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Different people have different ideas as to what would be their favorite places in Japan. One spot, though, that would definitely high on most people's list is the famous city of Kyoto.
For over a millennium, Kyoto was the imperial capital of the country, and it is here that many of Japan's greatest architectural splendors are located. Constituting the Kyoto World Heritage Site are no fewer than 16 temples and shrines in addition to Nijo castle. As the cradle of Japan's traditional culture, Kyoto is rightly regarded by many visitors to this country as a must-see destination.
Among the cultural riches that Kyoto has created, one of the finest is that served on a table. With its strong influ-ences from Buddhist vegetarian fare, Kyoto cuisine place particular emphasis on vegetables. Two of the commonest ways of preparing these vegetables, either alone or with other ingredients, are as nimono simmered dishes and
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sunomono, in which the food is dressed with vinegar. As well as vegetables, Kyoto cuisine does of course feature the delicate flavor of sashimi raw fish, which is enjoyed throughout the country.
Renowned for its cuisine, Kyoto is also renowned for its sake. One very good local favorite that would make a perfect accompaniment to Kyoto cuisine is Tamanohikari. Unlike the sake brewed in many modern industrial plants, where sugar and alcohol are artificially added, the junmai-shu sake at Tamanohikari is prepared the traditional way, the fine flavor being archieved solely by a delicate balanc-ing sake at Tamanohikari is prepared the traditional way, Tamanohikari is unusual in that virtually all the sake it produces is of the pure junmaishu variety. Junmaishu is the great delight of the sake connoisseur. But even for the person unversed in the ways of sake, the exciting quality of junmaishu is right there in the taste. |
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