A Knitter's Tour of Japan, Part 2. Kyoto and more! - Yarn Journeys Episode 20

This video is Part 2 of a two episode series about my trip to Japan. I take you with me on a tour of Kyoto's knitting stores and we'll explore what's unique about Japanese knitting and knitwear design There's also some footage of my travels in Kyoto, Takayama, Kanazawa and more. And, as usual, I'll do a Show and Tell about my recent projects.
//Yarn Shops Visited
WALNUT Kyoto
745 Kikuyacho, Shimogyo-ku
Kyoto City, Kyoto 600-8464
shop.amirisu.com
Itokobako
1071 Shuzeicho
Kamigyo Ward, Kyoto, 602-8155
itokobako.com
Kanazawa M'za
15-1 Musashimachi, Kanazawa
Ishikawa 920-8583
//Patterns Mentioned:
Earth and Air by James N. Watts
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Tolsta Tee by Rebecca Slow
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Contrast Blast Socks: Surprise Sock Along by Stephen West
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
Magnolia Chunky Cardigan by Camilla Vad
www.ravelry.com/patterns/libr...
// UA-cam Knitting Podcast Episodes Mentioned
‪@melmakesstuff‬ Japanese Knitting Pattern episodes • MEL MAKES STUFF Japane...
• MEL MAKES STUFF Episod...
‪@FruityKnitting‬ Interview with Gayle Roehm ‪@gayleroehm‬
• Episode 25 - Japanese ...
//////////
My Ravelry Profile: www.ravelry.com/people/YarnJo...
Instagram: / yarn_journeys
#knitting #knittingpodcast #fiberarts #fibrearts #yarn #spinning #yarnlove #knittingpatterns #yarnstash #yarnaddict #yarnlove #fiberfestival #yarnfestival #japaneseyarn #tokyoyarncrawl

[@sarmochi]

Thanks for your videos about Japan knitting! I love how educational they were too about history of knitting in japan😊

[@YarnJourneys]

I am so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@dianekawagoe2330]

It was fun to see Japan and the lovely yarn available. I also am really curious about your experience with the e-spinner because I just got one, too! I am a very brand new (like really brand new!) spinner and so far I find it fun. I’m sure there is a lot to learn and I’d love to hear about it from your perspective. 🤗

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks Diane! Glad to hear you’re enjoying your new e-spinner. I’ll probably do my review later this Fall. Stay tuned!

[@deborahcopeland384]

I'm always so happy to see a post from you in my notifications. Lovely episode. I want to explore knitting Japanese patterns and yarn in the near future. Nice to have something special to look forward to.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks Deborah, for your very kind words! I’m so glad you are enjoying the channel.

[@angustess]

surprised you did not get to Avril in Kyoto, my favorite.

[@YarnJourneys]

Sadly no, but I wish I had. Check out the latest episode of @melmakesstuff. Mel did go to Avril and it looked so cool!!

[@christinebrown6154]

a lovely journey through japan. so nice to see all the yarn shops and the marvelous scenery. thanks from scotland.

[@YarnJourneys]

Hi Christine! I am so glad you enjoyed the video!

[@beverlythompson3246]

Thank you Melanie for another fantastic video, taking me to places I will probably never get to visit! I really enjoyed seeing your sketches (you are so talented) as well as your video footage. I look forward to hearing about your e spinner.

[@YarnJourneys]

Thanks so much, Beverly! I am very glad you enjoyed the episode.

[@reginaschwarz7443]

Thanks for your very interesting video! You mentioned you went to the Nijo-jo Castle in Kyoto and the Bamboo Forest very early. That's about what time? Melanie, did you travel as a solo traveller? I'm asking because I'm a solo female senior 😅 traveller and I'm preparing 🤔 a longer trip to Japan.

[@YarnJourneys]

Hi Regina. First, I was struck by how safe Japan felt. I travelled with my husband, but I can’t think of a country that felt as safe to me for a solo traveller! The Japanese culture promotes courtesy and politeness. Google translate works really well there, and Google maps getting around pretty easy. Go for it!! Rent a car if you have time to get out of the big cities and you are comfortable driving around. For the Nijo-Jo Castle we went around 9AM, I think. We got there before the school groups started pouring in right after the castle opened. For the Bamboo Forest, we got up super early and took the first train available out to the area. Maybe it was 6AM - the sun was just coming up. It was one of the best decisions we made - the area gets crowded quickly. We also went to Fushimi Inari Taisha very early to avoid the crowds. Totally worth it! Have fun!! Wishing you an awesome trip!

[@reginaschwarz7443]

🙏@@YarnJourneys