4. Kenapa Belajar Kepariwisataan Penting di Jurusan Sastra Inggris?

(diambil dari : http://edukasi.kompas.com/read/2013/07/16/1443428/Riset.Kepariwisataan.Dunia.dalam.Literatur. , Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 18:51)

Apa itu kepariwisataan? Kepariwisataan adalah keseluruhan kegiatan yang terkait dengan pariwisata dan bersifat multidimensi serta multidisiplin yang muncul sebagai wujud kebutuhan setiap orang dan negara serta interaksi antara wisatawan dan masyarakat setempat, sesama wisatawan, Pemerintah, Pemerintah Daerah dan pengusaha (Source : http://960606net.blogspot.co.id/2015/03/pengertian-kepariwisataan.html), sedangkan pengertian Bahasa menurut Para Ahli adalah :

1.     bahasa menurut kamus besar Bahasa Indonesia (Hasan Alwi, 2002: 88) bahasa berarti sistem lambang bunyi yang arbitrer, yang digunakan oleh semua orang atau anggota masyarakat untuk bekerjasama, berinteraksi, dan mengidentifikasi diri dalam bentuk percakapan yang baik, tingkah laku yang baik, sopan santun yang baik.

2.     Pengertian Bahasa menurut (Depdiknas, 2005: 3)Bahasa pada hakikatnya adalah ucapan pikiran dan perasaan manusia secara teratur, yang mempergunakan bunyi sebagai alatnya.

3.     Pengertian Bahasa menurut Harun Rasyid, Mansyur & Suratno (2009: 126) bahasa merupakan struktur dan makna yang bebas dari penggunanya, sebagai tanda yang menyimpulkan suatu tujuan.

4.     Pengertian bahasa menurut Keraf Smarapradhipa (2005) memberikan dua pengertian bahasa yaitu : pertama, menyampaikan bahasa sebagai alat komunikasi antara anggota masyarakat berupa simbol bunyi yang di hasilkan oleh alat ucap manusia. kedua, bahasa adalah sistem komunikasi yang mempergunakan simbol-simbol vikal (bunyi ujaran) yang bersifat arbitrer.

Sistem bahasa itu sukarela (arbitary). Sistem berlaku secara umum, dan bahasa merupakan peraturan yang mendasar. Sebagai contoh: ada beberapa bahasa yang memulai kalimat dengan kata benda seperti Bahasa Inggris, dan ada bahasa yang mengawali kalimatnya dengan kata kerja. Dan seseorang tidak dapat menolak aturan-aturan tersebut baik yang pertama maupun yang kedua. Jadi tidak tunduk kepada satu dialek tertentu.

Fungsi bahasa adalah mengekspresikan pikiran dan perasaan. Jadi tidak hanya mengekspresikan pikiran saja. Peranan bahasa terlihat jelas dalam mengekpresikan estetika, rasa sedih senang dalam interaksi sosial. Dalam hal ini mereka mengekspresikan perasaan dan bukan pikiran. Karena itu bahasa itu mempunyai peranan sosial, emosional disamping berperan untuk mengemukakan ide.

v  mempelajari kepariwisataan kita dapat mengetahui dan memperoleh berbagai ilmu serta maafaat kepariwisataan dalam berbagai bidang, yaitu ekonomi, budaya, politik, lingkungan hidup, nilai pergaulan dan ilmu pengetahuan, peluang dan kesempatan kerja.

1.      Manfaat kepariwisataan dari segi Ekonomi

Kepariwisataan menghasilkan devisa yang besar bagi Negara sehingga dapat meningkatkan perekonomian suatu Negara.

2.      Manfaat kepariwisaataan dari segi Budaya

Membawa sebuah pemahaman dan pengertian antar budaya melalui interaksi wisatawan dengan masyarakat lokal tempat daerah wisata tersebut berada. Sehingga dari interaksi inilah para wisatawan dapat mengenal dan menghargai budaya masyarakat setempat dan juga memahami latar belakang kebudayaan lokal yang dianut oleh masyarakat tersebut.

3.      Manfaat kepariwisataan dari segi politik

Memelihara hubungan internasional dengan baik, yaitu dalam hal pengembangan pariwisata mancanegara. Akan terjadi kunjungan antar bangsa sebagai wisatawan seperti hal nya dalam pariwisata nusantara, sehingga dapat memberi inspirasi untuk selalu mengadakan pendekatan dan saling menghormati.

4.      Manfaat kepariwisataan dari segi lingkungan hidup

Karena sebuah objek wisata apabila ingin banyak mendapatkan kunjungan dari wisatawan harus terjaga kebersihannya sehingga masyarakat secara bersama-sama sepakat untuk merawat serta memelihara lingkungan atau daerah yang dijadikan sebagai sebuah objek wisata.

5.      Manfaat kepariwisataan dari segi nilai pergaulan dan ilmu pengetahuan

Memiliki teman dari berbagai macam Negara sehingga dapat mengetahui kebiasaan mereka serta mempelajari kebiasaan baik dari Negara mereka tersebut. Sedangkan dari segi ilmu pengetahuan kita dapat mempelajari pariwisata serta dapat mengetahui dimana letak dan keunggulan sebuah objek wisata sehingga dapat menerapkan di daerah objek wisata daerah kita yang belum berkembang dengan baik. (Source: https://tiyaminozz.wordpress.com/2013/03/31/sejarah-tujuan-dan-manfaat-kepariwisataan/)

v Manfaat kepawirisataan dalam jurusan sastra inggris

 (diambil dari: https://curuthallus.wordpress.com/keunggulan-dan-perkembangan-ilmu-komunikasi/, selasa 31Mei 2016, jam 11:15)

Kemampuan dalam berkomunikasi dalam berbahasa inggris di dalam era modern saat ini sangatlah penting, apalagi setelah masuknya MEA (masyarakat Ekonomi Asean) di tahun 2016 ini maka sangat di sarankan untuk bisa berkomunikasi dalam bahasa inggris. Peran Kepawisataan dalam jurusan sastra inggris, pada hal ini dapat di manfaatkan dengan baik pada masuknya MEA (Masyarakat Ekonomi Asean).  kita dapat memanfaatkannya dengan memperkenalkan Kepariwisataan Indonesia, selain untuk menarik minat wisatawan kepada negara asing, disini kita dapat juga meningkatkan kemampuan berkomunikasi dalam berbahasa inggris juga. kita bisa memulainya dengan menyampaikannya pada sebuah artikel yang dapat di muat di internet. hal ini adalah cara alternatif untuk memperkenalkan negara kita pada dunia.

 (diambil dari : http://www.caramenghilangkanmembuat.com/2015/12/tips-membuat-jadwal-menulis-artikel-di.html, selasa, 31 Mei 2016, jam 11:18)

Ketika kita terbiasa dalam menulis sebuah artikel Kepariwisataan dalam bahasa inggris akan lebih mudah untuk dapat menyampaikan hal tersebut, dan  juga dapat memberikan berbagai informasi kepada negara lain tentang negara kita sendiri, seperti lokasi-lokasi kepariwisataan Indonesia, keberagaman budaya di indonesia, kuliner di Indonesia, ke indahan dan keelokan negara Indonesia, serta fasilitas yang terdapat di Indonesia. dari situ pula kita dapat menarik minat turis asing untuk berkunjung ke negara kita, hal ini dapat meningkatkan devisa negara, bukan hanya untuk turis asing saja dengan ini juga dapat memudahkan turis lokal untuk berkunjung ke kota lain. Informasi ini sangat bermanfaat untuk di sampaikan karena tidak semua orang Indonesia juga mengetahui tentang kota yang belum pernah di kunjunginnya, atau juga dengan informasi ini dapat meningkatkan pengetahuan masyarakat yang tinggal di daerah tersebut.

Selain itu manfaat dalam belajar kepariwisataan, kita jadi lebih mengenal tentang negara kita sendiri, banyak pengetahuan yang dapat di peroleh dari belajar kepariwisataan ini, misalnya sejarah indonesia. Indonesia mempunyai banyak sejarahnya, seperti sejarah candi borobudur, Prambanan, dan peninggalan-peninggalan bersejarah lainnya. bukan hanya sejarahnya, kita juga dapat lebih mengenal tentang budaya dari daerah-daerah Indonesia misalnya di daerah Lombok terdapat suku yang sangat Unik yaitu suku Sasak yang hingga saat ini kebudayaan dan kepercayaannya masih kental. Kuliner di Indonesia, Indonesia mempunyai banyak makanan khas, seperti gudeg (yogyakarta), Rendang (padang), asinan (Bogor). di samping itu belajar Kepariwisataan ini membuat kita mengetahui tentang berbagai wisata, seperti wisata laut, wisata  Alam, wisata malam, wisata budaya, wisata sejarah, dan masih banyak lagi. Mempelajari Kepariwisataan juga bisa belajar melatih kemampuan kita dalam dunia kerja karena kita mendapat banyak hal dari Kepariwisataan ini kemampuan pengetahuan kita pun menjadi bertambah luas, dan juga kemampuan berbahasa kita pun lebih bagus lagi karena kepariwisataan ini juga melatih cara berbicara untuk menyampaikan informasi kepada pembaca atau pendengar, 

(diambil dari : http://www.wellsgraytours.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-tour-guide-or-tour-director/ , Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 19:13)

contohnya profesi sebagai Pramuwisata disebut juga Pemandu Wisata atau Tour Guide dalam Bahasa Inggris. Pramuwisata juga ada jenisnya yaitu Local guide, dan City guide. Local guide (on-site guide) pemandu wisata lokal adalah seorang pemandu wisata yang menangani suatu tur selama satu atau beberapa jam di suatu tempat yang khusus, pada suatu atraksi wisata, atau di suatu areal yang terbatas, misalnya gedung bersejarah, museum, taman hiburan, pabrik, dan pusat riset ilmiah, sedangkan City guide adalah pemandu wisata yang bertugas membawa wisatawan dan memberikan informasi wisata tentang obyek-obyek wisata utama di suatu kota, biasanya dilakukan di dalam bus atau kendaraan lainnya. Seorang city guide yang melakukan tugas rangkap sekaligus sebagai pengemudi disebut sightseeing guide. jadi belajar Kepariwisataan penting dalam jurusan Sastra Inggris karena selain menambah pengetahuan tentang wisata lokal maupun internasional, kita juga dapat belajar berkomunikasi dengan baik.

3. My Favourite Indonesian Products

• why i choose Indonesian Product?

• There are my reasons of choosing indonesian products, because indonesia product are :

1.     Cheap

why do i say is cheap? because Indonesian product does not use tax like import products. the other countries if they want to sell their products  in Indonesia, they must pay the tax so the price is very expensive. the Indonesian product is not different than developed countries products because Indonesia products also has great quality even Indonesia product has been export in some countries.

2.     Great Quality

why do i say is great quality? in this time to get compare with import products, therefore the local industries improve their production qualities, so it will make Indonesian products to get great qualities, moreover the production will be compare with other country products, then Indonesian products Indonesian product has marked in international market now, it means the costumers will never feel to get loss to buy Indonesian products.

3.     Unique

why do i say is Unique? because you will never find some products from Indonesia in other countries, example like funitures from cane, the souvenirs from cane, Batik Indonesian etc.

Indonesia has many uniques products which takes from nature materials. the funiture from cane, such as table, chair, home decorations, even some plates from cane, so we do not have to wash the plate, we just add in the top of the plate some banana leaf, or paper for food. it is very practical to use. this plate usually use in sundanese restaurant, then Batik product, you can find the real Batik only in Indonesia, Batik is one of characteristic of Indonesia. Batik Indonesia has became modern clothes now, Batik clothes has been modification and it has been well known in international.

there are my favourite Indonesian Products :

1.     Boots shoes

The excellence of this product are :

1.      This is Cheap

actually when i bought a product from Indonesia , it is very cheap is like my boots shoes. why is it cheap? because if i buy it import, the price is more higher than i buy it in Indonesia.

2.      Higher Quality

this boots shoes is higher quality because the material  of this shoes is from real leather. it is more great and durable than use synthetic material, because if it uses synthetic material the colour of the shoes will be fade or easy to broke.

3.      Comfortable

this boots shoes is very comfortable because this Indonesian product is the best quality. it is not different from developed country products.

Actually i designed this  shoes by myself then i ordered to my friend’s sister.  this is more interesting, cheap, and great, because as you know that it is not different like import products. it is more easy then it has trusted than i must buy import in online shop sometimes the products can be different than the picture, or if i buy it in other country, the price is very expensive. i love this shoes because it has two style when i use this shoes and then the colour of this shoes is very match with my skin.

2.     Bogor T-Shirt

I bought this T-Shirt in a boutique in Bogor. the excellence of this product are :

1.       in the first i saw this T-Shirt is very unique because those are some menu of tradisional foods from Bogor. there are Asinan, Toge goreng, Doclang, Cungkring, Laksa bogor, Soto mie, Es pala.

2.       Then the combination of the colour of this T-Shirt is very good. especially i will never find this T-Shirt in other shop.

3.       it is only in that boutique. it is stylish T-Shirt, i can combination this T-Shirt with jeans, skirt or pants. The price is not expensive, and the T-Shirt is very comfortable, because the material of this T-shirt can absorb my sweat. it makes me love with Indonesian products.

3.     The Unique Pencils

Those are home made Product.

the excellence of this product are :

1.      Those pencils are very unique because they have accessories in the top of the pencils.

2.       it makes the pencils are very cute and beautiful. the accessories of this pencils is made by cane. the head also used ping-pong balls, then use feather for the hair. this is one of creativity of Indonesian products. i bought this pencils when i went for study tour in yogyakarta.

3.       that pencils are very cheap. i think i just can find it in yogyakarta. those are the cheapest of yogyakarta  souvernirs.

4.      those souvenirs are very unique and useful. that is from nature materials, then it can bring profit. i love this Indonesian product, besides it is unique and it also useful.

4     Sweater

this is one of the unique of my Indonesian product collections. i love this sweater is very cute. the excellence of this product are :

1.       it has embroider in the top of the sweater. it makes the sweater more stylish. there are also some motif.

2.      this sweater is knitted. the texture are very soft and smooth, then it is very warm, when i wear it in cold weather.

3.      this sweater is very comfortable

4.      the price is not expensive. i love this indonesian product because it is very rare to find. i bought it in a boutique in Bogor.

5     Small bag

My small bag. this bag is very useful.  i usually use this bag when i went to hang out with my friends, or family. the excellence of this product are :

1.       the colour of this bag is very exotic. i like this colour, this is brown, but it also like gold. the material of this bag is not from leather.

2.      it still looks great. this bag is not from a famous brand, but it still so elegant. this is indonesian product, even is not from a famous brand, besides the quality is very great.

3.      especially this bag is cheap. i bought this bag in a boutique in Bogor, this is the real product from indonesian boutique. this bag is more cheap than import product. the quality is same.

v  Can indonesian product to be compare and competitive in international market?

I hope Indonesia can improve the quality of product to be more better, so that Indonesian products can be competitive with developed country products and i hope the people from the other countries will be interesting with Indonesian products, not only the people from the other country but also indonesian people, because some indonesian people do not like product from their country, they more like products from another countries. moreover they said the quality of indonesian products are very bad though they never want to try to appreciate Indonesian products, actually it makes the sellers from Indonesia get the low income, so as Indonesian people, we must proud of indonesian products, besides those are more cheapest, then the quality also same with import products.

v there are some advantages of using Indonesian products :

1.     Improve the national Income ( foreign exchange)

the national income will improve if we have exported Indonesian products to other countries, so we will get some money in dollar and then we will change that money to the bank then automatically, it will add reserve of national income (foreign exchange) in our country.

2.     Improve the quality of production

if the local industry develops at least they will improve the quality of their products, usually they will think again if their sale be better, so they will continue to next step for improving their product qualities. they do this step because it is for competitive with other country products which has more better quality than local products. Therefore they will improve their production quality to be more better, so that can be compare to International market.

3.     Expending of employment

this is the fact effect of advantages, because if indonesian product requests become increase, so it means that the production needs more employments. it will be expending a chance for work. therefore if you want to help jobless people, then you must love and use indonesian products.

4.     Improve prosperity of community

this point is the result of the expanding of employment. automatically, it will improve prosperity of community. if there are more people get jobs, so the rate of poorness will be decrease if we always use indonesian products.

v  according to me Indonesian products can be competitive in international, because those are many uniques of Indonesian products that we can not find in other countries and the quality are very great too. we must support indonesian products ,so that will improve the power of competitive of our country products in our country and international, it will improve the national income (foreign exchange) in Indonesia. then i know that some people in other countries believe in indonesian products now, because those are many indonesian product now, it has exported to another countries. we should love and use Indonesian products is more better than we do nothing. it will help industry in indonesia develops to be better than before.

2. Video Culinary Group

1. Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto

(diambil dari : http://hiburan.dbagus.com/kota-indah-dan-terkenal-di-jepang, Minggu, 22 mei 2015, jam 10:30)

kyoto is a city which located in Honshu  island, japan. This city is part of metropotitan place, it is Osaka-kobe-kyoto. Kyoto has many historic site and Kyoto is a capital city of Prefekture of Kyoto.

The capital of palace (tojō)  is Heian-kyo.it has established in 794, as a capital city (miyako),  Heian-kyo became center of governance and japanese culture. in that time, Capital city called  kyō no miyako then it changed to be Kyoto. in the last time, Kyoto called Kyōraku, Rakuchū, or Rakuyō. the naming is like usual habit in Tiongkok which has capital city in di Rakuyō (Luoyang)

1.      Arashiyama

(diambil dari : http://bloggurumuda.blogspot.co.id/2014/03/21-tempat-terindah-di-dunia_30.html#more, Minggu,22 mei 2016, jam 10:03)

Arashiyama is a garden with footpath which cared by the country. this object tourism which cared by the country is located in west Kyoto city. Arashiyama is famous because of the bamboo forest which has beautiful scenery. when the holiday was coming, the way of this forest has many visitors.

(diambil dari : http://matadunia0.blogspot.co.id/2015/02/tempat-wisata-populer-di-jepang.html, Minggu, 22 Mei 2016, jam 10:20)

if you want to come to this Arashiyama area. you can use JR train from JR Kyoto station around one hour and stop n Arashiyama station., then you have three choise to visit every destination. you can use tour train, rent a bicycle, or by foot.

if you want to see and feel the journey of Arashiyama more closed, you can go there by foot. around the road there are so many rent of bicycle. Kyoto is the great place for ridding bicycle.

so far there are many stores, restaurant, ice cream seller, traditional cake, Matcha and many kind of souvenir stores. in the road line, it starts from Arashiyama station until Togetsukyo bridge, you can find many stores there.

Ø  The unique things in Arashiyama

(diambil dari : https://www.jalan2kejepang.com/artikel/hutan-bambu-arashiyama-kyoto.html, minggu, 22 Mei 2016, jam 10:15)

in the spring season, the center garden in Arashiyama which grew Sakura trees. it would bloom so beautifully. Togesukyo bridge as the background, so the beautiful garden and the highland looked so brightly. we can enjoy that scenery there.

            it start from in the beginning of April until the end. Many people enjoy Hanami ( the event to see sakura flowers) in Arashiyama.

2. Ooi River, Arashiyama (Kyoto)

(diambil dari : http://www.skanaa.com/en/news/detail/romantisme-musim-semi-di-jepang-part-2/slidegossip, Minggu, 22 Mei 20116, jam 10:32)

             The right time to visit is in the middle in Novermber until the end November. when autumn, we must try to go around to the river by boat. you will never forget this experience. Arashiyama is a districtin the West Kyoto, japan. there is also mountain as a background in the Oi river.

3. Fushimi Inari Taisha 

(diambil dari : http://www.synotrip.com/lostinjapan/fushimi-inari-shrine-fushimi-inari-taisha, Minggu, 22 Mei 2016, jam 11:40)

Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社^?) is Shinto temple which located in Fushimiku, Kyoto, japan. this temple is Temple center approimately 40.000 Inari temple which honor Inari. the main temple (Honden)is located in base of the Inari mountain, and temple’s land include mountain the height until 233 m.

This temple honored by Ukanomitama with his partner, Satahiko no Ōkami, Ōmiyanome no ōkami, Tanaka no ōkami, and Shi no ōkami (四 大神^?).^[1] Inari be trusted as agriculture deity, so the temple be trusted to bring blessing for palawija cropping, then the temple bring blessing for commerce business and safety in transportation sector.

Fushimi Inari temple entered in ranking of temple. it is according to Jinmyōchō (the list of temple name) this published with Engishiki. Besides it, this temple is in the top of 7 temple group from 22 main temples (Nijūnisha). in the old system the ranking of Shinto temple, this temple include one of Kampeisha ( official temple is funded by japan Government).

the main temple now, the temple was built in 1499 after the old building got burn when the war was happening, it called Onin war. the main hal of the temple was appointed by japan Government as important cultural heritage. since 17th century.

(diambil dari : http://www.synotrip.com/lostinjapan/fushimi-inari-shrine-fushimi-inari-taisha, Minggu, 22 Mei 2016, jam 11:40)

3. Kiyomizudera

(diambil dari : http://www.iloveca.us/kyoto.html, Minggu, 22 Mei 2016, jam 10:50)

 Kiyomizudera (清水寺, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto, and derives its name from the fall's pure waters. The temple was originally associated with the Hosso sect, one of the oldest schools within Japanese Buddhism, but formed its own Kita Hosso sect in 1965. In 1994, the temple was added to the list of UNESCO world heritage sites.

Kiyomizudera is best known for its wooden stage that juts out from its main hall, 13 meters above the hillside below. The stage affords visitors a nice view of the numerous cherry and maple trees below that erupt in a sea of color in spring and fall, as well as of the city of Kyoto in the distance. The main hall, which together with the stage was built without the use of nails, houses the temple's primary object of worship, a small statue of the eleven faced, thousand armed Kannon.

Behind Kiyomizudera's main hall stands Jishu Shrine, a shrine dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. In front of the shrine are two stones, placed 18 meters apart. Successfully finding your way from one to the other with your eyes closed is said to bring luck in finding love. You can also have someone guide you from one stone to the other, but that is interpreted to mean that an intermediary will be needed in your love life as well.

The Otowa Waterfall is located at the base of Kiyomizudera's main hall. Its waters are divided into three separate streams, and visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Each stream's water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. However, drinking from all three streams is considered greedy.

(diambil dari : http://www.wego.co.id/berita/jelajah-kuil-kiyomizu-di-kyoto/, Minggu, 22 Mei 2016, jam 11:20)

Other structures on the spacious temple grounds include the Okunoin Hall, which resembles the main hall on a smaller scale and has also a stage. Near the Okunoin are halls dedicated to Shaka Buddha (the historical Buddha) and Amida Buddha, as well as a small hall with nearly 200 stone statues of Jizo, the protector of children and travelers. The three-storied Koyasu Pagoda stands among the trees in the far southern end of the temple grounds, and a visit is said to bring about an easy and safe childbirth.

Around the entrance of Kiyomizudera, outside the paid area, stand various other temple buildings, including a vermilion three storied pagoda, a repository for sutras, large entrance gates and the Zuigudo Hall which is dedicated to Buddha's mother and where against a small entrance fee you can wander the pitch black basement that symbolizes a mother's womb

(diambil dari : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 14:12)

Part of the fun of visiting Kiyomizudera is the approach to the temple along the steep and busy lanes of the atmospheric Higashiyama District. The many shops and restaurants in the area have been catering to tourists and pilgrims for centuries, and products on sale range from local specialties such as Kiyomizu-yaki pottery, sweets and pickles to the standard set of souvenirs.

The Higashiyama district together with Kiyomizudera, Yasaka Shrine and other temples in the area, have special evening illuminations during the annual Hanatoro event held in mid March. Kiyomizudera also has special illuminations during the autumn leaf season in the second half of November.(source : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html).

diambil dari : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3901.html, Rabu, 1 Juni 2016, jam 14:15)

• Kyoto Culinaries

(diambil dari : http://www.atmtxphoto.com/Portfolio/Japan/i-2Vw36Tp, Rabu, 1 juni 2016,jam 15:02) 

As Japan's former capital and seat of the imperial court for over a thousand years, Kyoto offers a rich culinary tradition. The local food culture is diverse and ranges from aristocratic kaiseki ryori course dinners to the vegetarian shojin ryori of monks and the simple obanzai ryori home style cooking.

While some restaurants look to the past for inspiration, others experiment with new flavors. Fusion restaurants, that combine ingredients and techniques of Kyoto cuisine with cooking styles from other parts of the world, can also be found in the city. The Pontocho nightlife district is one of the best places to find good fusion restaurants alongside traditional establishments. Not far away, theGion district also offers a wide range of interesting dining opportunities, as does the Kyoto Stationarea.

Regular Japanese food that is not necessarily associated with Kyoto in particular, such as ramen,sushi and udon, is also available across the city. Food fans should not miss a visit to the Nishiki Market in central Kyoto, which has been serving the city for many centuries. (source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3963.html)

1. Kaiseki Ryori

(diambil dari : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2348.html, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 15:09)

                 Kaiseki ryori has its origin in the traditional tea ceremony, but later evolved into an elaborate dining style popular among aristocratic circles. Kyoto style kaiseki ryori (kyo kaiseki) is particularly refined, placing an emphasis on subtle flavors and local and seasonal ingredients. A kaiseki meal has a prescribed order of courses which is determined by the cooking method of each dish.

A common way for travelers to enjoy kaiseki is by staying at a ryokan where a kaiseki dinner is included with the stay. But kaiseki meals can also be enjoyed at restaurants, including high endryotei, many of which can be found in the Pontocho and Gion districts of Kyoto. A good kaiseki meal usually costs around 10,000 yen per person, but prices can go as high as 30,000 yen or as low as 6000 yen. Some restaurants depart from tradition and include elements of foreign cuisines. (source: http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3963.html)

2      Shojin Ryori

(diambil dari : http://www.daienin.com/e/shukubo.html, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 15:17)

For the Zen Buddhist, the ritual of cooking the daily meal is a true expression of their religious discipline, and that is how shojin ryori got its name, which means ‘to progress the spirit'.

As one of the basic precepts of Buddhism is ‘thou shalt not kill', the killing of any animal, fish or insects for food is shunned, as is the use of animal products such as eggs or milk. So, essentially the cuisine consists of grains, vegetables, soya beans or soya based products such as tofu, as well as sea vegetables. The use of pungent flavours such as garlic, onion or strong sauces is also frowned upon. Although this may make shojin ryori seem very limited, it is in fact a complex and tasty cuisine which embraces the essence of every ingredient it includes. 

Indeed, it is said that just to make the perfect gomadofu (sesame tofu) - a blend of ground white sesame, kuzu and water - can take up to ten years, not because it is a difficult dish, but because you need to respect the ingredients you are working with, treating them with care and contemplation. 

The art of shojin has a long history in Japan, being introduced at the same time as Buddhism in the 6th Century, but it really started to flourish in the 13th Century with the arrival of Zen Buddhism. Since then the cuisine has become ever more elaborate. 

As with many of the traditional cuisines of Japan, shojin is based on the philosophy of balance, harmony and simplicity. Each group of seasonal ingredients is carefully combined to create the perfect blend of tastes, colours and cooking methods. It is also a cuisine in which nothing is wasted; every last lettuce leaf or radish top can find a place in a dish and each dish is exquisitely presented despite the humble ingredients. They also play great attention to ensuring that each dish is nutritionally balanced. 

Perhaps the best place to experience shojin ryori is Kyoto, the heart of Buddhism in Japan, where you can still sit by a temple garden looking out onto a pond filled with carp and contemplate the beauty, harmony and flavour of the dishes in front of you. If you are not in Kyoto, it is also possible to sample shojin ryori at temples in other towns or if you happen to be in Tokyo there are a couple of restaurants and a cookery school specialising in it. On occasion it is even possible to try it in London, as the British Museum has given demonstrations before. (source : https://www.clearspring.co.uk/blogs/news/8121139-shojin-ryori-the-ritual-of-cooking-to-progress-the-spirit)

• Kyoto Festival

1.      Aoi Festival

(di ambil dari : http://www.ryokan-yachiyo.com/ryokan-kyototrip/ryokan-travel-aoi-festival-e.htm, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 15:34)

The Aoi Matsuri (葵祭) is one of Kyoto's three most famous festivals (along with the Gion Matsuri andJidai Matsuri) and takes place every May 15. The festival's main attraction is a large parade in Kyoto, in which over 500 people dressed in the aristocratic style of the Heian Period (794-1185) walk from the Imperial Palace to the Kamo Shrines. Aoi is Japanese for Hollyhock, and the festival is named after the Hollyhock leaves that are worn by the members of the procession.

Predating Kyoto's establishment as the national capital in 794, the Aoi Matsuri began in the 7th century, although its precise origins are uncertain. There were most likely natural disasters occurring that were believed to be caused by the deities of the Kamo Shrines. After the Emperor made offerings to the gods, the disasters subsided and a tradition was begun. The festival's official name remains Kamo Matsuri, because of its association with the shrines.

The festival grew in prominence so that during the Heian Period the word festival became synonymous with the Aoi Matsuri. Nowadays, the massive procession illustrates the high regard in which the festival would have been held. There are men on horseback, giant bouquets of flowers, ornately decorated ox drawn carts, and a large retinue of women in kimono accompanying the year's Saio.

Traditionally, the Saio was a young female member of the imperial family who served as the high priestess of the Kamo Shrines. During festivals, the Saio performed rituals at the shrines. In the modern era, a different unmarried woman from Kyoto is selected each year to serve as Saio. She must go through purification ceremonies before the festival, and is taken through the procession on a palanquin.

The parade begins at 10:30 at the southern gate of the Imperial Palace, and crosses the river in front of Shimogamo Shrine at 11:15. Ceremonies are performed within the shrine for about two hours before the procession departs for Kamigamo Shrine, where the head of the parade arrives around 15:30. Watching the entire procession pass by, from beginning to end, takes about one hour.

(diambil dari : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3948.html, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 15:39)

Paid seating is available at the Imperial Palace and both Kamo Shrines. Without reserved seats, it is advised to arrive early if you intend to see the parade at the Imperial Palace or the Kamo Shrines. The crowd is sparse along the rest of the route, but watching the parade on a regular city street does not provide the same atmosphere. In the days before the festival, related events are held at the shrines, such as horse races and the purification of the Saio and her attendants. (source : http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3948.html).

• Kyoto Cosmetics

1.      Yo-jiya Cosmetics

(diambil dari : http://mcha-jp.com/1400, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 15:55)

“Yo-jiya” is the first to come to mind when a Japanese women is asked about Kyoto originated Japanese cosmetics. You can buy a full Japanese cosmetic lineup from base cosmetics to all sorts of makeup items at this major cosmetic manufacturer, but its oil-blotting paper is the best-selling.

This is a popular souvenir in Japan as well. Our favorite is the “sponge puff”. Made 100% from natural ingredients, this puff is as soft and soothing as marshmallows and is gentle to the skin. It’s very light and at a reasonable price of 210 yen a piece, so you can buy lots of them for souvenirs. (source : http://mcha-jp.com/1400).

1.      Tonchi fox Kamiya Cosmetics are Cute

(diambil dari : http://mcha-jp.com/1400, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 15:58)

Kamiya’s roots are in Kyoto paper craftsmanship; therefore this brand offers makeup-supporting items such as oil-blotting paper, cotton puffs, all-natural soap, and face washing brushes. As its strength is in making paper, the best-selling items are something different.

For example, “cotton paper” is a paper face pack sheet that has clear coating on the front to prevent lotion from evaporating. Therefore, it is possible to apply it on your face 3 times longer than a normal facial pack; and as it doesn’t lose heat, the steam will make your face really soft. Of course you can use your own skin lotion. This paper pack doesn’t get scuffed up, which is another reason why it is popular. (source : http://mcha-jp.com/1400)

3.      Kyoto Silk : Ivory Skin Made from Silk

(diambil dari : http://mcha-jp.com/1400, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 16:04)

It is said in Kyoto Hanamachi that your skin will be as smooth as glass if you polish your face with silk… Actually this is because the natural silk fibers wipe off old keratin from your face, which doesn’t come off by daily washing. Kyoto Silk provides silk products that take in such old wisdom.

“Ivory skin puff(珠の肌パフ)” is easy to use: just wipe off your cleansing foam with this puff when you’re washing your face. It is simple, but your skin texture will become extremely fine by daily use. Your face will absorb more skin lotion and you can apply make-up on your skin better. Kyoto Silk has a wide variety of products from baby puffs to men’s puffs so it’s not just women who can use them. (source : http://mcha-jp.com/1400)

• Kyoto Arts

1. Museum

1. Kyoto National Museum: This is the best museum in Kyoto, especially when a special exhibit is on. It’s a good place to familiarize yourself with the basic categories of Japanese art.
2. Kyoto International Manga Museum: This is a must-see for fans of Japanese manga.
3. Kyoto Municipal Museum of Art: The special exhibits here are excellent. Those held on the first floor are often free of charge. Make a habit of popping in to see what’s on when you’re in the Okazaki area.
4. National Museum of Modern Art: The permanent exhibit here is small but excellent (focusing mainly on Japanese artists) and the special exhibits are usually very good.
5. Museum of Kyoto: The permanent exhibit here is forgettable, but the special exhibits here are usually excellent.

 2.      Sword Dancing

Kembu is a Japanese martial art that combines sword play with dance. At the Samurai Kembu Theater in Kyoto you can watch a performance of this traditional dance and enter the world of the samurai warrior. You can also try some swordsmanship for yourself. See our review of attending a Samurai Kembu performance.

3.      Kabuki

Kyoto’s main kabuki venue, Minamiza Kabuki Theatre, is a magical place to see this traditional form of stage drama. It’s not that easy getting tickets. The best way is to inquire through the concierge at your hotel. Otherwise, if you know that kabuki is on while you’re in town, show up at the theatre relatively early on the day of a show and buy same-day tickets. Usually, just one “act” is enough (you don’t have to stay for the whole day). (source : http://www.insidekyoto.com/kyoto-arts)

 4.  Geiko and Maiko

(diambil dari : http://www.unmissablejapan.com/events/miyako-odori, Rabu, 1 juni 2016, jam 16:19)

Geiko are women trained in dance and music, with an emphasis on grace, beauty and dignity. (Kyoto geisha prefer to be called ‘geiko’ meaning ‘arts child’, rather than ‘geisha’, which means ‘arts person’.) Geiko communities are very traditional, and are governed by strict rules, and the Gion Kobu community is perhaps the most conservative of all. Geiko begin their careers as apprentices called ‘maiko’, usually aged fifteen. From then on, they move into a geiko house, and dedicate their lives to the geiko world. First they are trained in conduct becoming of a geiko – bowing deeply to show respect to their seniors, and undertaking everyday tasks with grace and elegance. They then move on to training in the geiko’s arts, such as music, dance and calligraphy, and they begin to join the geiko in entertaining clients in Kyoto’s teahouses. Around the age of twenty, maiko graduate from their apprenticeship, and become fully-fledged geiko. (source: http://www.unmissablejapan.com/events/miyako-odori)