Linocut: Kyoto Streets

Who said Kyoto is just temples, Zen gardens, and cherry blossoms? In this linocut print, a dog makes its way through the crowded city streets, comfortably seated inside a car, while traffic flows by indifferently. Inspired by real events, this moment captures some of the everyday strangeness that makes Kyoto all the more fascinating. Who wouldn’t want a dog as a traveling companion on an excursion through Japan’s most famous streets? Amidst the apparent calm of the city and the chaos of traffic, this dog seems to have understood the meaning of life. The streets of Kyoto are like this: full of wonder and surprise and moments of pure tenderness, and this linocut print faithfully reports them.

Kyoto in Brief
Kyoto, one of Japan’s most iconic cities, is known for its thousand-year history, Buddhist temples, and traditional Japanese gardens. Once the imperial capital, Kyoto is now a city where past and present blend harmoniously. Walking through its streets, one can still feel the ancient traditions, but also the vibrant energy of a modern metropolis. And, of course, there is no shortage of moments of pure surprise, like the one that inspired this print.

Japan has inspired other illustrations, you can find them on the Portofolio page dedicated to linocut prints. Or if you want to see the photo that inspired the linocut print Kyoto streets? Visit the Instagram page.