Street Scenes in Kyoto

In Edo-period Kyoto, where townspeople, court nobles, and temples and shrines coexisted, a vibrant network of industries and lively markets flourished. Most of the city’s shops operated from townhouses (machiya) that were adapted for both business and living. Merchants traded in the street-facing shop front (mise), while their families inhabited the rooms behind. In merchant households, modest eating habits were customary. A saying described the routine: “Tea and pickles for breakfast and dinner, one soup and one dish for lunch.” Meals were made from seasonal vegetables, tofu, and other simple ingredients, while side dishes were prepared to avoid waste and honor nature’s bounty. Seasonal festivals brought a touch of celebration to the year, marked by special foods and utensils.