TUESDAY READ: 7 WEIRD THINGS YOU CAN DO IN JAPAN

Say what you want about Tokyo — just don’t call it boring or predictable. There’s no shortage of things to do in the city, particularly when it comes to activities of a quirkier nature. Here’s a roundup of the weirdest and most wonderful experiences to be had in Japan’s capital.

Eat at Robot restaurant

Few experiences are more discombobulating than an evening at Tokyo’s Robot Restaurant, best described as a loud, colorful cabaret show that stretches your senses to their absolute limit. Starring scantily clad majorettes, an army of dancing 8-foot tall robots, and a soundtrack packed with hits from Broadway musicals (the theme fromDreamgirls was my personal favorite), a stop here is well worth your time.

Visit Maid Cafe

Japan’s growing fetish culture, along with its love for cosplay (a phenomenon where die-hard fans dress up as their favorite anime and comic book characters), have birthed the "maid cafe"—an establishment where waitresses prance around in maid costumes and play personal servant to patrons as though they were in a private home. The ladies, often of a younger persuasion, affect cutesy voices and gestures while tending to customers, addressing them as "Master" and "Mistress." Along with typical cafe fare, the menu is adorned with a variety of "alternative" services, ranging from spoon-feeding to ear cleaning. I went to chain Maidreamin in Tokyo’s Akihibara district, but the popularity of these cafes means that they can be found all around the city. Read more

9 Days In Kyoto, Japan

It's called the City of Ten Thousand Shrines. It was once the imperial capital of Japan — for more than a 1000 years. Kyoto (the Japanese say, Kio-to), is in the island of Honshu. The city was built based on traditional Chinese feng shui. Even today, the streets follow a grid pattern. 

Climate: 
Summers are hot and humid and winters are cold with snowfall.

Rains: Mid June - end July

Typhoons: September and October.

Nila Tamaraa chats ups Mathew George (in the pic above), architect, George Design Group (www.gdgindia.com),who recently went to Kyoto.       

When did you go to Kyoto?

I went on May 1 till May 10th, 2014.

Was it a business trip or a holiday?

I was there on a holiday.

Why Kyoto?

Kyoto being the old capital had more history and the outside the main city had amazing works of architecture and landscape by old masters of the trade.

Your first impression of Kyoto 

When you arrive in Kyoto, what strikes you the most is its old world charm that is lacking in Tokyo. You realize there is a lot of history in this place. 

How many days did you stay in Kyoto?

9 days.

Ryokan Tofukuji, a traditional home stay

Where did you stay? 

In Kyoto, I stayed in Ryokan Tofukuji. It was a traditional house managed by a lady named Akemi. The rice paper partition walls opened out to a beautifully laid out Japanese zen garden and the place was located close to Gion and other must- visit locations.

What did you do in Kyoto?

Walk, walk, and walk along Gion, the serene landscaped gardens, the shrines etc. And of course ate a lot of food. Sushi was right on top of that list.

What are the 3 must-visit places in Kyoto?

Denkakuji — for the shrine, the amazing Philosophers Walk and gardens.

Fushima inori — for the mountain climb.

Gion — to experience a page out of Memoirs of a geisha and the night life; and the Nishiki food market and a visit to the world famous aritsegu knife-makers .

Tell us about the food scene in Kyoto  

Kyoto has a rich culinary tradition. The local food culture is diverse and ranges from aristocratic Kaiseki Ryori (it is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner) to the vegetarian Shojin Ryori (Buddhist cuisine) of monks and the simple Obanzai Ryori (traditional) home style cooking.

What are the 3 must-eat foods in Kyoto? 

Sushi, sushi, sushi. The Pontocho nightlife district is one of the best places to find good fusion restaurants alongside traditional establishments. The Gion district also offers a wide range of interesting dining opportunities, as does the Kyoto Station area.

What are the people like in Kyoto?

Kyoto had been Japan’s capital a long time ago. People here have not forgotten that. They are kinda proud of that; sophisticated and somewhat look down at people from Tokyo or other areas.They are evidently more aloof than the people from Tokyo. But they are nice people.

What sort of place is Kyoto?

With ancient temples, winding canals lined with cherry and willow trees, and narrow alleys, Kyoto’s past is all around. For a concentrated experience, make your way to Gion, the old geisha district still redolent of the world’s first novel, The Tale of Genji. Here, tiny cobble-stoned lanes are crammed with old wooden structures housing tea rooms, restaurants and small shops specializing in one craft item or another.

Is it a safe place?

It’s very safe. Oh, I also got to experience an earthquake which is a part of life for the Japanese.

What is the one place in Kyoto that you will never forget?

The Kinkakuji (Golden temple and its gardens)

Tell us about the architecture in Kyoto.

Kyoto architecture has traditionally been typified by wooden structures, elevated slightly off the ground, with tiled or thatched roofs. Sliding doors (fusuma) were used in place of walls, allowing the internal configuration of a space to be customized for different occasions. People usually sat on cushions or otherwise on the floor, traditionally; chairs and high tables were not widely used until the 20th century. Since the 19th century, however, Japan has incorporated much of Western, modern and post-modern architecture into construction and design, and is today a leader in architectural design and technology.

How can one travel to Kyoto from Bangalore?

There are many flights to Japan. I personally took the Malaysian airlines as I got an incredible deal on return ticket (Rs 25000)

How many days does one require to spend in Kyoto to enjoy it?

About 5 days

How much money do you need to have a decent holiday in Kyoto — including airfare, boarding and lodging? 

About IRS 100000 for 7 days

Find below some of scenes from Kyoto captured by Matthew George

Kyoto has a glorious past and it is still evident today

Typical Kyoto architecture is traditional wooden structures slightly elevated from the ground

It is a city of shrines and many gardens