#09 Minazuki: How Kyoto Locals Survive the Summer ~Are the Jiang Shi Back Again!?~
Nils, who works as a看板娘 (kanban musume) at a ryokan in Kyoto, shares insights into life in Kyoto during June and provides helpful tips for joyfully navigating the rainy season. Her stories about the wishes embedded in 'Minazuki' and the many unique events in Kyoto will surely make you want to plan a trip.
The interesting meanings behind Minazuki.
In Kyoto, June is synonymous with eating the triangular Japanese sweet known as 'Minazuki.' Nils unpacks the traditional background of this treat—eaten to pray for good health—explaining why it is triangular and what the 'Nagoshi no Harae' ritual is all about. The discussion also touches on how familiarity with these traditions varies by region, and learning the etiquette and history behind eating them makes the seasonal flavors even more enjoyable.
Packed with Kyoto events like the Gion Matsuri and Kobo-ichi.
This episode shines a light on local perspectives often missed by tourists, such as the Kobo-ichi market held at To-ji Temple on the 21st of every month and the special sweets that appear during the Gion Matsuri season. The talk about seasonal sweets brings to life the deep history of Kyoto. Along the way, a nostalgic story about a certain classic work pops up, steering the conversation in an unexpected direction.
Listen to the full episode for more.
In this broadcast, you can feel the transition of the seasons while learning about the flavors and traditions loved by locals. From here, the talk expands into letters from listeners and memories related to a specific department store. Be sure to listen to the full episode to catch all the details.
* This summary is generated automatically by AI and may contain errors.