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Core Kyoto
The ancient capital, Kyoto, continues to be innovative after 1,200 years. We dive deep into its core in this definitive program.
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Seasons (28)
Season 2
Season 3
Season 4
Season 5
Season 6
Season 7
Season 8
Season 9
Season 10
Season 11
Season 12
Season 13
Season 14
Season 2013
- 1Kyo-machiya: Connecting People's Hearts27 Feb 2013
- 2Kaiseki-ryori: The Ultimate in Culinary Hospitality4 Apr 2013
- 3Buddhist Statues: Figures of Belief and Beauty18 Apr 2013
- 4Hanami: Kyoto's Cherry Viewing Festivities in the Spring16 May 2013
- 5Japanese-Style Paintings: The Breathing World of Beauty6 Jun 2013
- 6Kyoto Lodgings: Hearty Consideration That Soothes Travelers13 Jun 2013
- 7Kagai: Kyoto's Flower District where Elegant Dreams Bloom20 Jun 2013
- 8Aoi Matsuri: A Dynastic Festival in the Presence of the Deities4 Jul 2013
- 9Chanoyu: A Bowl of Tea Draws Hearts Together18 Jul 2013
- 10Gion Matsuri: The Spirit of the Townspeople During Summer's Grand Festival15 Aug 2013
- 11Shojin-ryori: Zen Cuisine as Training Within the Teachings5 Sep 2013
- 12Water Traditions: The Old Capital's Rich Natural Blessings19 Sep 2013
- 13Kyo-shikki: The Jet-Black, Golden Beauty of Kyoto Lacquerware3 Oct 2013
- 14Karesansui: The Zen Cosmos in a Garden for Spiritual Training17 Oct 2013
- 15Nishijin-ori: Beauty Crystallized in a Kyoto Brocade7 Nov 2013
- 16Shinise: Established Businesses Survive the Centuries5 Dec 2013
- 17The Changing Leaves: The Transient Fall Beauty of the Ancient Capital19 Dec 2013
Season 2014
- 1Kyoto Confections: Experiencing Kyoto Culture Through the Five Senses16 Jan 2014
- 2A Washi Capital: Paper of Diverse Beauty and Use for City Life6 Feb 2014
- 3Obanzai: The Frugal Wisdom of Kyoto's Home Cooking20 Feb 2014
- 4Ikebana: Revealing the Full Potential of Flowers27 Mar 2014
- 5Calligraphy: Elegance Within a Black-and-White Universe3 Apr 2014
- 6Kin-butsudan: Faith Shines Brilliant in Craft That Embodies Nirvana17 Apr 2014
- 7Rimpa: An Artistic Style Transcending Time1 May 2014
- 8Bamboo Culture: New Life in Spring Enriches the Ancient Capital15 May 2014
- 9Kyo-yuzen: Garments of Beauty Radiate Elegance5 Jun 2014
- 10Kyoto Dolls: Adored by All, Their Grace Brings Peace19 Jun 2014
- 11Buddhist Architecture: Craftsmanship Unites Places of Worship3 Jul 2014
- 12Fitting for the Deities: Sacred Ornamentation Purifies and Elevates17 Jul 2014
- 13Kyoto Vegetables: Nature's Blessings Provide Fine Food for the Ancient Capital7 Aug 2014
- 14Legends of the Spirit World: The Mysterious Inspires Awe in the Townsfolk4 Sep 2014
- 15Gozan-no-okuribi: Ceremonial Bonfires Give Ancestors Safe Passage18 Sep 2014
- 16Fushimi Inari Taisha: A Manifestation of Prayers to the Deities on the Mountain2 Oct 2014
- 17Noh: A Spiritual Performing Art Bridging Fantasy and Reality16 Oct 2014
- 18Dynastic Culture: The Graceful Form of the Heian Aristocracy6 Nov 2014
- 19Kyoto Gardens: Aesthetic Spaces Mirror Nature20 Nov 2014
- 20Shinise Food Culture: The Taste of Kyoto Links Past and Present4 Dec 2014
Season 2015
- 1The 10 Artisans of Senke: Tea Utensils Heighten Rustic Simplicity8 Jan 2015
- 2Kyoto Tsukemono: Pickles Enhance a Meal's Taste22 Jan 2015
- 3Setsubun: Out with the Demons and In with Fortune in the Spring26 Feb 2015
- 4Kyoto Sake: A Mellow Taste That Enriches Kyoto Life19 Mar 2015
- 5The World of Kimono: Kyoto's Timeless Sense of Beauty1 Apr 2015
- 6Kyoto's Cafe Culture: A Cup Full of Local Hospitality15 Apr 2015
- 7Belief in Kannon: The God of Mercy Redeems All6 May 2015
- 8Modern Architecture: Breathing Life Into the Ancient Capital in a New Age20 May 2015
- 9Kyogen: Laughing at the Absurdities of Life3 Jun 2015
- 10Kyoto Decorative Arts: The Artisans' Unceasing Pursuit of Beauty17 Jun 2015
- 11Around the Temple and Shrine Gates: Activities Along the Approaches Connect People15 Jul 2015
- 12Shidashi-ryori: The Refined Hospitality of Catered Meals29 Jul 2015
- 13The Capital of Peace and Bliss: Kyoto Streets Still Bear Hideyoshi's Mark12 Aug 2015
- 14Uji: The Aristocrats' Playground Where Fleeting Dreams Linger2 Sep 2015
- 15The Essence Behind Kyo-ryori: The Chefs' Dedication in the Detail17 Sep 2015
- 16Kyoto Woodcraft: Prominent Woodgrain and Refinement of Use1 Oct 2015
- 17Iwashimizu-sai: The Ritual in the Gloom in Respect for All Life15 Oct 2015
- 18Traditional Kyoto Dance: Gion's Consummate Art Exalts Life5 Nov 2015
- 19Kyoto's Rebirth: The Ancient Capital Prospers Anew19 Nov 2015
- 20Folding Screens: Refined Furnishings Enhance Their Surroundings3 Dec 2015
Season 2016
- 1Kyo-yaki: Kyoto Ceramics Charm and Delight the Beholder7 Jan 2016
- 2Suiseki: A World of Understated Beauty Within Natural Stone21 Jan 2016
- 3Kyo-kanoko Shibori: Untying the Beauty Bound Within18 Feb 2016
- 4Small Restaurants: A Full, Rich Experience While Sipping Sake3 Mar 2016
- 5Obi: Unbridled Beauty in a Knot7 Apr 2016
- 6Traditional Musical Instruments: Eternal Tones Waft Through the Ancient Capital21 Apr 2016
- 7Woodblock Prints: Beauty in the Hands of a Trinity of Artists5 May 2016
- 8Tsubo-niwa: Life Enhanced by Quintessential Spaces19 May 2016
- 9Insho Domoto: The Pulsing Heart of Artistic Innovation2 Jun 2016
- 10Hidden Treasures: Preserved for Another Millennium16 Jun 2016
- 11Kyoto Walls: Elegance Molded from Earth7 Jul 2016
- 12Kata-yuzen: The Stenciled Beauty of Dyeing21 Jul 2016
- 13Cool Customs: Beating the Summer Heat25 Aug 2016
- 14Atago Sennichi Mairi: Pilgrimage to the Guardian Against Fire1 Sep 2016
- 15Kiyomizu Rokubey: Tradition and Vision in Ceramics22 Sep 2016
- 16Stone Jizo: Neighborhood Guardians Watch Over Children6 Oct 2016
- 17The Cinema Capital: The Professionals Behind the Samurai Filming Industry20 Oct 2016
- 18Fusuma Paintings: Artful Partitions Transform Space3 Nov 2016
- 19Yase Shamenchi Odori: A Dance of Gratitude17 Nov 2016
- 20Iwakura Fire Festival: The Divine Spirit Returns15 Dec 2016
Season 2017
- 1Ohara: A Mountain Village Echoing with Buddhist Chants12 Jan 2017
- 2Kyoto State Guest House: Hospitality Imbued with Beauty and Craftsmanship26 Jan 2017
- 3Public Baths: People Gather to Wash Their Troubles Away16 Feb 2017
- 4Kitayama Cedar: Lending a Quality of Polished Dignity and Beauty2 Mar 2017
- 5The Culture of Incense: The Wafting Scents of an Ageless Pleasure6 Apr 2017
- 6Kyoto Tofu: Subtle Taste Nourished by Skill and Pride20 Apr 2017
- 7Modern Kyoto: The Ancient Capital's Aesthetics Shape the Future4 May 2017
- 8Potter Kanjiro Kawai: Freely Creating a Homely Warmth18 May 2017
- 9The Art of Cleaning: Maintaining the Ancient Capital's Beauty1 Jun 2017
- 10Nenbutsu Kyogen: Buddhist Teachings Behind Masked Theater15 Jun 2017
- 11The Custom of Wrapping: Conveying Hidden Sentiments6 Jul 2017
- 12Nishiki Market: Kyoto's Thriving Kitchen20 Jul 2017
- 13Gion Matsuri Floats: The Pride of Generations Revived24 Aug 2017
- 14Ayu Sweetfish: A Summer Delicacy with Culture7 Sep 2017
- 15Hidari-daimonji: Flames of Prayer to the Other Side21 Sep 2017
- 16Kyoto Braided Cords: Bit Players That Shine5 Oct 2017
- 17Footwear Culture: Dressing the Feet for Form and Function19 Oct 2017
- 18Zuiki Matsuri: A Celebration of the Local Harvests2 Nov 2017
- 19Ink Paintings: Insights Into the Heart of Zen16 Nov 2017
- 20Kyoto Snacks: Sweets and Treats for Everyday People21 Dec 2017
Season 2018
- 1Kurama: Mystical Land of Legends11 Jan 2018
- 2Fabric Pieces: Honoring the Past25 Jan 2018
- 3Celebrating the New Year: With Reverence and Gratitude1 Feb 2018
- 4An Artistic Lineage: Nurturing a Painting Tradition15 Mar 2018
- 5Bubuzuke: A Dish Inspired by Frugality5 Apr 2018
- 6Maiko Hair Ornaments: A Classical Culture of Kawaii19 Apr 2018
- 7Yasurai Matsuri: Town Elders' Prayers Embodied in Flowers and Dance3 May 2018
- 8Dynastic Arts & Crafts: The Pursuit of Heian Peace and Beauty17 May 2018
- 9Mirei Shigemori: The Ageless Modernity of the Rock Garden7 Jun 2018
- 10Kyokusui-no-Utage: Poetry with Classic Heian Elegance21 Jun 2018
- 11Satoyama Living: Country Customs Sustaining the Ancient Capital5 Jul 2018
- 12Japanese Pepper: The Zesty Spice of Kyoto Cuisine19 Jul 2018
- 13Tatami: The Flooring Underlying Japanese Culture16 Aug 2018
- 14Folding Fans: Cooling Accessories Encapsulate Elegance6 Sep 2018
- 18The Matsuage Festival: Keeping the Fire Tradition Alive20 Sep 2018
- 19The Artisans for the Deities: Enduring Skills and Devotion4 Oct 2018
- 20Kyoto Cosmetics: Secrets for Drawing Out Inner Beauty18 Oct 2018
- 21The Culture of Gold Leaf: Gossamer Layers Beget Profound Beauty1 Nov 2018
- 22Kyoto Swords: Splendor That Dispels Evil Spirits8 Nov 2018
- 23End of the Samurai Era: The Capital Survives Turbulent Times28 Dec 2018
Season 2019
- 1Sagano: A Sense of Transience in an Age-old Retreat17 Jan 2019
- 2Modern Civil Architecture: A Strikingly Eclectic Heritage7 Feb 2019
- 3Kyoto's Bakery Culture: Testament to the Ancient Capital's Modernity21 Feb 2019
- 4The Minamiza Theatre: In the Spiritual Home of Kabuki28 Mar 2019
- 5Kyoto Storefronts: Enticements to Enter Within4 Apr 2019
- 6Amida Buddha: Prayers for Guidance to the Pure Land16 May 2019
- 7Kyoto-style Sushi: Artful, Beautiful and Delicious19 Jun 2019
- 8Kyoto Toys: Elegant Amusements That Inspire Delight3 Jul 2019
- 9Family Crests: Pedigree in the Ancient Capital31 Jul 2019
- 10The Modern Flower: Old Meets New in Arrangement9 Oct 2019
- 11Randen: The Streetcar Close to Residents' Hearts30 Oct 2019
- 12Kyoto Markets: Places of Worship Bring People Together6 Nov 2019
- 13Awata Matsuri: An Ancient Festival Revived4 Dec 2019
Season 2020
- 1New Wave Dyeing: The Challenge for Innovation Within Tradition29 Jan 2020
- 2Popular Noh: A Spiritual Art Fosters Connections5 Feb 2020
- 3The Culture of Gift Giving: Beautiful Etiquette Strengthens Relationships4 Mar 2020
- 4Bamboo Innovation: Creative, Pliable and Sustainable1 Apr 2020
- 5Kyoto Accessories: Wearable Works of Art15 Apr 2020
- 6Kyoto Glasswork: The Elegant Sparkle of Craftsmanship6 May 2020
- 7Kyoto Amulets: The Embodiment of Prayers for Happiness5 Aug 2020
- 8Fudo Myo-o: The Enduring Power of a Wrathful Deity19 Aug 2020
- 9Nouveau Confections: A Feast for the Eyes, Mouth, and Mind2 Sep 2020
- 10Vogue Kimono: Fashion in Evolution16 Sep 2020
- 11Ogawa Jihei Gardens: Beauty Soothes and Nourishes the Soul30 Sep 2020
- 12The Double Ninth Festival: Beautiful Chrysanthemums Grant Longevity21 Oct 2020
- 13Conversations: A Potter and a Kyogen Actor5 Nov 2020
- 14Miyamoto Musashi: Sword Mastery in the Ancient Capital19 Nov 2020
- 15Warding off Epidemics: Heartfelt Prayers for Safety2 Dec 2020
- 16Nouveau Lacquerware: Vibrant, Dazzling Beauty17 Dec 2020
Season 2021
- 1Conversations: A Nishijin Textile Producer & an Architect21 Jan 2021
- 2The Forests of Keihoku: Nature's Blessings Sustain the Ancient Capital4 Feb 2021
- 3Conversations: The Enduring Pride of Two Venerable Families18 Feb 2021
- 4Life in a Machiya: The Appreciation of Nature and Time18 Mar 2021
- 5Tango Chirimen: The Finest Texture in Silk Crepe29 Apr 2021
- 6Conversations: A Landscape Gardener and a Glass Artist6 May 2021
- 7Okudo-san: Traditional Cooking Stoves13 May 2021
- 8Karakami: Ornamental Paper with Timeless Beauty20 May 2021
- 9Higashiyama Potters: Creativity in Clay Connects the Ages10 Jun 2021
- 10The World of Moss: Soothing Beauty, Subtle yet Refined19 Aug 2021
- 11Wire Netting Utensils: Practical, Superbly Handwoven Beauty2 Sep 2021
- 12Kyoto Breweries: Aromatic Tipples to Suit the Times16 Sep 2021
- 13Taiko Drums: The Pulsing Heartbeat of Life30 Sep 2021
- 14Calligraphy for the Times: The Resonating Power of Ink7 Oct 2021
- 15Tokonoma: Alcoves of Reverence and Welcoming Beauty2 Dec 2021
- 16Beans: Versatile, Practical, and Cultural16 Dec 2021
- 17Dramatic Masks: Embodiments of Prayers to the Spirit World30 Dec 2021
Season 2022
- 1Woven Gold and Silver: A World of Shimmering Patterns6 Jan 2022
- 2Conversations: A Living Museum of Modern Architecture20 Jan 2022
- 3Writing Implements: Modern Elegance in Traditional Stationery3 Feb 2022
- 4Kyoto's Countryside: Compassion for Nature and Its Blessings10 Feb 2022
- 5Conversations: The Power of Women in Decorative Arts17 Feb 2022
- 6Gateways: Sacred Demarcations That Repel Evil3 Mar 2022
- 7Buddhist Bells of Prayer: A Universe of Sound Cleanses the Heart17 Mar 2022
- 8Conversations: Learning Aesthetics from the Ancients24 Mar 2022
- 9Old Building Materials: The Ancient Capital's Culture of Recycling7 Apr 2022
- 10Dried Foods: Ancient Wisdom Gracing Kyoto Tables21 Apr 2022
- 11Art Frontier: Creators Forge New Paths Into the Future12 May 2022
- 12The Lights of Kyoto: Illuminating and Soothing People's Hearts19 May 2022
- 13Shikimono: The Culture of Living on the Floor2 Jun 2022
- 14Wazuka Tea: A Vibrant Village of Fragrant Fields16 Jun 2022
- 15The Beauty in Copying: An Art Form of Aspirations7 Jul 2022
- 16Conversations: The Colors of Kyoto21 Jul 2022
- 17Ornamental Metalwork: Magnificent Mastery Transcends Generations11 Aug 2022
- 18Men's Kimono: The Beauty of Dressing with Flair18 Aug 2022
- 19New Directions for Washi: The Sustainable, Elegant Use of Paper1 Sep 2022
- 20Kamo River: The Flow of Life and Culture in the Ancient Capital6 Oct 2022
- 21The Spirit of Frugality: Modern Ingenuity and Age-Old Wisdom20 Oct 2022
- 22Dashi Stock: Savory Umami for Exquisite Cuisine24 Nov 2022
- 23The Dragon: Deity of Water, Protector of the Capital8 Dec 2022
Season 2023
- 1Rice Straw: Beauty within the Prayers of Daily Life16 Feb 2023
- 2Antiques: Beauty Engendered by the Passage of Time2 Mar 2023
- 3Samurai Armor: The Dignified Aesthetics of the Warrior Class16 Mar 2023
- 4Miso: Fermentation, the Taste of Kyoto13 Apr 2023
- 5Minamiyamashiro: The Buddhist Treasures of a Remote Region20 Apr 2023
- 6Rethinking Buddhism: Uniting Modern Society with Compassion4 May 2023
- 7Phantom Dyeing: Ancient Colors of Prayer Revived18 May 2023
- 8Reusing and Upcycling: Tradition Bolsters the Power of Recreation1 Jun 2023
- 9Sustainable Initiatives: Nishijin Weavers Embrace the Times15 Jun 2023
- 10Flower Art: Ephemeral Colors for the Mind and Soul6 Jul 2023
- 11The Beauty in Boxes: Containers to Hold and Express Sentiments3 Aug 2023
- 12Seven Lucky Gods: Blessings of Fortune and Happiness for All17 Aug 2023
- 13Made to Order: A Bespoke Culture Fostered on Customer Bonds7 Sep 2023
- 14Kuta Hanagasa Dance: The Solid Bonds of a Rural Community5 Oct 2023
- 15The Power of Cleaning: Daily Habits for the Heart and Soul19 Oct 2023
- 16Crawling through Mud: Avant-Garde Ceramicists Break with Tradition2 Nov 2023
- 17Stonework: Masons Shape a Solid City Presence16 Nov 2023
- 18A Student Town: Eagerly Nurturing the Future7 Dec 2023
Season 2024
- 1Cooking Utensils: Craftwork Ensures the Future of Traditional Cuisine25 Jan 2024
- 2Ramen Culture: The Continuous Evolution of Diverse Taste15 Feb 2024
- 3Mounting Techniques: The Masters of Refined Presentation and Rejuvenation7 Mar 2024
- 4Joinery: Wood Comes Alive in the Finer Details11 Apr 2024
- 5Ceramic Painters: A New Perspective to Mastering the Art25 Apr 2024
- 6The Tale of Genji: Elegance That Transcends the Ages9 May 2024
- 7Versatile Oil: Smoothing the Way in Everyday Life30 May 2024
- 8Essayist Omura Shige: The Life and Compassion of a Quintessential Kyotoite13 Jun 2024
- 9Festival Horses: Galloping for the Deities in Shinto Rituals27 Jun 2024
- 10Modern Fashion: A New Wave of Style Born from Tradition11 Jul 2024
- 11Kemari: An Ancient Football Game Played for Eternity15 Aug 2024
- 12Lake Biwa Canal: A Nearby Lake Boosts Life in the Ancient Capital29 Aug 2024
- 13The Central Wholesale Market: Discerning Eyes Keep Food Culture Alive10 Oct 2024
- 14Ancient Daigo-ji: A Temple Takes its Treasures and Lore into the Future24 Oct 2024
- 15Traditional Books: Age-old Wisdom Conveyed in Print14 Nov 2024
- 16Diversity in Plants: The Radiance of Life in Daily Life28 Nov 2024
- 17Tayama Hana Odori: Deities Nurture Community Ties12 Dec 2024
Season 2025
- 1Alleyways: The Age-Old Wisdom of Town Planning16 Jan 2025
- 2Fall in Saga-Arashiyama: The Beauty and Colors of Change23 Jan 2025
- 3Bows and Arrows: Averting Trouble and Drawing Happiness27 Feb 2025
- 4Shamisen: The Reverberating Tones of Passion and Tradition20 Mar 2025
- 5Raden: The Iridescent Beauty of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay10 Apr 2025
- 6Shotengai: Bustling Shopping Streets Reflect Their Neighborhood15 May 2025
- 7Traditional Roofing: Glittering tiles catch the eyes29 May 2025
- 8Matsunoo Taisha Festival: Local Residents' Prayers Bind the Community12 Jun 2025
- 9Proprietresses: Keeping heritage businesses alive and inspired26 Jun 2025
- 10Handcrafted Bags: Embodiment of the Artisans' Passion and Attention to Detail10 Jul 2025
- 11Tea Kettles: A universe within the iron14 Aug 2025
- 12Ethereal Lanterns: Lighting the cityscape of the ancient capital28 Aug 2025
- 13Trends in Footwear: Health, Beauty and Functionality Born from Tradition11 Sep 2025
- 14Natto: The authentic umami of fermented soybeans25 Sep 2025
- 15Handcrafted Accessories: Refined Beauty Adds Life to Any Outfit8 Oct 2025
- 16Fish Paste Foods: Tradition Shapes the Bounty of the Sea23 Oct 2025
- 17The Autumn Moon: Gratitude and Prayers for Bountiful Harvests13 Nov 2025
- 18Repair & Restoration: A Respect for Objects and Memories27 Nov 2025
- 19Foreign Residents: Infusing New Life into Tradition25 Dec 2025
Season 2026
- 1Bonsai: Harmonious Beauty and Eternal Life29 Jan 2026
- 2Taitan Cooking: Steeped in the full flavor of dashi stock12 Feb 2026
- 3Tsukemono: Vegetable Pickles Embody Wisdom and Expertise5 Mar 2026
- 4Plasterers: Artisanal beauty in traditional earthen walls15 Apr 2026
- 5Morning Tourism: Leisurely Activities to Clear the Mind29 Apr 2026
- 6Tales of Sakura: Radiant pink blooms reflect the heart28 May 2026
- 7The Art World's Genealogy: Respect for Creative Predecessors11 Jun 2026
- 8Spirit Worship: Prayers to dispel curses and bring peace25 Jun 2026
- 9Artisan Wisdom: A Bridge between Tradition and Science13 Aug 2026