At Home With Venetia In Kyoto

In this world of fast-paced, competitive food and lifestyle shows, "At Home With Venetia In Kyoto" is a calming breath of fresh air. We recently discovered this Japanese program on our local public television station and have become quite enchanted by Venetia's "eco- and people-friendly way of life."

"At Home With Venetia In Kyoto" focuses on the home life of British-born Venetia Stanley-Smith, who has lived in Japan for over 30 years. Venetia resides in a 100-year old farmhouse with a garden that contains 200 varieties of herbs. Viewers get to see her gardening throughout the seasons, drying herbs for cooking and making tea, baking cakes with her granddaughter, visiting local craftspeople, and sewing household items like potholders made from old clothes. It's an inspiring glimpse at a lifestyle that is slow, serene, and in tune with the natural world. And we love her kitchen, which is a charming blend of English cottage and Japanese aesthetics.

Unfortunately, "At Home With Venetia In Kyoto" doesn't air everywhere but if you have access to a channel with NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) programs (such as KCET in Los Angeles), do keep an eye out for it. You can also watch occasional videos online or purchase DVDs and books via her website.

More information:
• Venetia International
• NHK World
• NHK Eco-Channel

(Images: Stills from Venetia's Garden: Recipe for Enjoying Slow Herbal Tea)

Comments (9)

I saw this show when I was in Japan. I loved it!!

At first glance, the photos reminded me of Posh Nosh...in Japan.

it's like living inside the world of Totoro, with the big country houses and homemade food. oh my. will look for it on kcet - thanks!

Oh, I ADORE Venetia and all of NHK's programming. Honestly - NHK is one of the main reasons I keep my cable.

Semi-off topic - cool japan is my favorite show. They basically take foreigners that are living in japan and get their take on uniquely japanese things. Here's the site:

http://www.nhk.or.jp/cooljapan/en/index.html

I don't have cable and get this show on the new KCET in Los Angeles. This is such a gem. I have seen three episodes. The last one on felting was extremely interesting for anyone who has seen garments from yesteryear at the museum.

I love this show as well. At first glance, it looks like Japan's answer to Martha Stewart. But after several viewing, you realize it is much more profound. If there is such thing as "living artfully", Venetia demonstrates one can not only live artistically and naturally, the daily routines of living can reach a form of art.

I discovered this show on KCET 2 weeks ago. If anyone has the Geranium Chocolate Cake receipe please post it. Love her show.

On yesterday's episode, Venetia made a potholder in the strict sense of the word. She used/sewed a great piece of old Japanese indigo fabric and stuffed it with bay leaves and cloves. A knot in the center kept the spices in place. She used a ribbon to hang it in her kitchen.The ceramic pot filled with soup sat on it on the table as the aromatics wafted into the diner's noses. I want to make one!

I also love her show, I want to learn what to do with all the different herbs as medicine. What is her web site?