Katsura - Matsuo-bashi & Arashiyama
				Looking around from the middle of Katsura-Ohashi, you can easily understand the geographical location of Kyoto; towns with mountains in the background in the east, mountains ranging the west and the north, and rivers gently flows in the south - Katsura has been a doorway to the Tanbaji Route for a long time. "Katsura Rikyu" is a symbol of Katsura. It is said that a German architect visited there and admired it's beauty in Meiji period. It is also a kind of longed-for place for Kyoto people.
		Walking from Nishi Oji-Shijo to Matsuo-bashi, you should be overpowered by the vivid contrast of the magnificent shape of the mountains and the vermilion of the torii (gate) of Matsuo Taisha Shrine. In early summer, we felt a sign of life of the mountains, and we are deeply moved a dramatic color print of autumn leaves in autumn. We are focusing the area from such Katsura to Matsuo-bashi and Arashiyama this time.
		Star: Arashiyama Higashi Park Star: Matsuo Taisha Shrine Star: Katsura Rikyu Circle Nakamura-ken
			Care for Japanese Confectionery? "Nakamura-ken" The opposite of Katsura Rikyu on Hachijo St. is Nakamura-ken founded in the 16th year of Meiji.
		The building looks like one of the usual old houses in Kyoto. There is  also a Japanese style room inside for customers to take a break. Everything there creates a tasteful Kyoto atmosphere.  The colorful display of the showcase, such as "Hanami Dango (flour dumplings for flower-viewing time)" in Spring, "Minazuki" in Summer, "Kurimushi Youkan (sweet beans jelly with a chestnut)" in Autumn, and "Kuromame Daifuku (a rice cake stuffed with bean jam)" in Winter, always delights the eyes of passengers. One of the most known products is "Mugite mochi". It used to be a popular snack to be exchanged with "Mugi (wheat)" so is named after this.
		You can find their shops in Daimaru and Takashimaya department stores, but why don't you visit the head office. Tel: 075-381-2650 Hours: 7.30 - 18.00 (closed on Tue. & Wed.)
		Copyright (C) 1999 RHINO HOTEL KYOTO and hotwire - All rights reserved.