Japan 2016 - Kyoto Day 5

2016/07/10

Good morning once again!

We didn't have as much time to hang around so we bought some breakfast the night before at the convenience store. I haven't seen an onigiri like this, so I thought I should give it a try. Especially when it looks so delicious!

First Stop: Kiyomizudera

Our first stop today is Kiyomizudera 清水寺, one of the popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. I would advise leaving at least half a day to fully engage in the culture and experience the temple itself.

There is a long road of vendors leading up to the entrance of the temple.

Here is the gate to Kiyomizudera.

Dragons? at each side of the gate.

Then we went for a mini hike, up up up the hill...

There's even a match-making shrine on the way up.

Finally, we have arrived at the entrance to the main hall!

The view at the top is totally worth the walk up, it is absolutely breathtaking.

Don't mind my horrible selfie stick skills lol...

Look at how much people here!

Below the main hall, there rests a waterfall "Otowa no taki", it is said whoever drinks this water will gain a boost in health, longevity, and success in their studies.

It was actually quite an interesting sight... everyone crowding inside reaching out trying to catch some water haha.

Kiyomizudera in all its glory (view from the bottom)

By the time we toured around the whole temple we were exhausted, drained of energy and the heat was unbearable. There was a cute little ice shop, I really wanted to go for a rest there, but the rest of the crewwanted to have some real lunch first.

Back on the vendor street, we found a nice place for soba.

Kiyozakatei is hidden inside a small passageway, located in a more quiet location.

Although they specialise in soba, I was craving something cold and sweet, so instead I just went for dessert haha!

I ordered the one on the left, the green tea ice deluxe! There are red beans, green tea ice cream, green tea crackers, and some shirotama (mochi). Perfect cure for the hot weather!

btw 黒猫みっけ！　hahah the same pose again

Of course, since we missed out earlier, we found a matcha specialty store (Fujiya Chaho ふじや茶鋪). They hold a wide variety of tea flavoured ice cream as shown below!

I am a big fan of houjicha, which is roasted tea. It usually appears in a brown colour, darker than most other teas. Since they specialise in Japanese tea, the flavour was excellent!

If I was given the chance, I would definitely try them all ♥

Second Stop: Ginkakuji

Next stop, Jishoji or more commonly known as Ginkakuji. Similar to Kinkakuji, it is given this name because its exterior is covered in silver foil. But the construction of the shrine was never finished, thus there was no silver anywhere in sight.

The entrance ticket was special, a unique Ginkakuji amulet for each of its visitors, a great item to keep as a travel keepsake.

Although the shrine itself is not covered in silver foil, one of the most beautiful things at this attraction is the garden.

The entrance pathway is formed from tall hedges and stone walls.

In contrast to the crowd at Kinkakuji, Ginkakuji is smaller, but solemn and calm. As well, the Japanese style garden is outstanding in my opinion.

Third Stop: Yojiya

Yojiya よじや is a well-known cosmetics company founded in Kyoto, and when in Kyoto, we must visit a traditional tea shop.

Just nearby Ginkakuji is the location of Yojiya's traditional Japanese tea room.

Unlike most tea rooms, Yojiya Cafe is built on a spacious ground with quite a marvelous garden view!

Here's a sneak peek of what we ordered...

Once again this blog post will never end if I start writing about this place, thus, for the full and detailed review please click here!

Fourth Stop: Nishiki Market

After a nice afternoon tea break, we headed over to Gion.

We crossed over the beautiful Kamo river (below) and towards Nishiki Market.

Nishiki Market 錦市場 is a narrow but busy shopping street in the Shijo area. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this is a must visit destination when visiting Kyoto.

Unfortunately, we spent a little too much time at Yojiya, it was already late when we arrived, the stores were all ready for closing.

So we just strolled down the street, and saw this cute little creature? delicacy?

Its a whole mini octopus skewer, not something one would see everyday am I right?

lol.

Conclusion is, if you want to experience the market in all its glory, get here before the stores close... haha

Fifth Stop: Kichi Kichi

I know it's a bit early.. but it's time for dinner! HAHA

I feel like this whole day all we've been doing is eat eat eat.

Well, on the menu today is Kichi Kichi ザ.洋食屋キチキチ !!

They have been quite popular over the internet and shared widely on social media the past few years. They are known for their famous fluffy omrice.

Please click here for a detailed post☺

Last Stop: Gion 祇園

Finally, the last stop to this jam packed day is back on the streets of central Gion.

On the way, we passed by a Takoyaki shop. We were drawn in by the smell so we ordered one to share lol.

This is the take out section of Pontako Sakura ぽんたこ佐倉.

It was really cool watching the chef roll up the takoyakis on the grill.

yumm

They also sell these adorable octopus plushies!

When we returned back to the bridge crossing Kamo River, we noticed a sort of commotion. Police were telling people to leave and restricting entrance, what is going on?

Apparently it's some kind of a pre-parade? (If that even makes sense lol.) I am assuming it is related to the Gion Matsuri that takes place on July 17. Not too sure but it was sure a sight!