Day 21 - Kyoto to Osaka (May 4th)

 Today is our last full day in Japan so this is likely the final LIVE entry into this blog.  I am likely to return in the future and add more detail to various posts or topics . . . 

We checked out of our hotel in Kyoto this morning but were able to leave our bags there in the luggage lockers at no extra cost.  We really enjoyed staying at Prince Smart Inn Kyoto Sanjo, it was comfortable and a great location to explore.

We caught a train into Kyoto and met up with our new friends who took us to an incredible lunch at a family restaurant.   This is the start of our meal:

Then we caught an express train from Kyoto to Osaka

Below is our train after we arrived at Osaka

After checking into our new hotel, I went for a walk to the famous Dotonbori district before grabbing some dinner and hitting the sack.

I will be back to post our final day and summarise our experience in a few days, please check again soon.  We made it home safely on Saturday May 6th.

Day 20 - Kyoto & Gion district (May 3rd)

Today is our last full day in Kyoto, so we caught a train into central Kyoto before heading to a delicious place for lunch called Kyoto Takoichi, Shijo Aburanakoji

The takoyaki, fried chicken and fried octopus and shrimp gyoza were delicious, but hearing the male and female chefs "singing" a catch phrase as they worked was a real treat.  Address is here, if you're ever in Kyoto, worth a visit:  https://maps.app.goo.gl/xyLvzYGvNqVyebAB9

Then we visited a stationery store in a converted warehouse before going back to the hotel and doing some laundry in preparation for checking out tomorrow morning.

Then we explored a nearby shopping arcade full of seafood vendors and went for a walk over the Kamo River to explore the traditional Gion district

Tomorrow we're catching the train to Osaka after lunch.  The following afternoon we're flying from Osaka back to Tokyo to fly home to Sydney, landing Saturday morning.

Day 19 - Micro Pig Cafe & Fushimi Inari Taisha shrine near Kyoto (May 2nd)

 After some exploring this morning (I will share more about this, if successful, once we get home) and going past the headquarters of Nintendo, Ash and I had an important appointment with some micro pigs.  The large piglet resting for half an hour between my legs is Goma.

Then we travelled to south east Kyoto to visit the famous Fushimi Inari Taisha shinto shrine, which is better known for the thousand vermillion tori gates.

This iconic attraction is well worth visiting, even with the large crowds, as the mountain setting and sound of chants from the temple reminds you what a special place this is.

Then we headed back towards the area where we're staying, and went to "A Happy Pancake" for some delicious pancakes:

I met a car enthusiast this morning on my explorations and Kotaro and his daughter came to visit us this evening and I gave him some number plates . . . .

Day 18 - Arashiyama & Rokuonji Temple and The Golden Pavilion (May 1st)

 This morning we caught a train and tram to Arashiyama where the famous bamboo forest is located, enjoying the beautiful scenery near the mountains and nearby river.

Then we caught a bus to northern Kyoto to visit the Rokunji Temple and The Golden Pavilion.  This week is the start of "Golden Week" in Japan where the last three days of the work week are public holidays so many take the whole week off work, meaning there are plenty of people visiting all these amazing sites.

We spent the evening exploring more of the shopping arcades in the area, Kyoto has a great vibe to it and plenty of interesting areas to explore.