Japan: Kyoto III - Higashiyama area
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Higashiyama area is downhill from Kiyomizudera, so the usual route is to travel from Kiyomizudera before making your way down the slopes with its any unique shops.
Once you exit Kiyomizudera, you'll come to a street selling unique Japanese novelty cakes/dessert/sweets. You will be gushing over the beautiful packaging and pretty set-up. Free samples are given out freely, and you wouldn't feel the oppressive obligations to buy even if you try, cause the Japanese culture is just so giving!
Hold your horses first! The first store is usually patronised by students who hold vouchers to buy selected products, so don't be lured in to join the mad rush, because more goodies awaits you down the street and you might not fancy lugging all the souvenir along the way.
You will find yourself tempted by ice-cream everywhere! Thick and icy, not creamy like McDonald's. Now, 300 yen (S$4) is one of the most expensive ones. Look out for those priced 180 yen, they are a bargain! Usual price range is 250 yen, and the Macha ones are still the best. Cherry Blossom flavour in reality has not much of a taste.
They have these quaint trishaw that are pulled by men in tight fitting shorts. The weather is freezing cold at less than 10 degree Celsius, but they will still be plying the streets in shorts.. Brrrrr... Some of them are really handsome young chaps with good muscular body. Heeee.. get ready your cameras!
Fancy being a geisha for a day? There are unique photo studio and parlors that allows you to do that for a fee. The next time I go, I would want to try donning on a kimono and walk the streets of Kyoto! You will also have to wear their wooden slippers and special toe socks to do so. Every step would be small and lady-like. However, warning alert... it makes going to the loo extra difficult and only the Japanese style toilet is a feasible option. LOL
There are many side streets that leads to other area. Signs are well-placed, so you won't really get lost. I would recommend a good 2-hour to this area if you wish to explore it thoroughly. Now shops starts closing around 5-6pm as the sun sets then. There are many more small temples and attractions along the way, it would take more than one visit to explore it all. A good reason to go back again. =)
One of the most adorable kimono ladies!
Night came very quickly with strong cold winds. So, if you intend to stay out during Mar/Apr, do have an extra coat for the night.
We visited Kodaji Temple next for it's speical summer's night illuminations. Next up!
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