Many of Japan's traditional toys and playthings originate in the culture of the imperial court 1,000 years ago: a lavish shell game, Fushimi figurines that are thought to have inspired clay figures now made throughout Japan, spinning tops made of cloth and bamboo, and a card game based around classical poems. The expert craftsmanship behind each item makes them veritable works of art. Discover the playful hearts of Kyotoites through the games and toys that have delighted them through the ages.

All manner of floral encounters await people around Kyoto. Florists do not just sell flowers but also arrange them on site with designer flair. Ikebana schools collaborate to revive the secret art of wrapping flowers in washi. A future school head seeks new paths by posting his playful arrangements to social media. One artist has created a novel way of arranging flowers directly in the hair. Discover the panache with which modern floral artists and artisans make the utmost of tradition.