Thank you, Japan.

Tuesday, February 14, 2023

This morning, we went to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. It was cool. What seemed like a long walk up 14 "stations", wasn't actually long at all. It was uphill for sure and I was hoping to take a picture at every station. After station 2, it jumped to station 6. I don't know what happened to 3,4,5. Oh well. 

Here's a pic at station 2. 

Along the way, we saw many shrines and mom would occasionally bow and pray. Her prayers always included dad having good health. 

Views looking out to Kyoto areas. The map shows 14 stations up to the summit. But it wasn't clearly marked. 

At the top/summit, we took some pictures were wondering where to go next. The signage wasn't that great. We couldn't figure out if that was the summit and which path we should go down. We started to go down a path, but mom said it was too quiet and we should walk on another path. So we walked back up and took another path where we saw groups of students. 

We passed a business where they supported 13 cats living in the area. You could donate and take pictures that were printed up of them. I'm not a cat lover- allergic. 

 

 We saw some beautiful blossoming trees!

After walking down the mountain, we walked out and saw a few vendors. The oysters were delicious! 1000 yen for 4 oysters. 

We also got chestnuts... more for warmth, at least for me. 

Then we had a ramen lunch. If you walk around long enough, you'll find something that looks good to you! We then took the train to Gion, area with lots of older buildings. 

We saw kimonos all over in this place!

We walked past quite a few temples/shrines. Here is a description from a friend about what's happening here with the woman crawling into this structure. 

After paying your respects at the main shrine, buy a paper katashiro charm and write down your wish. While holding the paper charm in your hand, crawl through the stone while reciting your wish—from front to back if you want a relationship (or to strengthen your present one), and back to front if you want out.

When you emerge on the other side, bow and then crawl back through to where you came from. Then, stick your charm to the stone with the provided glue.

Hope you didn’t do it unless you wanna date someone new or breakup with victor 😉

More kimonos...

This Starbucks was in an super old building where you can sit on tatami mats. We went in and left. It was super crowded and mom said a great place to get Covid!

So pretty. 

Back at Kyoto Station and a shot of the tower. 

Sushi boat sushi. Our third time. Mom's idea. 

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

We woke up to snow and so mom wanted to put three pairs of pants on. It was hilarious because she couldn't pull her jeans up. She ended up taking them off and just wearing a pair of leggings. 

We had our last breakfast buffet at the Kyoto Hotel. 

While eating breakfast, I put in my laundry that I wash and dried last night back into the dryer. It didn't completely dry, but others were waiting for the machine, so I let them use the machine. From the hotel room, you can check to see if there are any laundry machines in use or are available. It's sooo cool the technology available here. I love how these machines come with detergent and they are washers and dryers in the same machine. 

Our check out was at 11:00AM, so we took advantage of the two hours we had in the morning to walk around the shops. Without know it, we walked in Don Quijote. It's a lot of goods/merchandise! They carry all kinds of stuff from cosmetics, clothes, electronics and food. Mom ended up getting a curling iron and face moisturizer. I got one pack of pistachio kit kat. 

Two people told me about the Sakura drinks and cups/mugs that were just launched. I went by to take a look. They only had the drinks and coffee available. The hot beverage containers weren't coming out until Friday and we are leaving Japan on Thursday, so we weren't able to get them. But I've reached out to our cousin, Vikki, to see if she's able to get a couple for me. She's coming to Japan this weekend. 

I did get this individual packet to try out. 

Got on the Shinkansen headed towards Tokyo. The ride as usual was smooth. We had to change to the JR train in Tokyo headed for Narita. 

When we arrived in Narita, Google Maps said that we could walk about 17 minutes to the hotel. Google Maps is not always correct. It showed a walking route to the hotel, but we had to cross over and under areas and walk along what seemed like the highway. I definitely made a mistake walking this way. Mom suggested that we taxi to the hotel which was a great idea. Sorry, mom. 

The taxi ride took 10 minutes and we got to the hotel. Small and smokey room. Worst hotel yet. But oh well, one night. It was clean. 

Went next door to Lawson's (convenient store) for dinner. Mom had noodles and I got rice. It was satisfying. 

Mom's favorite part of Japan was shopping- looking at the arts and crafts and seeing all the cute things. 

My favorite part was the walking/hiking/site seeing and looking at all the crafts and knick knacks. 

Thank you, Japan. It's been fun. I can't wait until I can come again.