Genki Sudo's World Order in Kyoto

The incredible Genki Sudo and his World Order dance troupe visited Kyoto in the spring and recorded an incredible video (above). If you don't know Genki Sudo and World Order, you owe it to yourself to click the above video immerse yourself in an excellent new world. I was able to pick out most of the locations for the filming. They include: To-ji Temple, Hanami-koji (Gion), Shimbashi (Gion), Nijo-jo Castle, Hiean-jingu Shrine, Hirosawa-no-ike Pond, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Arashiyama Togetsukyo Bridge, and Hiranoya Teahouse Saga Torimoto. Also, there's a place that looks like the Gosho (Imperial Palace) but I can't recall the exact spot. And there's a bridge that looks like something in Daitoku-ji Temple, but I have to check to be sure. If you like what you've seen, check out their newest video from Mexico City here. The last few minutes are incredible, including a mind-blowing "long arm" trick and a routine in a garden which is something utterly otherworldly - when the B-boys in the Bronx were inventing popping and locking back in the late 70s, they never imagined where their dances would lead.

Alex Kerr's Chiiori Trust Houses in Shikoku

A little while back I made the journey down to Iya Valley, in the heart of mountainous Shikoku, to visit Alex Kerr's wonderful Chiiori Trust project. As readers of Kerr's "Lost Japan" will know, Kerr owns a beautiful restored farmhouse there called Chiiori. His Chiiori Trust organization has recently expanded and now operates three other restored farmhouses in the nearby hamlet of Ochiai. All of the houses are available for overnight rental. They've been beautifully restored and modern conveniences have been added to insure that you'll be totally comfortable. To inquire about booking a stay, visit the Chiiori Trust website. Here's a picture of the original Chiiori house: Here's a picture of the Fushou house in Ochiai: Here's a picture of the view from the living room of the Fushou house: Here's a shot of the interior of the Fushou house:

Gion House Vacation Rental

A few weeks back, I inspected a beautiful vacation rental in Kyoto called The Gion House. As its name suggests, it's located in Gion, just a stone's throw from Kennin-ji Temple. It's divided into an first-floor unit and a second-floor unit. The interior has been lovingly restored and designed by a famous Kyoto architect and it's got everything you need for self-catering and a comfortable stay in Kyoto. You can find out more and make reservations at The Gion House website. Here's a picture of the exterior of the house: Here's a picture of the upper-level living room: Here's a picture of the lower-level bedroom: