The Dome

posted by the biker daddy.

A wonderful few days in Kyoto, we’ve seen so much and now it’s time to get the Shinkansen to Osaka and then Hiroshina for our next stay at a ryokan (late arrival today due to availability of seats)

A goodbye to Yasu and Burrito

And a final word from the local Thai menu, unfortunately we decided not to have this selection

And I want this mirror, how true is it!

Sayonara Kyoto
posted by the biker daddy.

Today we did a non stop tour of Kyoto. Starting with Kyamizu dera temple, wandering down through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka which are narrow cobbled streets full of shops and restaurants.

It was a bit cooler today so easier to amble. We saw the largest concrete statue in Japan which weighs 500 tonnes and stands 24 metres high.

Then it was off via the train to Fushimi Inari to see the shrine there. With so many red tori posts it’s lovely to look at.

All told a great time in Kyoto as this is our last full day here. We have seen a zen garden, several large shrines, hundreds of smaller shrines, eaten wonderful cream cakes, experienced fantastic food, endured some rubbish food, caught trains, swapped buses, eaten more food, sweated buckets and even climbed the Kyoto Sky Tower.

A final morning left in Kyoto so we will flip a coin and do a random visit to something before catching the train tomorrow to Hiroshima and another new experience for Nellie staying in a Ryoken.

This was our room at Oil Street Guest House. A fantastic location to stay in a 90 year old house.

Posted by YourTourGuideChick

An early(ish) rise this am saw us catch a number of buses to Kiyomizo temple, which is awesome

With the fountain of eternal youth (which Mrs Fogg and I sampled 8 years ago, can you get a refund?)

Lots of steps

Before heading off for, yup more noodles

And then Fushimi Inari-taisha

Then back for, more food

And finally the Kyoto Tower before Mrs Fogg took us on a mystery bus journey back

Last of all will be, yup even more food before bed and then tomorrow is the journey down to Hiroshima, where we get to meet Mrs Foggs Tour guide fwend.

posted by the biker daddy.

Here is Kyoto train station, with its spectacular roof.

And a couple of chavettes I met on the street

Last day in Kyoto before we move on, so a trip to Kiyomizu temple and Fushimi Inari-taisha
posted by the biker daddy.

Today is easily the hottest day at……

So a 45 minute train ride to Nara to see the rampant killer deer, that bow as you bow and also nip your bum if you don’t feed them fast enough.

posted by the biker daddy.

Reading the Oil Street visitor book, it advised that the deer of Nara were more violent that the monkeys at the monkey park, stealing handbags and knocking over children.

Might be an interesting experience, 4 legs good, 2 legs bad…..

posted by the biker daddy.

Find cake shop and eat chocolate cake!

Tonight we tried a restaurant down the road from where we are staying. It’s a University area so there are plenty of cheap restaurants.

Unfortunately cheap does not always mean good. Last night was Chinese food and was fantastic. This evening we ended up in student heaven eating slop! Mine actually had roast potatoes with the dodgy pork and rice.

Nellie’s and Mr Fogg’s were equally unappetising so we finished quickly and popped over the road to a very cute looking cake shop!

Cue chocolate cake and Mojito for Mr Fogg while Nellie and I had a more refined cola and tea with our cake. Delicious.

Ive also been playing with my new camera while here. Found a funky button on it and figured out (with a little help from my techie geek) how to transfer things to the phone. This is beautiful Kyoto Zen gardens:

Posted by YourTourGuideChick

It is truly wonderful to be back in Kyoto again. We were here 8 years ago and in parts it feels like yesterday.

I can tell the Mosquitos have heralded our return with a celebration party- us being the guests of honour. I also remember the many helpful signs for tourists.

What I don’t remember is the rather humid climate. Since we have been here it has been about 34 degrees in the shade and probably slightly hotter in full sun. Couple that with an 86 to 89% humidity and it’s probably akin to sitting in a dryer on high heat.

Walking is a bit of a challenge, doable but tiring. We are seeing lots of the main sights and some beautiful shops – those with air con are particularly appealing.

All told a super trip so far. Great company and good humour all round. Now, how about another walk for food??

Posted by YourTourGuideChick