SFERA BUILDING

Photo by Hamip

The Sfera Building is a modern culture house centrally located in Kyoto – right next to the river and one of the main streets. The house consists of a simple and raw functional construction, which on the outside is delicate and refined with a beautiful, organically patterned, perforated metal façade.

The building thus appears to be a simple and clear shape, although a closer look reveals fine details. After dark, the house changes character when the light is switched on behind the metal net.

The recommendation has been selected by Lars Vejen who is Design Manager at Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen. Lars Vejen first time went to Kyoto as a young architect student and has visited the city several times since then and also taught at the Tottori University of Environmental Studies. He recommends visiting Kyoto in spring or autumn. 

Kyoto Machiya

Why book a room in a standard chain hotel when you can stay in an old and traditional Kyoto townhouse 'Kyoto Machiya'. There are several more or less non-profit organizations, which have specialized in buying and renovating the original wooden townhouses in Kyoto. These are rented out for shorter or longer periods of time. Courses in everything from calligraphy and paper production to martial arts and tea-ceremonies are also on offer. It is a marvelous experience and offers a great insight into traditional Japanese culture.

Experiencing the classic Kyoto also includes visits to the cities several gardens, shrines and temples (not necessarily them all!). Rent a bike and see twice as much in half the time!

The recommendation has been selected by Lars Vejen who is Design Manager at Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen. Lars Vejen first time went to Kyoto as a young architect student and has visited the city several times since then and also taught at the Tottori University of Environmental Studies. He recommends visiting Kyoto in spring or autumn.

Ueda Yuba

Fed up with Kobe-steak? The Juba-restaurant Ueda Yuba on Kitaoji Dori in the northern part of Kyoto has specialized in serving only vegetarian food - including food produced from yuba, which is a tofu by-product (yuba is also known as tofu skin) . It is really impressing how much taste you can get out of something with so little flavour as tofu, but best of all – yuba is ridiciously healthy!

Ueda Yuba is located in an old traditional house with high ceilings and impressive constructions in wood. It is all in all a very atmospheric and local restaurant.

The recommendation has been selected by Lars Vejen who is Design Manager at Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen. Lars Vejen first time went to Kyoto as a young architect student and has visited the city several times since then and also taught at the Tottori University of Environmental Studies. He recommends visiting Kyoto in spring or autumn.

The Tenjin Market

Photo by T-Gray

If you fancy second-hand shopping, then don’t miss the enormous and absolutely fantastic Tenjin Market. Many stalls and booths are lined up to sell goods ranging from used clothes and antiques to culinary delights. The market is held on the 25th each month at the popular Kitano Tenmangu shrine.

The recommendation has been selected by Lars Vejen who is Design Manager at Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen. Lars Vejen first time went to Kyoto as a young architect student and has visited the city several times since then and also taught at the Tottori University of Environmental Studies. He recommends visiting Kyoto in spring or autumn.

The Nishiki Market

In the absolute downtown of Kyoto, you’ll find the fantastic Nishiki Market. The market stretches over one long covered street and is THE place to find Japanese specialties: sweet and crispy Nashi pears, hundreds of different kinds of traditional Japanese pickles, fish, meat, teas and cookies – the supply seems endless. There are plenty of stalls offering delicious and freshly made fast-food and the stall owners are generous with tasting samples.

The area is also worth a visit for just a stroll to look at new and old, shops etc.

The recommendation has been selected by Lars Vejen who is Design Manager at Danish architects schmidt hammer lassen. Lars Vejen first time went to Kyoto as a young architect student and has visited the city several times since then and also taught at the Tottori University of Environmental Studies. He recommends visiting Kyoto in spring or autumn.