[For Elementary School Students] Challenge! Kyoto Local Quiz

Ushiwakamaru

Ushiwakamaru was the childhood name of Minamoto no Yoshitsune, who later rose to fame as a military commander in the late Heian period. In his youth, Ushiwakamaru met Musashibō Benkei on Kyoto’s Gojō Bridge, and the two crossed swords. Through this battle, Benkei was captivated by Yoshitsune’s character and swore to serve him. Thereafter, the pair achieved many military exploits and etched their names into Japanese history. This episode remains beloved by many as a symbol of loyalty.

grid-like pattern

The streets of Kyoto are systematically laid out in a grid pattern. This structure makes it easy to move efficiently around the city and to access historic buildings and scenery. The handball rhyme “Marutake Ebisu,” which uses mnemonics to remember the names of Kyoto’s streets, is an interesting example that illustrates Kyoto’s distinctive way of naming places.

Phoenix Hall of Byōdō-in

The Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in in Uji, Kyoto, is the central building of Byodo-in and is known as a valuable architectural work from the Heian period. This beautiful structure is depicted on the Japanese 10-yen coin and is one of the most familiar cultural symbols for the Japanese.

Torii (Shinto shrine gate)

One of the most famous features found in abundance at Fushimi Inari Taisha is the torii gates. Known as the “Senbon Torii” (A Thousand Torii), rows of brilliant vermilion gates line the paths, creating a dreamlike atmosphere as you walk along the approach. This pathway of torii leaves a strong impression on visitors and is a landscape that can be called the very symbol of Fushimi Inari Taisha.

yuba (tofu skin)

Yuba is made by carefully lifting off the thin film that forms on the surface when soy milk is heated. It is soft with a delicate flavor and is used in a variety of dishes in Kyoto. Locally, you can enjoy Kyoto’s unique yuba dishes such as oboro tofu, yuba rolls, and yuba sushi.

Togetsu Bridge

Togetsukyo Bridge is a place that can be called the symbol of Arashiyama, and its name comes from the meaning “a beauty like the moon crossing.” The bridge offers different charms throughout the four seasons, making it beloved by many tourists and photographers.

maiko (apprentice geisha)

A maiko is a young woman training in the arts in Kyoto’s geisha districts. They learn a variety of traditional performing arts, such as Japanese dance, musical instruments, and tea ceremony. The main difference between a maiko and a geiko lies in age and stage of training. A maiko is generally an apprentice under the age of 20, characterized by white makeup and a long trailing obi. After turning 20 and further refining her craft, she is called a geiko; her makeup and attire change, and she presents more mature performances to guests.