Core Kyoto S13E01 · Alleyways: The Age-Old Wisdom of Town Planning

Overview

Kyoto has about 13,000 alleys with a total distance of 940km, and an increasing number of their houses are unoccupied. People are working on projects and tours to preserve and revitalize these areas.

Torrents

Subtitles

Episodes

1. 1 1. Alleyways: The Age-Old Wisdom of Town Planning2025-01-16 · 28mKyoto has about 13,000 alleys with a total distance of 940km, and an increasing number of their houses are unoccupied. People are working on projects and tours to preserve and revi
2. 2 2. Fall in Saga-Arashiyama: The Beauty and Colors of Change2025-01-23 · 28mThis iconic Kyoto destination, popular for a millennium, has the perfect climate and topography for fall foliage. Some people create new ways to enjoy autumn, while others uphold f
3. 3 3. Bows and Arrows: Averting Trouble and Drawing Happiness2025-02-27 · 28mSeveral annual rituals performed at Shinto shrines involve bows and arrows that are believed to hold divine power and dispel evil. These weapons also hone the spirit through the pr
4. 4 4. Shamisen: The Reverberating Tones of Passion and Tradition2025-03-20 · 28mShamisen tones, filled with emotion, harmonize with the culture of traditional entertainment districts. The dwindling number of musicians has aroused the effort to keep the instrum
5. 5 5. Raden: The Iridescent Beauty of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay2025-04-10 · 28mRaden, a decorative lacquerware technique, uses the glimmering inner layer of shells. The inlay appears to float resplendently on the black lacquer, inspiring artisans to take the
6. 6 6. Shotengai: Bustling Shopping Streets Reflect Their Neighborhood2025-05-15 · 28mThe city's around 150 shopping areas manifest the diversity of the local culture. Some are reinventing themselves to, once again, become the focus of the community as well as handl
7. 7 7. Traditional Roofing: Glittering Tiles Catch the Eyes2025-05-29 · 28mThe dark-grey, clay roofing on shrines, temples, and Machiya townhouses is buffed and smoked to boost durability, water resistance, and luster. Craftsmen and roofers uphold the tra
8. 8 8. Matsunoo Taisha Festival: Local Residents' Prayers Bind the Community2025-06-15 · 28mMatsunoo Taisha is the guardian Shinto shrine to Kyoto's west. In April and May, the deities are carried through the community in prayer for local prosperity, upholding a 1000-year
9. 9 9. Proprietresses: Keeping Heritage Businesses Alive and Inspired2025-06-26 · 28mWomen born or married into heritage businesses keep generations of wisdom alive in novel ways. Kyoto's time-honored image and brand would not be what it is without their exemplary
10. 10 10. Handcrafted Bags: Embodiment of the Artisans' Passion and Attention to Detail2025-07-10 · 28mTraditional Kyoto-style bags are made from Nishijin brocade, Yuzen-dyed fabric, and other locally made premium textiles. Artisans also continue to create practical and durable bags
11. 11 11. Tea Kettles: A Universe Within the Iron2025-08-14 · 28mIron kettles rust and corrode over time. For centuries metal casters specializing in kettles have cast diverse kettles for tea gatherings, creating a universe of infinite beauty wi
12. 12 12. Ethereal Lanterns: Lighting the Cityscape of the Ancient Capital2025-08-28 · 28mLanterns still bring charm to traditional settings at night. Kyoto artisans uphold their skills despite decreasing demand, producing lanterns for use across Japan, while embracing
13. 13 13. Trends in Footwear: Health, Beauty and Functionality Born from Tradition2025-09-11 · 28mNew footwear styles are gaining traction in Kyoto, home of the kimono. Age-old techniques are used to create geta sandals for healthy feet and leather shoes that suit Japanese and
14. 14 14. Natto: The Authentic Umami of Fermented Soybeans2025-09-25 · 28mKyoto has a rich fermentation tradition, from soy sauce to sake. Recently, natto has been gaining global attention as a superfood, with new efforts underway to boost its appeal and
15. 15 15. Handcrafted Accessories: Refined Beauty Adds Life to Any Outfit2025-10-09 · 28mKyoto artisans feel a sense of crisis about the future of their distinctive crafts. To keep traditional skills alive, they are adding chic accessories to their product lines to cre
16. 16 16. Fish Paste Foods: Tradition Shapes the Bounty of the Sea2025-10-23 · 28mFresh fish was a luxury for people in landlocked Kyoto, so they incorporated dishes made from ground fish into their cuisine with Kyoto flair, allowing everyone to savor the rich e
17. 17 17. The Autumn Moon: Gratitude and Prayers for Bountiful Harvests2025-11-13 · 28mAncient nobles admired the full moon in autumn with elegant parties. Those pastimes evolved into local temple and shrine festivals now held to celebrate nature's bounty and pray fo
18. 18 18. Repair & Restoration: A Respect for Objects and Memories2025-11-27 · 28mKyoto is a trove of historical and cultural assets. Architecture and artworks are being restored daily. The custom and wisdom of cherishing everyday objects too is an ingrained par
19. 19 19. Foreign Residents: Infusing New Life into Tradition2025-12-25 · 28mMany foreigners make Kyoto their home and bring innovation to traditional culture. Their creativity and global perspective spark revitalization and inspiration as they breathe new