Core Kyoto
Season 5, Episode 4: Kitayama Cedar: Lending a Quality of Polished Dignity and Beauty
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The soaring forest of tall, straight cedars in Kitayama, in Kyoto's northwest, is a glorious sight. Kitayama cedar -- known for its light color, uniform thickness, and smooth, knotless trunk -- is treasured as a material for floors and pillars in Japanese architecture. And daisugi cedars, pruned to produce dozens of tree-like offshoots from one trunk, are prized in gardens for their aesthetic value. Discover the allure of Kitayama cedar through the foresters who inherited their management.
All Episodes - Season 5
Episode 1
Ohara: A Mountain Village Echoing with Buddhist Chants
Episode 2
Kyoto State Guest House: Hospitality Imbued with Beauty and Craftsmanship
Episode 3
Public Baths: People Gather to Wash Their Troubles Away
Episode 4
Kitayama Cedar: Lending a Quality of Polished Dignity and Beauty
Episode 5
The Culture of Incense: The Wafting Scents of an Ageless Pleasure
Episode 6
Kyoto Tofu: Subtle Taste Nourished by Skill and Pride
Episode 7
Modern Kyoto: The Ancient Capital's Aesthetics Shape the Future
Episode 8
Potter Kanjiro Kawai: Freely Creating a Homely Warmth
Episode 9
The Art of Cleaning: Maintaining the Ancient Capital's Beauty
Episode 10
Nenbutsu Kyogen: Buddhist Teachings Behind Masked Theater
Episode 11
The Custom of Wrapping: Conveying Hidden Sentiments
Episode 12
Nishiki Market: Kyoto's Thriving Kitchen
Episode 13
Gion Matsuri Floats: The Pride of Generations Revived
Episode 14
Ayu Sweetfish: A Summer Delicacy with Culture
Episode 15
Hidari-daimonji: Flames of Prayer to the Other Side
Episode 16
Kyoto Braided Cords: Bit Players That Shine
Episode 17
Footwear Culture: Dressing the Feet for Form and Function
Episode 18
Zuiki Matsuri: A Celebration of the Local Harvests
Episode 19
Ink Paintings: Insights into the Heart of Zen
Episode 20
Kyoto Snacks: Sweets and Treats for Everyday People