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Old Kyoto: The Updated Guide to Traditional Shops, Restaurants, and Inns Editorial Review:
Down the cobbled paths and behind the tranquil noren curtains of Kyoto, the old way of life goes on, nurtured in the restrained furnishings of the traditional inns and in the old shops where fine handmade items still add a touch of quality to life.
Since the first edition appeared in 1986, this lovingly written travelogue-cum-guidebook has become de rigueur for knowledgeable travelers seeking to find "the real Kyoto" behind the modern face of the city's constantly changing boulevards. OLD KYOTO focuses on the family establishments that have been in business for at least a hundred years, and in some cases for over ten generations. Astonishingly, many of the old shops and inns of Kyoto can still be found on narrow backstreets, under the heavy, tiled rooftops of traditional machiya dwellings. Here, the adventurous traveler will uncover treasures: the way in which a hand-crafted calligraphy brush is bound, a miniature garden tended, a bamboo basket woven.
For critics and travelers alike, OLD KYOTO has long been regarded the essential guidebook to Japan's most cherished city. This second edition of OLD KYOTO is completely updated. Shops have been added, and maps, prices, directions, descriptions, and general information have all been thoroughly revised.
Customer Reviews:
A great little book!
We have been to Kyoto many times, but just discovered this little gem last year. It was great at taking us to small, traditional shops and restaurants, almost always without other Western tourists present. Also, many of the recommendations for restaurants are not terribly expensive, which is very useful in Japan.
Lovely book by someone who loves Kyoto and its quirks
This is a lovely book. The author lived in Kyoto for many years before moving back to the US. It has a listing of all the nice little shops and restaurants that you want to go to. These are (fortunately) not in most of the tourist guides. Note that this book does not include tourist attractions, so get something else for that.
This book is good if you are a millionaire (or close to one)
The book itself is exquisite, from its cover to its size, its binding, and pages. The text is well-written, witty, and quaint.
The recommendations for accommodations are out-of-this-world beautiful!
However, to our utter dismay, we could not even come close to affording the least expensive option - I am talking about hotel rooms which cost $500 and above per night. Granted, there were a few for $200 and above a night, but still....
I recommend this book for someone (lucky) who wants the time of their life in the most astonishing of places to live and eat; without strings attached to money.
For those of you out there who are middle class, just forget about getting this guide. It's a big tease.
Like getting a private tour
At first when I received this book, I was bummed that there were no colored pictures, but after I started reading it, I could not put it down. I really felt like the author was giving me a private tour of the shops, restaurants and inns featured in this book. I also bought Kyoto Seven Paths to the Heart of the City, which has beautiful and artistic photographs. I would recommend getting both books, one for the detailed information and one for the visual gratification of Kyoto. This book will go to Japan with us on our trip.
Excellent guide
Great to have a guide that is focused specifically to Old Kyoto. It offers information beyond that of other travel guides and is perfect if you are interested in finding special places that may otherwise be missed. The author's personal knowledge and experiences there add to the quality of the book.
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