Kyoto x Marunouchi Cafe Seek

Kyoto seems to be a favourite amongst nearly everyone: from tourists to Japan residents, it seems like most people have a soft spot for the old capital and its endless traditional charms. Luckily, you don’t have to plan a Shinkansen journey to sample the best things that city has to offer.

As Tokyo prepares to welcome a number of overseas visitors for the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, the city will be buzzing with guests who want to get a taste of Japan in a limited time. Just in time for this gathering, Kyoto’s culture is coming up to Tokyo with a handful of cultural events for every palate.

Marunouchi cafe Seek opened its doors in January 2012 to international visitors in the Marunouchi area. The concept behind Marunouchi Cafe Seek is to offer international visitors from around the world gathering in the Tokyo Station area an opportunity to meet and interact with fellow travelers and locals. Open to the public and located on Marunouchi’s prestigious Naka-dori Avenue, just above the JNTO Tourist Information Center (TIC), the cafe boasts free Wi-Fi services, a library of tourist literature and other functions, such as a tatami room, to be of assistance for foreigners visiting Japan.

Marunouchi’s Cafe Seek is offering a host of activities in October welcoming international guests, including a special photo exhibition featuring Maiko in Kyoto, Zen meditation sessions led by a deputy priest from Kyoto, and a special sake tasting bar immediately following, on the same day. All activities are free of charge, and reservation will be made on a first come, first served basis, so don’t miss it.

Whether you want to view an art exhibit, tingle your chakra or get a nice buzz from the national spirit (or all three), see the detailed schedule here and make your way to a version of Kyoto, without having to hop on a super express train.

Kyoto x Marunouchi Cafe Seek

When: October 8-30 (view schedule here)

How much: Free!

Where: Marunouchi Cafe Seek (see map)


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