Concierge Terue Ogawara of the Kyoto Tokyu Hotel Welcomes You to Japan's Historic Old Capital

Terue Ogawara, the concierge at Kyoto's Tokyu Hotel, a Pan Pacific Hotel, likes to say that she "always feels like my guest's secretary when they stay at my hotel."

(Terue Ogawara, the concierge at Kyoto's Tokyu Hotel)

She is a dedicated concierge who takes a special delight in pointing visitors to Kyoto's special places. And she invites readers to email her at kyoto-h.ro@tokyuhotels.co.jp

Here are Ogawara's recommendations on what to see and do in Kyoto:

Strolling & Shopping
The old capitol Japanese capital of Kyoto is ideal for strolling and window shopping, just a step away from Kyoto Tokyu Hotel.

Have a cup of coffee
Mo-an café at top of Mt.Yoshidayama near Ginkaku-ji area is a Japanese old-house café.
Just relax, surrounded by open windows.

Most unusual Place
Kyoto is Japan's cultural treasurehouse. With an astonishing 1,600 Buddhist temples, 400 Shinto shrines, a trio of palaces, and dozens of gardens, Kyoto ranks as one of the most culturally rich cities on the planet.

I recommend for my favorite spot "SAGANO Area" -- it's my hometown.
Justly acclaimed for its rural beauty, the Sagano district lies at the foot of the western hills of Kyoto.

(A tranquil Kyoto scene)

Here, within short walks of each other, are beautiful temple Seiryo-ji and Niso-in, Gio-ji, the religious retreat of an ancient warlord's cast-off Nembutsuji and Otagi Nembutsuji. And there you will find the famous walking Bamboo Street.

Best bar and people watching
There are many of restaurants and bars along the east side of Pontocho along the banks of the Kamo River. The jazz bar "Unohana" is a Japanese modern bar.

Best family restaurant
Two blocks south of Shijyo street (downtown) andeast of Hanamiko-ji street is Gion OISHINBO, a reasonable, casual, classic Japanese restaurant in the heart of old Gion.

Best restaurant of any type
It's my favorite cuisine! "Shojin-ryori" -- another style of cooking, for which Kyoto is renowned. This is vegetarian cuisine (no meat, fish, eggs or dairy products are used), which was introduced from China along with Buddhism and is now available in special restaurants usually connected with temples.

As it's a style of cooking that has its origins in Buddhist asceticism, don't expect a hearty affair. Great attention is given to presentation and small dishes.

Typically the meal will include a variety of fresh vegetables such as boiled radishes. Tofu also plays a prominent role in the menu. For a meal of this type, several Kyoto temples offer lunch courses from around JPY3000. The most famous restaurant name is "SHIGETSU" in the Tenryu-ji (Zen temple), a World Cultural Heritage site.

Best museum
Kyoto National Museum
Established in 1895 across from Sanjyusangen-do, this museum houses one of the finest collections of art in Japan, including some 230 items designated as National Treasures.
A sculpture by Rodin sits in the garden. Open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Closed Monday.

Best Park
TOEI UZUMASA MOVIE LAND
A movie-theme park. Walk through open-air sets used in historical Japanese dramas, or take in a samurai sword fight or Ninja demonstration. Visit a movie information hall, restaurant, shopping arcade.

ABOUT TERUE OGAWARA

Terue Ogawara's first job at the hotel was as a Bell Girl, the person who welcomes guests and shows them to their guest room. Then she moved on to front reception and concierge. In addition, she also works in marketing.

In all, she has spent 12 years at the hotel.

In 2003, she studied at Cornell University's hospitality program and found it to be a "fantastic experience."

Kyoto, Japan's old capitol, has many great temples, shrines, and gardens to see. But in addition, Ogawara likes to often search out the best new point to recommend to guests.

She enjoys helping guests plan a schedule of what to see, including transportation (city bus, subway, taxi, walking) etc.

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