Kyoto for me is...

Hello! I'm the owner of Vegetable Sommelier Izakaya Togiya and the online shop 京のマチカド TABIGOKORO 旅心 ©.

When people think of Kyoto, they often envision beautiful temples, historic streets, and serene nature. While all of these are certainly true, for me, Kyoto is much more. It’s a place that warms the heart, where kindness flourishes, and where people deeply honor their cultural heritage.

Kyoto is uniquely charming—a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation. You'll find historic wooden townhouses, known as machiya, standing alongside modern buildings, with both being cherished equally. For example, along Kiyamachi Street, you can come across machiya turned into cafes and galleries, where local artists and creators gather, crafting a new version of Kyoto every day.

My physical shop, Togiya, and our online store, Matikado no Tabigokoro, are both deeply connected to this vibrant Kyoto spirit. Through our products, inspired by Kyoto’s tradition and natural beauty, we hope to share a piece of Kyoto’s charm with you. I invite you to explore Kyoto’s essence through this blog, where I’ll be sharing insights about the city and what makes it so extraordinary.

For me, Kyoto is my "hometown of the heart"—a place that never ceases to amaze. I hope Kyoto becomes a place that touches your heart as well.