouse was broadcasted in a famous local programme called "Yo-i Don". Did you guys check it?!

In the programme, a famous singer walks around in various local areas in Kinki and stops by some unique places. And this time, it was Kyoto station area.

He stopped by our guesthouse and asked us some questions like, "What is this place?". Because it's unusual to see many English letters in Japan.

Basically, our owner talked about why she started the guesthouse, what our guesthouse aims for and so on. It's worth checking it out!!

From now on, there are still many events coming out.

Aoi Festival on 15th is one of them. This is one of the 3 biggest fastivals in Kyoto. This festival consists of a procession of beautifully decorated oxcarts attended by some 500-plus people dressed in Heian-period costume.

Come to our ryokan to enjoy Kyoto with our friendly staff.

We are waiting for your arrival!

Count Down to Spring !!

2010-03-17T06:06:00.000-07:00

Hi! How are you everyone!?
It becomes warm in Kyoto these days. We are all excited about welcoming beautiful spring season.

There are lots of events in Spring. One of the main events "Higashiyama Hanatoro" has started on 13th March.

Lots more are coming soon!!
Check this → http://kaiwai.city.kyoto.jp/raku/modules/english/index.php

●Hanatoro(13th March- 22nd March)

As many as 2400 lanterns and ikebana flower arrangements give fantastic colour to a walkway from Shoren-in in the north through Maruyama Park and Yasaka-Jinja to kiyomizu-dera in the south.

Many things start in Spring. Flowers start bloom, schools start ( In Japan, generally )..etc, so we believe that Spring is the time to start new thisngs !!

What are we going to start in this Spring ??????????

We have decided to start breakfast service !!

Details will be showed in our website near future.... look forward to it(^^)

Winter event

2010-01-16T03:56:00.000-08:00

“Winter Event”

In comparison with summer and fall, we feel a little lonely in the winter because there are fewer guests. It’s true that it gets really cold in Kyoto, and coming to a ryokan is a hard when it’s cold outside, but we have lots of events this winter, so if you have a chance, we hope that you would come!

So, let me explain about what we have planned!

On Sunday of this week (1-17), what else can I say; it’s the Sanju-sangendo long range archery. In Japan there is a tradition of archery, is called “Qu-do” in Japanese. The event shows what one

shoots the arrow head towards a target in the 120-meter long. During the event, it is free admission to the temple all the day, moreover, many foreigner tourists from all over the world visit to see Japanese female becoming 20 years old this year with wearing a Japanese traditional skirt, “Hakama”, giving the traditional archery performance.

In early February, there is another special event, is called “Setsubun”. The purpose of Setsubun is to wipe out an ogre around house and what people usually do is to throw a bunch of beans toward the ogre.

The event would be held the all over in Japan on the same day. I still remember that my brother and sister threw the beans toward my dad wearing a cloth looking like the ogre in the childhood. Those events leave in my great and happy memory. Setsubun is held in Japan on the 3^rd Feb every year. I hope you will enjoy every moment and share a cheerful experience with us.

Even though there are various popular events around here in winter season, I believe snow landscape is still the best of all winter events. All of the buildings around here would be completely blanketed by snow as if by magic it were a fantastic scenery. Its snowy shrine feels like my true happiness and fortune deeply in my heart.

Even if a cherry blossom would be a great seasonal scenery, the snowy landscape in Kyoto should be an unforgettable memory in your life after all. I hope you get a chance to come to see the best snowy landscape in Kyoto and please visit our place as well if you never seen before in your life.

“Seeing is believing”

New Year’s Eve in Japan Blog

2010-01-10T22:34:00.000-08:00

The end of the year in Japan is a mysterious time.

After we celebrate Christmas Eve on the 24th of December, everyone cleans their houses (O-souji), workplaces and buildings, while being thankful we clean.

The 31st of Decemeber we call Oomisoka. This is where we go to temples and ring the big bells. This is a custom called, “Joya no Kane” (Ringing of the New Year’s Bells). The bells are very large, and are struck with a large wooden hammer.

The bells ring 108 times; they say that is the same amount of times as the sins of man, and if he listens to them all he will be cleansed of his sins, however every temple from about 9 PM to about 2 AM continues to ring their bells, so really no one can tell how many times they ring them. (Haha.)

In the new year, we visit shrines for “hatsumoude” which is the first visit to a shrine in the new year.

During that time, we write our goals that we wish to achieve in ink on paper.

This is called “Kakizome” or new year’s resolution.

This is something interesting I think,

Christmas -> Christianity

Joya no Kane -> Buddhism

Hatsumoude -> Shinto

So in the end of the year to the beginning of the New Year, we experience a lot of different religion’s customs.

The scenery of the streets changes from Christmas to the new year.

I’m sure those guests who were able to enjoy the New Year’s Eve in Japan experienced a lot of culture.

There are lots of events left in winter as well!

While looking forward to when the snow paints the temples and shrines white, let’s really enjoy winter in Kyoto together!

A Happy New Year

2010-01-08T02:17:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

From everyone at our ryokan we wish you a happy new year!

So, as we passed Christmas and the end of the New Year approached, our ryokan was extremely busy.

We had many people from many different countries come to visit us, so I was really excited to spend the New Year’s Eve with everyone, but every day I had a lot of cleaning and laundry to do.

It’s too bad, I wanted to talk more to our guests, but communicating was hard to do.

Actually, I was really looking forward to spending Christmas, New Year’s and the New Year mochi making party together. Let me explain a little about making mochi. In Japan, at the end of the year we make mochi together. Mochi is rice that has been pounded into a sticky paste. We usually eat it on New Year’s Day. This year unfortunately, I didn’t have any time to do those things.

However, reflecting on this year, next year for 100% sure I will work towards satisfying my goals!

I hope that everyone continues to come to our ryokan!

Sushi Night !! 11th November

2010-01-04T23:13:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

We held a sushi night on the 11th of November, so here's a little info about what we did at the party.

In essence, this was a "guests and staff make traditional hand rolled sushi (makizushi) and eat it!" kind of party.

We let each group make their makizushi as they would like, and then we had taste testing to to deterimine who made the best. Of course, that is to say, especially since everyone came from many countries around the world, each makizushi had its own distinct personalities!

The above plate of sushi was voted best in show. The name given to it is, "Mapleleaf." Its really pretty, isn't it?

This is a picture of everyone making their really loooong sushi together. Is it a huge success??!

We wish to express our thanks to everyone who participated in our sushi rolling contest and party! We hope that you had as much fun as we did and we were glad we made happy memories with you.

We would like to have more events in the future, so everyone please look forward to it!

Private open-air Japanese style bath available !!!

2009-09-15T03:53:00.000-07:00

We all look forward to this day !!

We start to open private Japanese style open air bath today !!!

Does this sound nice, doesn't it ?!

We, Japanese people have spent a lot of time on taking bath since we are child.

Hot bath makes you feel relaxed and eases your tiredness.

We love it !!!

Why don't you try our brand new bath after exploring Kyoto all day long !

We have already got one guest tonight, on the very first day.

Look forward to seeing you ...

Couple Welcome !! Enjoy your private relaxing time ! Haha..

Somen Night !!

2009-08-29T22:12:00.000-07:00

*SOMEN NAGASHI*

We had a Somen Nagashi Night on the 29th of August when Kyoto was still muggy, we had fun together eating chilled noodles.

The way we had the noodles might be a little bit looking weird in the left pic??

We were trying to catch "Somen" (Japanese cold thin noodles) which was flowing in water through bamboo !! Have you ever tried such a unique dinner?

Our friends carpenters got the bamboo shoots from a nearby forest and made them like a long rail tying and fixing each other. We invited local Japanese neighbours and children as well as guests staying with us, then we really had many people with us enjoying together at that night.

So, can you imagine how it was?

somen noodles were coming through the bamboo rail, this is not so hard to catch even if you are not so used to chopsticks. Then some fruits such as grapes, kiwis and mini tomatoes were also coming down. you must be really skillful to pick them up with chopsticks! or you will never be able to eat them, or else, friends standing upstream might catch it right before you!

right photo shows some dipping sauce and toppings such as gingers, nori, chopped spring onion and so on. yummy yummy :P

It was quite enjoyable and if you ever have a chance to join us next time, you shouldn't miss it!

Yumi and Manami

SUIKA WARI!! ~watermelon splitting~

2009-07-23T21:22:00.000-07:00

KONNICHIWA!!!

Few days ago, we had SUIKAWARI event.

It's a traditional Japanese game for summer season.

The people try to split a watermelon with a stick while blindfolded.

The step of the person who blindfolded it is so fanny!!

The first to crack the watermelon open wins.

And we share the wattermelon after the game.

Not only the winner but also all partipants can enjoy it!!

Thank you for the guest who enjoyed toghether!!

The time became a good party!!

Let's enjoy this summer, still hot !!

MOE'

Tanabata Matsuri!!

2009-07-08T05:29:00.000-07:00

Hi, there!

How's everything going?

We had a small event yesterday.

Tanabata Matsuri.

Have you ever heard of it?

Tanabata (七夕, tanabata?, meaning "Evening of the seventh") is a Japanese star festival, derived from the Chinese star festival, Qi Xi (七夕 "The Night of Sevens")．
It celebrates the meeting of Orihime (Vega) and Hikoboshi (Altair). The Milky Way, a river made from stars that crosses the sky, separates these lovers, and they are allowed to meet only once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month of the lunisolar calendar. Since the stars come out at night, the celebration is held at night.

And we decorate the bamboo tree with our wish messages.(It's kinda summer version of christmas tree)

isn't it seems funny?

please make your own wish message card and put it on the bamboo tree.

You know, Dreams come true!

have a nice day

regards

kiyo

Tea celemony and Nail art

2009-06-18T21:04:00.000-07:00

Hi ! How's going?

Today is awsome wheater in Kyoto, and max tempureture is 31℃.....How hot!!

Usually, June is rain season in Japan, but summer has come!?!? haha...

Anyway, today we held tea celemony for foreign visitors.

We enjoyed traditional green tea and dry confectrioneries.

Tea celemony makes us relax and calm down...

and in these days, we started nail service for guests! It's sooooo cute! Like princess!!

Our hostel has tea celemony, kimono, nail service, so I think women's fun will increase!

(of corse, also men can enjoy it if you want.haha)

Pls visit our hostel and fully enjoy it!!

Ai

fancy a nice public bath?

2009-06-17T21:36:00.000-07:00

Konnichiwa!

today i am gonna talk about a public bath "Hakuazan-yu" very close to our hostel.
as you know the japanese love onsens (hot springs), though this bath Hakuzan-yu is situated in a middle of town, they do not use tap water but use mineral water like an onsen! some foreigners hesitate to be naked in front of other people and ask a silly question "can i wear a swimming suit in there?" oh, please don't!! if you did that, you would be too noticeable or wouldn't be allowed to enter. just don't be shy! no one cares!! of course men and women are separated. they have an open-air bath, jacuzzi, sauna, electric bath and so on....see thier webiste, you can at least view their photos http://www.hakusanyu.com/6top.htm
it only costs 410yen. once you experiene, you will realy love it!
and after the bath, why dont you go to a supermarket "Fresco" also nearby our hostel to get a can of beer ;)
summer has come...!

staff
Manami

birthstone bracelet.

2009-05-22T22:33:00.000-07:00

Hi, there! Good afternoon. I've just woke up from my drowsiness.

hehe >-(Spring makes me lazy..laaazzzziiyyyzzzzzz)

Hope your afternoon is fine.

Today, I want to write abt birthstone bracelet which is put on a desk of main reception

I realized that the bracelets was made by shu, the owner of this hostel, today and suprized.

Since It's quite hard to imagine mr.owner making bracelet from his looking (he looks macho, rather than feminine one)

So i asked and found out that it wasn't just an accessory, but an bracelet having a meaning. According to him, In buddhism, the birthstone bracelet is said that it works as a amulet.

For example, Garnet, which is a birthstone of Jan is said to carry you a sincerity and happiness. And, Amnthyst, a birthstone pf Feb is believed to bring you a wealth and humility. And My birthstone, Turquoise, it has the symbolization of prosperity, hope and success.

perhaps, should i ask him for one of Turquoise one?

Coz I'm financially broken thesedays. lol-

Please pay attention to the display window of birthstone bracelet, when you drop by main reception. hehe.

Have a nice day.

Kiyo+

2009-05-19T05:23:00.000-07:00

How are you, everyone?

We,Ikoi-no-ie, are good.

But, There was a litte change in our hostel.

Could you guess?

Our staffs begin to wear kimono, the traditional clothes of japan. hehe

It's really good to work in kimono.

We be a !!STAR!! on the street..

(>_<)

But hopefully, we change our uniform(kimono) to yukata????

Summer is coming

and since to wear kimono formally, we should wear underwear called eri, and outwear on it, which has long sleeves.........

guesses we are gonna die,

if ms.Asada(owner) doesn' want us to change our clothes in the summer?0_0??

kidding. hehe

have a nice day

regards

kiyo

Traditional event part2

2009-05-16T01:36:00.000-07:00

Our staff and guests experienced the mochi-tsuki to celebrate our 5th opening day on 15th!

The event was hold during a whole day.
Everybody here pounded mochi to make some rice cakes all together .
Seems fun and looked so yummy...

Owner said they couldn't make it very well this time

because some rices still remained as it is in the rice cake

and hope for meking the best rice cake next time...

But I here again, missed the chance to take part in the event because I worked at the night on the day.

That's what it is...

Traditional event part1

2009-05-15T21:55:00.000-07:00

Our staff and guests experienced the tea ceremony on 14th.

Everybody here put on the beautiful Kimono.

How lovely they are...

It seemed to be so much fun in authentic atmosphere.

but I missed the chance to see them because I didn't work on the day...

preparing opening event.

2009-05-12T04:52:00.000-07:00

hello, there!!
how's your May going?
we, ikoi no ie, are recently busy for preparing opening event.
so, to prepare it, we go shopping and have talks all together
about how we can make it a good event.
Events we are producing now are, 'having japanese breakfast', 'Tea ceremony',
'dressing up kimono' and 'having japanese cold noodle and salada' .
we are trying to give you a new exprience to know japan more.
so, please come and fully enjoy it!!
bye!

kiyo

2009-04-26T03:07:00.000-07:00

Hello, everyone.
I am Park, one of the staff on weekends at Ikoeno-ie.
Today, we bought a huge red umbrella which will be decorated at the gate of the building in which the reception desk is located.
It was a lot of fun gathering ideas with the co-workers and the owner for making Ikoeno-ie a cozier place for everyone. The first step of it was finding the perfect position of the umbrella.
The one holding the umbrella is another weekend-staff, Sawaki (A very brilliant MBA course student at Kyoto University).
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see him holding the umbrella when you visit us; once the position is decided, we will make a strong holder to fix the umbrella.(^^)
Come to see the umbrella, and come to see us.
We are looking forward to meet you under the Big-Red-Umbrella. :)

hello mina sama

2009-04-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

this is moshe from israel and i am new in this blog sow please be kind to me
anyway i wake up this mornning and i look out side from the window and out side was no good whether i just hope sow in the weekend the whether is going to be changing
be good people
moshe

We moved!

2009-04-19T02:59:00.000-07:00

Hi here's a little update from us.
We've been quite busy lately
because we just open new buildings and had to move our reception.
It's Machiya house which is known as a traditional building in Japan.
It looks pretty nice and we really like it!
We hope you stay here if you have a chance to come to Kyoto...

We look forward to meeting you anyway!

Takeshi

snowing kyoto

2009-02-17T15:41:00.000-08:00

cold indeed for the last 2 days, we had snow yesterday. the temperature last weekend was too mild like spring, who could imagine it would snow the following day!
keep warm everyone:) Manami

Wanna Dumpling?!

2009-01-31T23:09:00.000-08:00

Last week our guests, a couple from Australia and I had Chinese dumplings for our dinner after cooked together.
It was very nice opportunity and they tasted very delicious! But I couldn't take photos of it unfortunately because I didn't have a memory card in my camera...

If you wanna have some foods of Japanese, you can ask us and them you may be able to eat them in our hostel after cooking together!!?

Meg.

Hatsu Kobo Shrine Market

2009-01-20T05:01:00.000-08:00

Every month on the 21st a huge market called Kobo-san which is related to the famous monk, Kobo Daishi, is held at Toji temple. Hatsu Kobo means the first shrine market of the year and about 1,200 stalls will be open and many people will come to enjoy them.

You can easily get to the temple from our hostel, so you should definitely visit there!! It must be very interesting!!!

Coming of Age Day

2009-01-12T00:30:00.000-08:00

Second Monday of January - Mon, 12 January 2009.

Today is the national holiday in Japan to celebrate people becoming adult that is older than 20 years and legally enable to drink alcohol and smoke.
So you can see cute kimono girls and guys on the street if you are lucky:)

Megumi

Snowing!!!

2009-01-11T21:28:00.000-08:00

This mornig was snowing in Kyoto! Amazing!!
But unfortunately I didn't notice it... cos I was sleaping... how ashame!!

Hello from Kyoto!

2009-01-10T17:52:00.000-08:00

Hey! What's up?
We've finally opened our blog here!
Wishing everybody can enjoy here and any of my colleague can continue this efficiently...

Well, anyway, we are always welcoming all!
Have a nice weekend!!

Nagomi no Wa

Competition of Japanese art of archery!!

Coming of Age Day is literally coming!!!!!

2012!!!!

Pray to them, then eat them!!

Today's Kimono Experience!!

Autumn leaves are not over yet!!!!

Bhutan King and Queen visit Japan!!

Light-ups is what you must not miss in this season!!

The most beautiful season is coming to here Kyoto soon:)

7th July Tanabata!!

Gion Matsuri

SOMEN

June Event Highlights

Rain Season Has Come!

Kawadoko

It's hot just like in summer.

Aoi-Matsuri

Golden Week

More Arashiyama Updates

sakura✿

Cherry Blossom full in bloom in ARASHIYAMA

cherry-blossom season

for this Spring

SAKURA

Kyoto is alright!

a massive earthquake hit!! but we kyoto are fine.

Spring is coming soon??

trip to Miyama!!

National Foundation Day!

Save money!! Do great experience!!

What's special of our building??

Hello!!

Gift!!!

Snowing again!!

Happy New Year

Snow! Snow!! Snow!!!

Winter Special

Hot Pod Party!!

Hot Pod Party in Nagomi Ryokan Yuu! 08/12/2010 start 6pm ～.

Common space!

Christmas tree!!

Hot Pod Party!!

We love Kyoto in winter!!

Events in Kyoto!

Tea Ceremony

Tsukimi Events!!

Tsukimi Event is coming soon!!

Festival!!!

The typhoon was approching Kyoto!!

BBQ Party!

TANABATA festival!

Nagomi-bar is opend!!

Finally The World Cup has Begun at 6/11!!Our NAGOMI BAR are also Opened !!DRINKS(300yen~), SNACKS(300yen~) and a 200-inch Screen for World Cup!

Hope to see you here in NAGOMI BAR!

Nagomi-no-wa weather forecast for this summer!!

Our guesthouse was broadcasted!!

Count Down to Spring !!

Winter event

New Year’s Eve in Japan Blog

A Happy New Year

Sushi Night !! 11th November

Private open-air Japanese style bath available !!!

Somen Night !!

SUIKA WARI!! ~watermelon splitting~

Tanabata Matsuri!!

Tea celemony and Nail art

fancy a nice public bath?

birthstone bracelet.

Traditional event part2

Traditional event part1

preparing opening event.

hello mina sama

We moved!

snowing kyoto

Wanna Dumpling?!

Hatsu Kobo Shrine Market

Coming of Age Day

Snowing!!!

Hello from Kyoto!

Finally The World Cup has Begun at 6/11!!
Our NAGOMI BAR are also Opened !!
DRINKS(300yen~), SNACKS(300yen~) and a 200-inch Screen for World Cup!