Sunny Place

With the help of the Happy Cow online healthy eating guide, I was able to locate a 100% vegan restaurant in Kyoto.

Located in the Sakyo Ward of Kyoto, the restaurant was nestled in an area that was very lively and residential, unlike the more urban area around the Kyoto Station. I had the sense that this was a typical neighborhood in which people lived normal lives outside the hustle and bustle of the inner city.

I arrived at the restaurant as it opened, so I was the first customer of the evening. The owner/chef was very friendly and helped me to understand the options from the “Plant Lab” menu. He also explained that being vegan in Japan was difficult. I, in turn, explained that it was equally difficult in the U.S.

He cooked up a wonderful Pad Thai style dish, the flavor of which can not be described with words. It was unlike any Thai dish I had ever had, and best of all, it was completely vegan.  Overall, a great experience and well worth the trip to northern Kyoto.

Miho Museum

The Miho Museum is located in the forested hills west of central Koka. It was designed by the renowned architect E. M. Pei.

The design incorporates the museum into the natural surroundings - essentially it is buried within the hillside. The entrance of the museum requires that visitors pass through a long tunnel cut through a mountain. Once through to the other side, visitors cross a suspension bridge that traverses a deep ravine. The interior of the museum consists of contrasting steel and glass elements.

The design was inspired by the Chinese tale of “Peach Blossom Spring,” the original inspiration for the idea of “Shangri-La.” The story explains that when one enters Peach Blossom Spring, they will encounter paradise - no one ages, gets sick, or suffers from want. However, if you depart, you will not be able to relocate the entrance. It has been a long time desire on my part to visit this museum. Being able to do so was moving and transformative. Needless to say, I did not want to leave. Having done so, I can only hope that I one day rediscover it’s entrance.