Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage: Rokuharamitsu-ji and Rokkakudo
|

Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage: Rokuharamitsu-ji and Rokkakudo

六波羅蜜寺     &    六角堂 Crossroads, Centerpoints and Sixes, a Tale of Two Kyoto city Temples Rokuharamitsu-ji and Rokkakudo are temples 17 and 18 of the 33-temple path, and both are located in the city of Kyoto, one of them at its very center. We’ll explore both in one article, since it’s easy to visit them on…

Kicchiri Kitchen:  Gyoza ギョーザ
|

Kicchiri Kitchen: Gyoza ギョーザ

Delicious pork and vegetable dumplings which go well with the fried rice from last month’s issue!   200g minced pork (豚ひき肉;butahikiniku) 400g cabbage 1 bunch Chinese chives (にら;nira) 1 leek 2 packets of dumpling wrappers (餃子の皮;gyoza no kawa) 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tbsp salad oil 1 tsp minced garlic 1 tsp grated ginger 1/2…

Miso Green: The Personal Hygiene Quandary
|

Miso Green: The Personal Hygiene Quandary

After a necessary hiatus last month, Miso Green is back! I had in fact written an article for the May issue— that I ultimately hated—about 100 yen shops. That article is still quite immature and will probably appear in another form in the coming months. Instead, I’d like to talk about something very personal—the way…

Special Feature: Osaka: A night on the tiles
|

Special Feature: Osaka: A night on the tiles

I have a confession to make: I am a traitor to the supremacy of Hyogo-ken. I’ve been cheating on our Asian home with the next door neighbour. Yes, I am having a torrid affair with Osaka. Kobe’s nice and all, but Osaka just sizzles with energy and adventure; it’s the bad boy every twenty-something fools…

Mochi Diaries: Ninja Kusa Dango 草餅
|

Mochi Diaries: Ninja Kusa Dango 草餅

Today I bring to the table The Mochi Diaries Chapter 5 – Ninja Kusa Dango 草餅 I picked up this box on a recent trip to the Iga Ueno Ninja Festival (伊賀上野 NINJA フェスタ ) a 5 week event that is run by the city of Iga 伊賀市 in Mie prefecture 三重県 from April 1st to May 6th…