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Read our latest deep-dives into Kyoto's culture and vibe.

Shukubo: Sleeping Among the Monks
Trade the hotel buffet for zen meditation and vegetarian feasts. Here is everything you need to know about shukubo: staying overnight in Kyoto's ancient temples.

Kyoto's Spirituality Underlying 'The Tale of Genji'
Written over 1,000 years ago, the world's first novel is a ghost story, a romance, and a Buddhist parable wrapped in one. Here is how to find Genji's spiritual footprint in modern Kyoto.

A Guide to Kyoto's Multiple Buddhist Factions
Not all temples are created equal. Discover the difference between Zen's stark minimalism and Shingon's mystical complexity, and learn to 'read' the temples you visit.






















