Kimono are worn as formalwear and in cultural pursuits, but few men don them and the market has shrunk. Various initiatives aim to reverse this trend. One man sells outfits to dispel the image of kimono being expensive and bothersome. Another aims to revive the bold, showy style favored over 400 years ago. A connoisseur repurposes old kimono, adding the subtle flair of later fashion. An artist dyes kimono to suit the wearer's tastes. Discover how they strive to revive the appeal of men's kimono.

A washi designer combines huge sheets of washi with lighting to enliven open architectural spaces. Stoles made from dyed, washi-woven textile are the amalgamation of traditional Kyoto chic. An apparel company sells washi clothing and later collects them to make vegetable fertilizer. Daily items made from papier mache-style lacquer using washi enjoy renewed interest for their ability to be repaired for reuse. Discover how Kyoto's traditional skills and culture stretch the potential of washi.

The Kamo River flows 23km north-south through the city center. Emperors on their enthronement would once purify themselves in its waters, and dyers would rinse bolts of fabric downstream. An entertainment district evolved downtown along the banks, and remains today. Wild birds can be seen year-round, and in summer anglers catch sweetfish. The river is also habitat to the Japanese giant salamander, a protected species. Discover the river's history and its cultural influence on life in Kyoto.