Category: Nonfiction

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In this excerpt from his upcoming book, Julian Holmes details why Kyoto held a special place in Bowie’s heart.

Henry L. Stimson and His Visits to Kyoto in 1926 and 1929 (Part 2 of 2)

The second part of an investigation into the man credited with saving Kyoto from the atom bomb.

Henry L. Stimson and His Visits to Kyoto in 1926 and 1929 (Part 1 of 2)

The man who saved Kyoto from the atom bomb and his connection to the city.

Roots and clouds — an encounter with yamabushi

Tracing the steps of the spiritual seekers of Japan's mountains.

Pandemic Blues

Cody Poulton visits Kai Fusayoshi’s legendary Kyoto bar, Hachimonjiya

Writers of Kyoto, Part 4: Kashiwai Hisashi 柏井壽

Fourth in a series about Japanese authors of Kyoto

Writers of Kyoto, Part 3: Matsuda Michio 松田道雄

The third installment of a series on Japanese writers of Kyoto.

Writers of Kyoto, Part 2: Yamamura Misa 山村美紗

Part 2 of a series on Japanese writers who used Kyoto as a setting in their works.

Writers of Kyoto, Part 1: Mizukami Tsutomu 水上勉

Part 1 of a series on Japanese writers who used Kyoto as a setting in their works.

Hearn on Heian Jingu

A selection from Dai-Koku-Den

Can I Call You Daddy?

An exploration of Japanese names for one's spouse

To Weave a Perfect Day: From Brocade Gardens to Spools of Thread

Description of a pleasant afternoon which includes an unplanned visit to a textile studio.

The Bath

The tribulations of the Japanese bath.

The Dogs’ Logs


Kayaking, poetry and camping in caves. Adventures galore!

Muroto, High and Low

Description of a trip to Cape Muroto in Shikoku.

Monks on My Mind

A short piece on a bonze-ridden town.

A Discussion with Rebecca Otowa: Artist, Writer, Musician

An introduction to the artwork of Rebecca Otowa.

Garrison Island

A photo essay on a visit to Okinawa.

Bin Ueda, Professor and Translator

A biographical sketch of one of Lafcadio Hearn's students.

Alan Watts (5)

More on Alan Watts and his connection to Kyoto.

Book Review: Off the Beaten Tracks in Japan: A Journey by Train from Hokkaido to Kyushu, by John Dougill

Review of a travelogue on train journeys in Japan that is oh so much more than just a travel guide.

Book Review: Hidden Japan, by Alex Kerr

Kerr on places he'd rather you not visit. Instead he offers wonderful descriptions.

On Turning Seventy-Five

A reflection an aging.

Crossing the Path of Bonsai

An excerpt from the self-published volume A tiny nature – recollections of poems and trees.