Kyoto, which was the capital of Japan for more than 1,000 years, is one of those cities that looks beautiful no matter what time of the year it is. But out of all the seasons, autumn is by far the most popular time to visit, and now that the leaves are beginning to change people are also starting to plan trips to catch a glimpse of Kyoto’s gorgeous fall scenery.
If you happen to be one of those tourists, we have just the book for you, a unique insight into city by foreigners who now call Kyoto their home, called Amazing Kyoto.
Amazing Kyoto is a collection of information from posts and uploads gleaned from the Facebook page Kyoto Fan and YouTube channel Discover Kyoto, all under one cover.
One common gripe among non-Japanese is that even after year of living in the country, you might still find yourself being grilled by Japanese on Japan 101 basics like how to use chopsticks or the country’s four distinct seasons, but this book features many interesting topics written from a foreigner’s perspective that even many Japanese might not be able to explain in detail off-hand, like the differences between a maiko and a geisha, different types of good luck charms, or mysterious characters you’re likely to encounter at a festival.
Not only that, but there are numerous pages dedicated to year-round Kyoto festivities and Kyoto’s must-try eats like seasonal fruits and Japanese sweets dipped in a chocolate sauce mixed with Uji green tea powder called Gion Fondue, or the healthy-but-delicious green tea acai bowl.
Anyone interested in checking out some of the best things Kyoto has to offer while getting a little Nihongo studying in (the book is in both Japanese and English) should definitely check it out. Amazing Kyoto was released domestically on October 1, and while currently only available in Japan, those interested overseas can order a copy from Amazon Japan.
Top/feature image: Amazon Japan, edited by RocketNews24
Insert images: Amazon Japan, Shogakukan
[ Read in Japanese ]
Kyoto study finds nearly 500 translation errors for foreign tourists, new guidelines released
Japanese travelers are avoiding Kyoto as the city’s number of foreign visitors continues to grow
Kyoto restaurant train reveals a different side of Japan not often seen by foreign tourists
Foreign travelers’ lukewarm reactions to traditional Japanese inn food causing changes in Kyoto
New book teaches Japanese people English to help out foreign travelers
Japanese temple burns to the ground, fire burning inside for 1,200 years unharmed
Krispy Kreme Japan is bringing two special donuts to the most-forgotten big city in the country
Starbucks Japan hoping fans will go bananas for its new mottainai banana affogato Frappuccino
Man in Japan calls in bomb threat because he doesn’t want to go to his own work farewell party
Pizza Hut Japan’s drinkable curry pizza is here – Is it all we dreamed it would be?[Taste test]
Japanese vending machine find introduces us to a new drink you can’t get anywhere else
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers
Memorial bell inside Hiroshima’s Peace Park has been silenced, but for a sweet reason
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Japan’s izakaya pubs closing at record pace, failing to attract foreign tourists
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Kyoto raises hotel accommodation tax to fight overtourism, travelers could pay up to 10 times more
New English textbook published for anime industry’s Animator Skill Test
Don’t have enough time to see Japan? You do now, with this amazing time-lapse video
Kyoto voted as the Best Big City in the world by international travelers, beating out Tokyo
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors