Imabari is a well-known towel-producing region in Japan, and the quality is excellent. Besides learning about towel production and culture, there are shops selling all kinds of Imabari towels, as well as restaurants and cafés, making it a good place to spend half a day. There’s a huge variety of products to choose from, ranging from practical towels and household items to cute character collaboration merchandise〜
Towel Museum | Review by Linda Liao
Other Reviews by Linda Liao
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Kyoto Gyoen
The premises has the Kyoto Imperial Palace at the center in which Meiji Emperor lived until he moved to Edo, surrounded by the town where the homes of aristocrats lined up. In Meiji Period, the premises were turned into the Kyoto Gyoen Park. Kyoto Imperial Palace and Kyoto Sento Imperial Palace are still used by the imperial families.
Kyoto Gyoen is located in central Kyoto and is much larger than I imagined, with broad tree-lined paths, lawns, and straight roads crisscrossing the grounds. Most of the main paths are gravel, giving a distinct sense of the ancient capital. The area was once home to the Imperial Family and the residences of court nobles, and it bears important witness to Kyoto’s long history as Japan’s political and cultural center.
The highlight is the Kyoto Imperial Palace, where generations of emperors once lived and held important ceremonies. The different buildings are not just beautiful on the outside; each palace, hall, and residence served a different purpose, from formal court ceremonies and receiving guests to the daily lives of the emperor and members of the Imperial Family. You can see the carefully planned spaces of Japanese court life. I recommend taking a guided tour to explore it more thoroughly and fully enjoy the visit.
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Yojiya Shijo Kawaramachi Store
Opened in February 2025 in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi district-one of the city’s top shopping and sightseeing areas-this new-concept store brings together the beloved Yojiya skincare brand, best known for its iconic oil blotting papers, and a relaxing café space, following in the footsteps of its Sagano Arashiyama and Kiyomizu locations.
The Yojiya Shijo Kawaramachi Store is located in Kyoto’s bustling Kawaramachi area. Blending traditional Kyoto aesthetics with a modern feel, it’s a souvenir shop worth stopping by during your trip. Popular items include Kyoto-exclusive and seasonal products. In addition to oil blotting papers, lip balm, hand cream, and Kyoto-inspired fragrances are also quite popular. With elegant packaging and Kyoto-style designs, they’re perfect for either personal use or gifts.
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Hanamikoji-dori Street
Hanami-koji Street is a main street crossing Gion north to south from Sanjo to Kenninji Temple. It is “koji” (small alley), but the street is wide and lively with lots of stores hosting many tourists. The Teahouse district still maintains the traditional ambience in the district from Shijo-dori to the south. The original teahouses were on Shijo-dori and to the north of it, which were gathered to the current southern district in Meiji and Taisho Periods.
Hanamikoji-dori Street is located in Kyoto’s Gion district and is one of the city’s most iconic historic streets. As you stroll along, you’ll see well-preserved traditional machiya townhouses, lattice windows, and teahouses on both sides. The stone-paved road and understated, elegant streetscape create a strong sense of the Edo period. This is an important setting for Kyoto’s geisha district culture. Since the Edo period, Gion gradually flourished thanks to visitors to Yasaka Shrine and its teahouse culture, developing unique traditions such as geisha and maiko.
Hanamikoji-dori Street is especially charming in the evening, when the lantern-lit street feels quiet and mysterious. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a geisha or maiko hurrying by in a gorgeous kimono!
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