Kyoto tsukemono, or pickles, are made with various combinations of pickles and agents to preserve seasonal vegetables. Of these, three major varieties are still made using unique methods. Suguki turnip pickles, once made by Shinto priestly clans, have a rich, sour taste. Shibazuke pickled eggplants have the reddish hue of shiso leaves. One family makes senmaizuke white-turnip pickles with a special recipe. Discover the wisdom and skill accumulated over centuries that make vegetables tastier.

In the ancient capital, sake was for religious and imperial rites. Made exclusively at the imperial brewery, the process evolved under the influence of palace cuisine. Kyoto with its bountiful water supply is ideal for production, and Fushimi later prospered as the sake brewing area. Gaining attention with the popularity of Japanese cuisine, sake is one of few alcoholic beverages in the world served hot or chilled. Discover the brewing process and the influence Kyoto sake had on Japan's culture.