Japan's kitchen gizmos & Kyoto April cherry blossom events

Every country has its own assortment of fascinating kitchen gizmos waiting to be discovered. And Japan has kitchen tools and gizmos and things that will intrigue and impress you. Remember, it was the Japanese who invented kids' sock with rubber stippling patterns on the soles, the first cellphone to cellphone text messaging, and also the first fired pottery in history!

Now what could that small, shiny, copper basket with the screen lid be? Judging by its long, brass handle, it's obviously meant to be used over fire, but you could only pop 10 grains of popcorn in it. What's often in sauces or sprinkled on top of a number of dishes? Of course, a sesame seed roaster! If you are a foodie maybe you'll get one! It works, but remember: if the seeds turn color, they are too well done, so be careful and keep shaking.

Tea is universal, but the staple tea of Japan is green tea (sencha) or roasted tea (bancha) brewed in pots without built-in strainers. Just look around--hand-made strainers of bamboo or wire mesh with or without stands abound. They are practical and beautiful.

Most countries have sieves; Japan's are handsome and easy-to-use wooden hoop ones. You can make soft and creamy purees in a sieve type that looks like it's made of black plastic mesh but is, in fact, made of horsetail hair! This traditional sieve provides the strength needed to insure proper smushing and yet is strong enough to hold together. To use, rinse and lower over a bowl. With someone steadying it, put some well-cooked peas or other vegetables on top. Using a flat paddle, push down and pull to puree. Keeping the paddle flat to utilize maximum surface area is the secret. Wash carefully and dry well.

And while we are on the topic of Japanese strainers and sieves what about this situation? The time-consuming chore of 'skimming the scum' with a ladle from the top of your culinary creation. It's almost an art form and who wants to waste good soup? The Japanese have a little strainer called an akusukui that gets all the froth and none of the broth or the soup. Akusukui are also almost free and not hard to find in any good department store in Tokyo or Kyoto.

The amazing Japanese 'cookie' cutters are not used for cutting cookies (but could be if you wanted to!), Japan has wild range of shape making cutters with various designs and sizes. The Japanese use them mainly for shaping vegetables, especially in high end traditional restaurants (and high-class take away bento lunch boxes!). Hint: cut hard things into managable slices before shaping, and use a pot holder to pad your hand if necessary to avoid get cutting by the cutter.

The Japanese also have an impressive range of rice molds with as many shapes as the vegetable cutters. Each rice mold comes with a matching pusher. Put the rinsed mold on a wet cutting board, and stuff with rice. Press gently enough with the pusher so the rice just holds its shape (i.e. don't pack the rice too much; just enough will do). Pick up the whole set and put it on a serving plate or tray. Holding the pusher steady, slip the sleeve up and out. Gently remove the pusher. Rinse and repeat. After a few tries, you'll get the hang of it.

If your thing is knives, Japanese knives, then enter the perfection of superb cutting tools in the Nishiki food market (central Kyoto). Aritsugu is Japan's most famous knife shop. And it has been in business for well over 450 years! Ask any top chef about Japanese knives and chances are they will know Aritsugu. They always have something spectacular sitting in their window. But do keep in mind that Japanese knives require at-home knife sharpening skills using a whetstone. No easy but after enough effort you learn to keep your Japanese knife good and sharp!

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• Kyoto April religious events, dances and more

Content by Ian Martin Ropke, owner of Your Japan Private Tours (est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with Japan private tour clients and have worked for all kinds of families, companies, and individuals since 1990. Clients find me mostly via organic search, and I advertise my custom Japan private tours & travel services on www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps in Japan! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip. And thank you for reading my content. I, Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search), am also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!

Kyoto April religious events, dances and more

Kyoto Hana-machi Traditional Geiko and Maiko Dance Performances: More than just the month of cherry blossoms, April is also when Kyoto's geisha quarters stage special, breathtakingly beautiful song and dance performances. This unforgettable spring extravaganza attracts admirers from all over the world. The dances, with their richly decorated costumes and spectacular stage sets, are perfect, living examples of Kyoto-style grace and elegance. Some performance tickets include a bowl of ceremonial tea, which is usually prepared and served before the performance by maiko and geiko.

Miyako Odori (4/1-30): Performed by the maiko and geiko of the Gion district, ths event has received raving reviews as a Kyoto spring since it started in 1872. Performances are held at 12:30, 14:00, 15:30, and 16:50. At Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater, south of Shijo, off Hanami-koji. Take city bus #206 to Gion stop; for reservations call 541-3391 (Japanese only).

Kyo Odori (early-late of Apr.): The exquisite performances of maiko and geiko from Miyagawa-cho have long been a highlight of the Kyoto spring celebrations. Performances at 12:30, 14:30, and 16:30. At Miyagawa-cho Kaburenjo Theater, south of Shijo, east of the Kamo River. Take city bus #207 to Shijo Keihan-mae; Tel: 561-1151.

Kitano Odori (4/15-24): These dances by the maiko and geiko from Kamishichiken are an expanded version of the original annual autumn Onshukai dance performances. The Kitano Odori performances are on a smaller scale than the other three performances, but equally refined and popular. Performances at 13:00, 15:00, and 17:00 (not every day). At Kamishichiken Kaburenjo Theater, on Onmae, east of Kitano Shrine. Take city bus #50 to Kamishichiken stop; Tel: 461-0148.

Kamogawa Odori (5/1-24): The maiko and geiko dances of Pontocho have been popular for their gorgeousness and luxurious quality since they first began: a fascinating spectacle. Performances at 12:30, 14:20, 16:10. At Pontocho Kaburenjo Theater, on Pontocho, south of Sanjo. Take city bus #205 to Kawaramachi Sanjo stop; tickets are sold at major travel agencies in Kyoto; Tel: 221-2025.

Spring Poet Reading at Graceful Shrines: Kamigamo Shrine (4/11): A Japanese poem reading performance, featuring beautiful music, played on stringed and wind traditional musical instruments, will be held in the Heian-period style Shokei-en garden of this temple. Tea ceremony will also be performed. This classic traditional Japanese event will give people the feeling that they have travelled back in time. Held from 13:00. Take city bus #9 to Kamigamo Misonobashi stop; Tel: 781-0011. Jonangu Shrine (4/29): Heian-period attired poets sit along the mossy banks of a lush shrine stream, with koto music playing in the background, in this well-known event. A cup of sake is floated down the stream from one poet to the next, who has to write a 31-syllable Japanese poem with a brush on a strip of fancy paper before the cup reaches them. Held: 14:00-15:00; free. Take the Karasuma subway line to Takeda station, and then city bus Minami #1, 2 or 3 to Jonangu Higashiguchi stop; Tel: 623-0846.

Japanese Traditional Theatrical Performances: Yokyoku & Kyogen: Matsuo Taisha Shrine (4/2): At this temple, home of the God of Sake, prayers are offered to the shrine deities at 10:00. During the festival, Noh dances and music will be performed by members of the Kongo Group, followed by kyogen (comic interludes from the Noh theater) by the Shigeyama School. At Matsuo Taisha Shrine, near Matsuo Stn on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line. Take city bus #28 to Matsuo Taisha-mae stop; Tel: 871-5016. Seiryoji Temple (4/4, 10 &11): Saga Dai-nembutsu Kyogen are one of Kyoto’s three famous Nembutsu Kyogen dance performances, and registered as Important Intangible Cultural Assets. It is free to enter for those three days. Take city bus #28 to Sagashakado-mae stop; Tel: 861-0343. Mibudera Temple (4/21-29): Mibu Kyogen is an exciting, colorful spectacle that is famous throughout Japan; all the performers wear masks, some dating back to the 13th century. The action, simple but effective costums, and spectacular scenes make this event a special treat that is not to be missed if you're in town this month. The Mibu Kyogen style is typified by stylized and exaggerated gestures, which make the plays easier to understand and highly entertaining; from 13:00-17:30, and on April 29 from 13:00-22:00. Take city bus #26 to Mibuderado stop; Tel: 841-3381.

Rokusai Nembutsu Dances: Rokusai refers to the six days of the month when demons were traditionally believed to be out and about. To keep people safe, Buddhist chants and dances were performed. Nowadays, these dances take place mainly in spring and summer. Many of them are considered to be Important Intangible Cultural Assets. Kishoin Temmangu Shrine (4/25): Kishoin Rokusai Nembutsu is a traditional event at this shrine that is held twice a year (spring and summer). The climax of this event (at 20:00) is when the white strings that represent a spider’s web are thrown away. Take city bus #208 to Nishioji Kujo stop; Tel: 691-5303. Inari Taisha Otabisho (4/29): The Rokusai Nembutsu dance at this temple (from 19:30) is based on the original ritual dance started by the monk Kuya (903-972) when the plague to overcome a plague that was raging in Kyoto in the Heian period. Located near JR Kyoto station; Tel: 841-2245.

Kyoto April cherry blossoms viewing ideas

For the Japanese the height of spring will always be the perfect and timeless beauty of the sakura (cherry blossoms). Nothing is more poignant to the Japanese heart, as sakura so perfectly symbolize the delicate and ephemeral ways of life. Viewing sakura in spring is one of the main rituals for Japanese, not to mention Kyoto people. Sakura, as the favourite Japanese flower by far, indicates the arrival of the spring to this country which has four distinctive seasons. Kyoto, with its abundance of traditional spots of natural beauty, is the mecca for sakura viewing. Night viewing of cherry blossoms and cherry blossom related tea parties are also highly recommended.

NORTH—Sanzen-in Temple*, the Kamogawa River on the west side of the river between the Kitayama Bridge and Kitaoji Bridge, the Kyoto Botanical Gardens*, Josho-ji Temple*, Haradani-en*.

EAST—Heian Jingu Shrine, the Yamashina Sosui Canal north of Yamashina Stn.

WEST—Ryoan-ji Temple*, Ninna-ji Temple, Tenryu-ji Temple*, Daikaku-ji Temple*.

SOUTH—Fushimi Momoyama castle*, Daigo-ji Temple*.

*Note: places marked with an asterisk (*) are not free of charge.

Spring light up locations: Cherry blossoms seem to shine magically when lit up at night. The contrast between the ancient temple, shrine buildings and their natural beauty is a grand sight to behold. Shoren-in Temple* (lit up 3/29-4/7, 4/27-5/5), Matsuo-taisha Shrine* (lit up 4/29-5/5), Kodai-ji Temple* (lit up 3/22-5/6), Maruyama Park* (lit up late March to mid April), Gion Shirakawa River* (lit up early April), Arashiyama, Nakanoshima Park (lit up late March to early April), Hirano Shrine* (lit up 4/1-4/20), Hosen-in Temple* (lit up 4/27-5/6), along the Takasegawa Canal (lit up early April) from Nijo St. to Gojo St.

Cherry Blossom Tea Parties: Taizo-in Kanokai (4/1-21): Entry fee includes a shojin ryori (Buddhist vegetarian cuisine) meal; Tel: 463-2855. Kanno chakai (4/1-22): at Heian Shrine in Okazaki; Tel: 761-0221. Otokoyama Cherry Blossoms Matsuri (4/1-30): at Iwashimizu Hachimangu; free; Keihan Yawata Stn.; Tel: 981-3001. Ouka Sai (4/7): Japanese harp music; along the Path of Philosophy, Tel: 771-7420. Yamashina Bishamondo Kanokai (4/7):at Bishamon-do, near JR Yamashina Stn; Tel: 581-0328. Kurama Flower Service (4/7-21): in Kurama; Tel: 741-2003. Taiko Hanami Parade (4/8): at Daigo-ji Temple; in southern Yamashina; Tel: 571-0002. Shakuson Flower Service (4/8): at Ryozen Kannon; southeast of Higashiyama Yasui; Tel: 561-2205. Kanno Chakai: (4/9): at Nijo Castle admission fee includes a bowl of tea, and a serving of buckwheat noodles; Tel: 841-0096. Ouka Sai (4/10): at Hirano Shrine, Tel: 461-4450.

Kyogen Comedy Theater: Mibu Kyogen (4/21 (Sat.) - 29 (Sun.): Dai Nembutsu Kyogen or Mibu Kyogen is an exciting, colorful spectacle. All the performers wear masks, some of which are masterpieces dating back to the 13th century. The variety of action, simple but effective costumes, and spectacular scenes make this event a special treat that is not to be missed if you’re in town this month. The Mibu Kyogen style is typified by stylized and exaggerated gestures, which make the plays easier to understand and highly entertaining. Mibu Kyogen is held April 21-29, from 12:30-17:30, and on April 29 from 12:30-22:00. Mibu Temple: south of Shijo, west of Horikawa. Tel. 841-3381.

Saga Dainenbutsu Kyogen (4/1 (Sun.), 7 (Sat.), 8 (Sun.): One of the three famous Kyogen stages in Kyoto. Designated as intangible cultural assets. Free. Kyogen is held on 1, 7, 8th. Seiryo-ji Temple: north east of Kyoto. Tel: 861-0343.

Matsuo Shrine Reisai Festival (4/2 (Mon.)): Prayers are offered to the shrine deities at 10:00; followed by noh dances and music are performed by members of the Kongo Group; unusually, formal kimono are worn and masks are not used; and kyogen (comic interludes) by the Shigeyama School. Matsuo Taisha Shrine. Tel: 871-5016.

Kamo-Kyokusui No Utage (4/8 (Sun.): An elegant game first played by the nobles of the Heian court. Sitting by a garden stream, poets in period costume must compose a poem before a red sake cup floats by them. Traditional music will also be played. From 13:00. Admission ¥1,000 (including tea). Kamigamo Shrine: city bus #9 from Kyoto Stn, get off Kamigamo-misonobashi. Tel:781-0011.

Shunki Taisai (4/14 (Sat.): Shiramine shrine is famous for the god of Kemari, an acient football game from Heian era. Kemari is played by men in court costume at 11:30. Interesting festival! Shiramine Shrine: on Imadegawa, east of Horikawa. Tel: 441-3810.

Shinko-sai Festival (4/22 (Sun.): Six mikoshi are paraded around the Kami-katsura area and ferried across the Katsura River. The festival begins at 10:00 and the parade at 11:00. Matsuo Taisha Shrine: near Matsuo Stn. of Hankyu Railway's Arashiyama Line. Tel: 871-5016.

Spring Rokusai Nenbutsu Chants and Dances (4/25 (Tue.) & 29 (Sat.)): Rokusai refers to the six days a month when demons were traditionally belived to be out and about. To keep people safe, Buddhist chants and dances were performed. Nowaday dances take place in Spring and Summer. Kisshoin Tenmangu (25th): Starts 20:00. Near Nishioji Kujo. Tel: 691-5303. Inari Taisha Grand Shrine (29th): Starts 19:30. A few min. walk from JR Inari Stn or Keihan Fushimi Inari Stn. Tel: 641-7331.

Content by Japan travel specialist & designer Ian Martin Ropke, founder & owner of Your Japan Private Tours (YJPT, est. 1990). I have been planning, designing, and making custom Japan private tours on all five Japanese islands since the early 1990s. I work closely with all of YJPT's Japan private tour clients and have a great team behind me. I promote YJPT through this content and only advertise at www.japan-guide.com, which has the best all-Japan English content & maps! If you are going to Japan and you understand the advantages of private travel, consider my services for your next trip to save time & have a better time. Ian Martin Ropke (unique on Google Search) is also a serious nonfiction and fiction writer, a startup founder (NexussPlus.com), and a spiritual wood sculptor. Learn more!