Nuya's Travelogue: Japan 2009, Day 11

Familiar breakfast at Toyoko Inn :D Now I missed their onigiri ~~~~

The landmark, Kyoto Tower

Astro boy can just fly to wherever he wants.. lol

Kyoto Station – Japan’s second largest train station

Long flight of stairs

We climbed up the flight of stairs

View from the top with the Kyoto Tower in the reflection

Nice weather

The building looks futuristic

I had to take this.. looks like a cute face looking down at me.. lol

It’s new year’s day. Most tourist attraction are closed on this day! We had limited option and so we decided to go to Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺)

On the way to the temple

Some rustic looking shop

Neighbourhood

The surrounding looks nice and idyllic

At the entrance of Kiyomizu-dera

Nice weather to walk in the outdoor

This function as lamp??

My ticket

Some folks praying and waving the smoke towards themselves for blessing

Side view of the temple

Sun shining on the temple

No footwear beyond this point. I did not go into the interior.

Exploring the surrouding. Crowded at this point in time

I managed to sneak into the side route where it is quiet and I found this :D Serene flow of blessed water

Saw a few of these. Not sure what these are for. Or is it just for décor?

Each of the scoop indicates different wishes in life. I supposed you are to choose the one you most wanted to wish for

Another corner where you can pray for your wish to be answered

Looking down from the temple

I don’t mean to be disrespectful. But I suspect this guy is not a real monk. I observed that he is more interesting in making money by taking picture with the tourists! :S

People lining up to collect ‘pure water’ for blessing. I am sure this is where your tour guide will hustle you to go. It’s basically flocked with tourists!

Immediately after exiting the temple, there is a row of shops with lots of shoppers. Very lively

Some candies

I rewarded myself with these.. :D Ice cream!

Maccha flavoured Yatsuhashi wrapped with red bean paste inside

Saw this while strolling along the way

We discovered a small lane leading to a really nice ceramic shop

Sunlight shone nicely on the ceramic cups

So tempted to get some back

Time for some lunch to fill up our tummy.. We found this shop, Miyabikoubou, the shop is small and cosy inside.

Yakisoba (780 yen)

Yakitori (630 yen)

Okonomiyaki (お好み焼き) (780 yen)

Takoyaki (780 yen)

We took pix of the receipt which explains why I could list down the price.. lol..

The restaurant decor

I like these old looking stores. Seems to have a lot of stories to tell

Look who’s shooting from the back? lol.. I wonder if anyone shoot me behind my back.. haha..

We explore around Hanamidori while waiting for dusk

I love walking around and exploring this part of Kyoto!

Cute decor

Ooh. I like this ~~~

Love the color of the area!

Good place to be at.. lol..

Hmm.. we noticed a few of these broken bowls. Not sure if it is some ritual for the new year? Or am I thinking too much.. these are simply.. broken bowls.. haha