Mapping Kyoto Streets S2012E09 - Shijo-dori

Shijo-dori runs about seven kilometers east west through the heart of Kyoto. At the east end of the street is Yasaka Jinja, surrounded by the elegant Gion district graced by geikos and maikos. The shopping and entertainment district, west over Shijo Ohashi bridge, is the most colorful part of Kyoto with many boutiques and departments stores. Shijo-dori is one of Kyoto's busiest streets, but it is at its liveliest in the summer when the local residents deck the street and transform it to its most dazzling. Summer in Kyoto is also summer sweets, the noryoyuka along the Kamo River banks, and pike conger eel. But Gion Matsuri - one of Japan's three largest festivals - in July certainly turns up the heat. Shijo-dori becomes the focus of everyone's attention during this festival when the floats roll by.

In this episode, we take a trip along Shijo-dori in its summer glory.

Presenter
Randall V. Channell (Soei)
Professional tea ceremony