Suiseki is the appreciation of natural stone shapes using poetic imagination to visualize magnificent mountain, island or waterfall landscapes. This pastime arrived from China in the late 1100s and spread among Kyoto aristocrats and Zen monks. Suiseki's beauty lies in the stones' understated simplicity and becalming quality. The Seven Stones of Kamo found in the Kamo River basin are prized in suiseki circles. Discover the profound world of rock appreciation that evolved in the old capital.

Kyo-kanoko shibori is the general term used for tie-dyed fabric made in Kyoto. The bumpy pattern on the fabric's surface is mesmerizing with its delicate shadows. Binding parts of the fabric to leave undyed areas allows certain colors to bleed and lends the design solidity. Each stage in the process has its own specialized artisan for design, binding, dyeing, and other stages in between. Discover the alluring world of Kyo-kanoko shibori through the dexterous hands of passionate artisans.

The streets of Kyoto are dotted with many cozy-looking restaurants, which some may feel awkward about entering. Many of these small restaurants, referred to as koryoriya, specialize in Japanese cuisine. The owner-chefs behind the counter, who take the orders personally, pride themselves on serving food that complements the drink, and vice versa. So koryoriya are places to enjoy good food, good drinks and good conversation. Discover the allure of Kyoto's food culture and how to enjoy koryoriya.