Ko Tāmakikat ahau

Making the most of this blog

2012-02-17T11:19:00.006+09:00

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Like this blog? Click HERE for the prequel.

Want to do a cycling/walking/foodie tour with me? Click HERE.

Out and About Anbou

2010-06-03T18:12:00.009+09:00

Sunrise

Cartoon characters outside a fish shop

Hara Manhole

Agapanthus

Bridge over Anbou River

Yakushima Map

Hiro Bakery in Anbou

Breakfast from Hiro Bakery up the hill

Koi over the river

Fishing boats on the Anbou River

In front of a building beside Anbou River

By the shochu factory entrance

On the the shochu factory tour. One of those places I wish I could convey the smell-soo good.

Kamogawa offers a take-out option

Some of the Kamogawa take-out options

Sashimi Teishoku at Kamogawa

Close-up of Kame no te (Turtle claw) shellfish

At Anbou Port with Toppy-the hydrafoil that links Yakushima and Kagoshima-in the background

On my last day on Yakushima I left Hirauchi early to avoid the heat of the day.

As I was departing from Anbou Port I decided to go to Anbou and base myself there for the morning.

It was a lovely quick ride but I realized how lucky I had been till then with the weather being cloudy/rainy-it would have been really hot cycling in the midday sun every day.

I cycled up to Hiro Bakery for breakfast then coasted back down to the river to eat it. Afterwards I had a walk around admiring the view. Then with nothing I wanted to do before the shochu factory opened at 9am I caught up on some sleep.

At around 9am I went to the shochu factory and was guided around (-the shochu is in production from September to March so none of the machinery was in use) then enjoyed some shochu tasting.

After buying some shochu to take home I visited a local shrine then went off in search of other omiyage (souvenirs). This took me out to the other side of Anbou.

Once my shopping was done I was ready for a sit down in the shade and repaired to Kamogawa for an early lunch. While waiting and once done with the huge amount of food (-like at Chaya Hirano I couldn't finish it) I read some manga until it was time to go to the port.

This time I put my bike in the luggage storage among all the backpacks. Nice and easy.

All in all it was a very relaxed way to end my time on the island.

Out and About on Yakushima

2010-06-02T17:40:00.009+09:00

Flowers outside a house

A bit battered but still pretty

I can finally really see the mountains!

Cute little park

Sign for Ponkan Tankan no Sato where island fruit products (and more) are sold

Outside Chaya Hirano

Some of the 18 plus lunch dishes at Chaya Hirano -mm mmm!

Chaya Hirano's Flying Fish is the best I've tasted on the island

Flying fish wing anyone?

All gone

At the Mitake Shochu Factory-not open to the public

Close-up of Mitake bottles

Toroki Falls Walk Entrance

Toroki Falls

Ashiyu outside Onoaida Hot Spring

Don't forget to wash your feet at the tap on the right first

Aa~ah? The water was luke warm but it was still a refreshing stop.

Tiramisu cheesecake and Kenyan Coffee at Blue Drop Cafe, Hirauchi

Sign for the Hirauchi Seaside Hot Spring

Hirauchi Seaside Hot Spring-underwater due to high tide-the only time to take photos. If you want to soak go when the tide's out.

Be careful it's slippery, No swimsuits or underwear allowed to be worn, No camping or drinking alcohol

Hirauchi Seaside Hot Spring

Shrine by Hirauchi Seaside Hot Spring

Must do's on Yakushima-cycle around, have lunch or dinner at Chaya Hirano, visit the falls, go to a hot spring, drink some island shochu

Cycling around Yakushima: Day 3

2010-06-01T19:02:00.014+09:00

Nagata River

Looking back at Inakahama and Nagata Beach

Shy deer

First monkey met on the road

Yakushima Lighthouse

View from the lighthouse

Small shrine behind the lighthouse-one more step back and I would have been over the cliff-not a spot for the faint of heart!

This 21km is mostly through the park-really lovely.

Looking back at Yakushima Lighthouse

The clear water looks so inviting

Not so shy deer

Narrowest part of the road on the island-note this is 2-way

Biggest group of monkeys I saw on the island

One of the above group (on time-out?)

Monkeys hanging out on a rock in a river

The least shy deer of the day-was still standing there and looking at me after I'd passed by

One of the many fallen flowers

A stop on one of the last hills before the longest downhill stretch of my trip

Oko Falls

Where I collected fresh water from near the falls-one of the top 100 places to do so in Japan

Looking back towards the falls from the water collection point

Bridge over Kurio River

Shrine in Kurio

Cat in Kurio

House in Kurio

Nakama Gajumaru Banyan

Shrine near Yodomari

Cute bell

Cute crab on the shrine steps

One of the island stores selling everything from bento to fish bait.

Hachiban Shrine in Hirauchi

Ice-cream zenzai for lunch(!) at Shi-sa Shi-sa

Dinner bento at Hirauchi Youth Hostel

This was my favorite day because of the views, animals, and greenery. Also I completed my goal of circumnavigating the island by bicycle.

I started out at 7am on the bus from Hirauchi to Nagata. I then cycled from Nagata to the Yakushima Lighthouse, then along the Seibu Rindo and on to Hirauchi.

It started to rain while I was on the Seibu Rindo then fined up once I was in Kurio.

Looking forward to some lunch once at Hirauchi I went to Shi-sa Shi-sa but found they only served sweets and drinks. Decided on the delicious ice-cream zenzai. Back at base I filled up on the plentiful food at dinner.

Cycling around Yakushima: Day 2

2010-05-31T20:30:00.012+09:00

Another interesting shrine

Shrine close-up

Can see the mountains a bit more clearly today

Most of the graveyards on the island are really well tended.

Looking towards Miyanoura Port

The rope swing reminded me of my childhood

This small-headed Doraemon was too funny to resist taking a photo

Yakushima Shrine entrance

By Miyanoura River

Breakfast on the road-murasakiimo

The old Shitoko Elementary School

By Isso

Can you see the shrine gate? (Click on the photo to make it bigger.)

Nunobiki Waterfall

Nunobiki Waterfall close-up

Grilled mackerel factory

Oura is one of the many onsen on the island

Looking back towards to Isso

The one and only tunnel I passed through.

In the tunnel

Huge rocks in Yoshida

Teishoku at Jarai in Nagata

Taking cover from the rain

View from the shelter

Looking towards Nagata Beach

Nagata is famous as a nesting place for turtles

Near the mouth of the Nagata River

By the fire department in Nagata

Nagata River

Waiting for the bus in Nagata

Close-up of Bluey and the bus-stop. Note brush and pan.

Bluey on the bus back to Onoaida

Coffee and cupcake at Peita

Today I cycled from Anbou to Nagata. The rain didn't fall until I was just past Yoshida and then it fell hard. I went into the sea turtle information center in Inakahama really just to take a break out of the rain but found the guide's talk really interesting. After that it was a skip and a jump to Nagata and my lunch destination-Jarai. After a leisurely lunch I took a quick look around the area then headed to the bus-stop to catch the bus back to Onoaida and a promised stop at Peita for a coffee and cake break before I rode back to Hirauchi. When I left Peita a bus was passing by so I decided to take it easy and folded up Bluey and caught it back.

Cycling around Yakushima: Day 1

2010-05-30T23:34:00.006+09:00

Tea field near Haruta Beach.

Hirano Shrine

Public facilities near shrine.

Back on the main road near Hirano.

Close-up of the produce at the roadside stall above-papaya or garlic anyone?

Agapanthus of varying colors.

I like this bus-stop name-Shochu River.

Onoaida Jizo

On my first day I cycled clockwise from Anbou Port to Hirauchi via Haruta Beach. It was a relaxed ride in the rain.

Bluey travels by Toppy

2010-05-29T21:21:00.003+09:00

The information I was given about Toppy (-one of the fast ferries that links Kagoshima City and Yakushima Island) stated they don't accept oversized luggage. Bluey folds down like a dream but still can't be considered small...so again I was a little nervous as I walked towards the boat with a zipped up Bluey in his soft bike-bag. I needn't have worried the crew put me up the front where there was more than enough space for me and Bluey.

At the airport

2010-05-28T16:55:00.003+09:00

At Kagoshima Airport

Once at Itami Airport I put Bluey in a soft bike-bag and headed for the ANA check-in. I told the security staff that Bluey was a bicycle and they didn't blink an eyelid and once at check-in it was the same. I had to sign a form which said I alone was responsible for any damages to Bluey and that was it.

Once at Kagoshima Airport I picked up Bluey at the baggage claim and checked in at JAL-again no fuss.

Unfortunately the visibility was really bad at my final destination of Yakushima Airport and my flight was a bust as we couldn't land.

Once back at Kagoshima Airport JAL refunded the money for the ticket and recommended everybody take a boat to Yakushima the next day as there was going to be little change in the weather.

I was quite happy with the idea of not riding a plane for a while-being on a plane that has 2 tries at landing in fog-like conditions aborted isn't fun-and happily booked accommodation in Kagoshima City then rode the bus into town with Bluey.

Bluey on the monorail

2010-05-27T17:36:00.002+09:00

Off to Itami Airport. Will ANA let a soft-bagged Bluey on the plane or not? The nervousness mounts as we get closer...

Rococo Chocolate

2010-05-27T17:21:00.002+09:00

Recently I was given some Rococo chocolate to sample. The flavors were Sea Salt and Caramelised Almond. I liked both. The flavors of the former were quite subtle depending on where the salt was-at first I couldn't detect it but when I did it was really good. The latter was dark chocolate so wasn't very sweet. I look forward to trying other flavors.

Sunny Place

2010-05-16T09:36:00.005+09:00

Restaurant Sign

The outside of the cafe

Teishoku for me...

...includes rice and miso soup...

...and some fried tempeh or something of the like

Burger for T

Cafe name: Sunny Place

Map:

Cycling the Shizuhara Loop

2010-05-16T06:30:00.005+09:00

By Kamigamo Shrine

Upper Kamo River

By Shizuhara

By Ebumi Pass

Lower Ohara

By Takano River

Not a bad ride but as the Ohara to Sanjo leg has a lot of

traffic it's not one I'd recommend to tourists.

Ota Shrine

2010-05-15T09:42:00.002+09:00

What to do when you have no quiche dish...

2010-05-15T08:55:00.001+09:00

...use muffin pans to make individual quiches.

Bluey does Keihan

2010-05-15T08:45:00.003+09:00

After a fun day out it was time to go home. As always Bluey made the train ride easy by sitting quietly on the train.

Around and about Uji

2010-05-15T08:25:00.006+09:00

Uji City Manhole Cover

Wisteria

Cheap peek at Byodoin

Looking towards Nakanoshima

Uji is famous for its cormorant fishing

Suspension Bridge

Gate at entrance to Ujigami Shrine

Tale of the Genji statues are all around the town

Buying Uji tea

Tea at sushi restaurant

Byodoin, Uji

2010-05-15T08:08:00.001+09:00

Nakamura Tokichi Cafe in Uji

2010-05-14T06:11:00.007+09:00

The Nakamura Tokichi cafe is a great place to enjoy Uji's tea products. Even though it was a cool day I went for the namachazeri- having seen it on Paul's blog. I enjoyed it but was grateful for the complimentary tea as the dish it was served in was straight from the freezer-perfect for Summer but not a cool Spring day.

The cafe entrance

Sitting inside or out you can enjoy the cafe's private garden

Namachazeri-

Cafe name: Nakamura Tokichi

Hours: 11am-5:30pm

Location: at the end of the street directly opposite JR Uji Station (-see map below)

Map:

Manpukuji in Obaku

2010-05-14T05:45:00.005+09:00

Manpukuji is quite a large complex.

There are various kinds of gates...

...of various sizes.

The buildings are all quite inpresssive too.

Evidence of the elusive monks.

Loved this combination of posters.

These are fortune daruma.

The elusive monks.

Manpuku

Tamakitei Bakery in Obaku

2010-05-13T13:26:00.004+09:00

This place is really popular. Even though I visited on a week day there was a line out the door. People were buying up large. One guy spent around ¥4000-at around ¥180 yen for each item that's a lot of baked goods!

The store from the outside.

The store sign.

Some of the baked goods on sale.

I bought a chestnut and blueberry galette and a small roll with Tanba black beans. The pastry really tasted of blueberrries even though there weren't many inside. I ditched the beans from the roll and the butter they were with but the roll still tasted sweet. They were both good but nothing special. I think the bakery is popular as it's the only decent bakery in the Obaku area.

Bakery name: Tamakitei

Hours: 7am-7pm

Closed: Mondays and Tuesdays

Location: near JR Obaku Station-see map below

Map:

Temple Gates etc in Obaku

2010-05-13T10:59:00.001+09:00

Bluey and Spring flowers

2010-05-13T10:54:00.002+09:00

On the way down to Rokujizo I not only enjoyed the sweet paths but the flowers by the river.

Fleur de Farine Bakery

2010-05-08T09:53:00.003+09:00

The outside of the store

Sandwiches and savory

Almond pastry

Bakery name: Fleur de Farine

Hours: 8am-6pm Monday to Friday, 8am-5pm Saturday

Closed: Sunday

Map:

Flip up! Bakery

2010-05-08T09:42:00.003+09:00

The outside of the store

Some of my favorites-pork and pepper bagel, potato bread and a nut filled crescent

Bakery name: Flip up!

Warning: this place is really popular so things tend to sell out by mid-afternoon

Hours: 7am-6pm

Closed: Mondays and Sundays

Map:

Catch-up: Part 4

2010-05-07T23:26:00.003+09:00

Matcha Parfait at Kyohayashiya on Sanjyo

Nothing like a Japanese sweet feast to brighten up a grey day-mm mmm.

Catch-up: Part 3

2010-05-07T22:55:00.004+09:00

At Miyakoodori

A few weeks ago I went to Miyakoodori. It was great to see the dancing of the geiko and maiko. Their ki-mono were superb-apparently there are new ones made for each year's event. I must say even though I enjoyed myself I don't think I'll need to go again for another few years.

Catch-up: Part 2

2010-05-07T22:46:00.002+09:00

Noodles from 551 Horai in Takashimaya-really good on a cold and wet day

Catch-up: Part 1

2010-05-07T22:22:00.002+09:00

A wee while back the temperatures in Japan were going up and down like a bucking bronco and the prices of vegetables jumped way up. The small cabbage above was ¥498 about NZ$7.50. Needless to say I avoided buying cabbages for a while there.

Breakfast at Cafe Tanaka

2010-04-23T13:45:00.006+09:00

Siphon Coffee at Cafe Tanaka

Egg Roll

I first had siphon coffee on a visit to Hiroshima in 1990. It fascinated me then and I still get a kick out of it today. Nowadays, I get my fix at Cafe Tanaka just east of the Kamo River on Kitayama Street.

Coffee in the making

Kyoto with Kat

2010-04-20T08:38:00.004+09:00

Lunch at Cafe Bastille

Interesting building on Sanjyo

Temple Gate

Sakura

Priest by Chionin's Sanmon

Close-up

Chionin's famous bell

Pink vs red

Sweets at Fukujuen to finish-delish

Around and About

2010-04-18T04:27:00.002+09:00

Taste the difference @ Tulleys

Mini for Kat

The cherry blossoms are still to be enjoyed here and there.

27 Degres bakery is just west of Karasuma on Takoyakushi. It's open from 7am. Their pastry is very good. I like the curry-pan best.

Bluey on the train

2010-04-18T04:21:00.002+09:00

Out and About in Kyoto

2010-04-02T22:26:00.006+09:00

In the park on the corner of Higashinotoin and Takoyakushi Street

The bike shop on the corner of Higashinotoin and Rokkaku Street

Publishers on Higashinotoin above Sanjyo

Flower Shop on Higashinotoin above Sanjyo

Detail of the many neighborhood shrines

Close-up

A weeping sakura (=cherry blossom tree) in the Imperial Palace Park

Another weeping sakura (=cherry blossom tree) in the Imperial Palace Park

In front of the building housing the kitchen of Kodo Temple

Statues of the 7 Lucky Gods in the Kodo Temple complex on Teramachi Street

Liberte Boulangerie and Cafe on Teramachi Street

Had a lovely afternoon with R in the sun checking out the sakura (=cherry blossoms) around the neighborhood. (Thanks for coming to Kyoto, R. It was fun showing you 'my' Kyoto.)

Daigo/N, this one's for you

2010-03-30T18:29:00.010+09:00

Entering the Daigo complex

Niomon

Fujin

Raijin

Statues by Daikodo

Looking back through the gate at Daikodo

Covered in snow

Snow on the path

Satues in front of Godaido

Inside Godaido

View of Osaka from the top of Daigo Mountain

One of the Daigo Hiking Group members making a snowman

Nyorindo

Gate to guesthouse and offices

One of the many sakura (=cherry blossom trees) in the complex

Sakura (=cherry blossom tree) bonsai

One of the omiyage (=souvenir) stands

Daigo is famous for its many sakura (=cherry blossom trees), beautiful buildings and grounds.

I climbed the mountain. The snow was a lovely surprise (-it had turned to rain in my neighborhood last night). Once at the top I was rewarded with a great view of Osaka and some goodies from the Daigo Hiking Club members-thanks guys!

Out and About in Osaka

2010-03-29T21:12:00.011+09:00

Had a great day out in Osaka today. It rained a bit off and on but that just made one enjoy the sunshine that much more.

I had an appointment down in Shinsaibashi in the afternoon so I went to Osaka Castle first to see the sakura (=cherry blossoms). I was pleased to see the groundsmen on bikes with brooms etc in tow.

Once back in the Umeda area I followed the rivers down to Namba via the dome then took the back streets to my appointment in Shinsaibashi. After that it was a quick ride up Midosuji to Umeda and then back home to Kyoto on the train.

Umeda Sky Building and Osaka Castle

Cycling along the river to Osaka Castle.

Multi-colored momo (=peach blossoms) and Osaka Castle groundsman.

The park around Osaka Castle is quite sheltered in parts and there were a few people enjoying ohanami (=parties under the cherry blossoms). There were places to buy bentos (=boxed lunches), snacks and beer etc.

The castella place by the castle was getting ready to open when I passed by.

Aoyamon (-the gate pictured above) is impressive today. I wonder what people thought of it back in the day.

Saw some students playing baseball by Sakuranomiya-what a great place to play.

There was a shop with a cool looking dekotora (=decorated truck) painting above it.

The Kema Koumon had some boats come out of it that must have been in the Yodogawa.

The Kyocera Dome looks as bizarre as usual.

Cycle About Town in Pictures

2010-03-28T16:56:00.015+09:00

Started off by the Sanjo Bridge then headed east on Sanjyo to Misasagi Station. From there went up and along the along Biwako Canal. Then headed down to Iwayaji and Ōishi Shrine picking up some sweet potato bread and a pastry to share for afternoon tea at the American Bread Factory. Then visited the Ōyake Flower Garden by way of the prison (-just the outside) and then it was back up to and along Sanjyo to the starting point via the incline. Thanks to the 2 T's for making a great day even better.

At Iwayaji, Yamashina Ward

2010-03-27T21:58:00.007+09:00

Ōishi Shrine, Yamashina Ward

2010-03-27T20:48:00.009+09:00

The shrine's main gate

Shishi with mouth closed to hold in good luck

Shishi with mouth open to scare off demons (and Hanako the miniature pony)

The main hall

Shishi with mouth open to scare off demons

Shishi with mouth closed to hold in good luck

Ema (=votive tablets)

Statue of Samurai Yoshio Ōishi

Sakura (=cherry blossom) and lanterns

Hanako under the sakura

Ōishi Shrine Sakura Festival, April 4th, 11am-3pm

Along Biwako Canal

2010-03-27T19:17:00.005+09:00

Sakura and matsu over the canal

Dragon tail at Ekoji

Sakura (=cherry blossoms) over the canal

Sakura and citrus-great color combination

Sakura in Gion

2010-03-26T21:28:00.003+09:00

Hunted down, bagged, and loaded into fridge

2010-03-26T19:40:00.002+09:00

I like Sprite for its clean taste. Also because when I had a cold as a child I was given some (-usually fizzy drinks were off limits) and I've continued the habit (when I could).

Unfortunately the last 2 years Sprite has been harder and harder to find in my part of the world.

Feelings the beginnings of a cold earlier this week and having had no luck finding Sprite in the stores I usually frequent I decided to call Coca-cola and find out exactly which stores stock it in Kyoto.

It works out that there are 2 stores near me that have it-the Jusco on Nijo (east of the Kamo River) and the Qanato in Rakuhoku.

On the way back from a ride I went to Jusco and picked up some cans. Once I got home I put them in the fridge. I've been enjoying them ever since. And my cold is much better:)

A 350 ml and a 160 ml can

In the fridge

Coming to Kyoto?

2010-03-26T18:44:00.001+09:00

Don't forget your brolly.

Just the tikit

2010-03-26T17:45:00.006+09:00

Folders at Ito Cycle

On Akagawanotekkyo

Kema Koumon

Picked up my new folder from Kamishinjyou then rode along the Yodogawa to Nakatsu where I visited with a friend. After a nice lunch and catch-up I then rode to the Hankyu Nakatsu Station, folded up the bike, and hopped on board a train home to Kyoto. Easy as. Very happy.

New Zealand Gold

2010-03-26T17:40:00.002+09:00

Nothing like the bright color inside a pumpkin to brighten up a rainy day.

Today's Out and About

2010-03-22T22:08:00.008+09:00

I like...

Weeping Sakura (=Cherry Blossom) in the Imperial Palace Park

Another thing to be cleaned after the kousa (=yellow sand that blows over from China) yesterday

Weeping Sakura (=Cherry Blossom) in the Imperial Palace Park

Retro Bar Ber:)

Sakura (=Cherry Blossom) in the Imperial Palace Park

Student Cafe on Imadegawa Street

Monkey for getting rid of bad spirits

Weeping Sakura (=Cherry Blossom) and Temple Buildings

Walkway in Temple

Weeping Sakura (=Cherry Blossom) in the Imperial Palace Park

Temple Building

Matcha Dango(!?) (=Green Tea Rice Cake Ball) Tree

Peach Blossoms in the Imperial Palace Park

Cute!

Bicycle Parking

Weeping Sakura (=Cherry Blossom) and Temple Building

'Cheese!'

Dinner@Omen

2010-03-22T19:13:00.004+09:00

I had the udon with soy milk and mountain vegetables-a March special. A had the regular omen. Washed down with draft beer they were a great way to end the day.

Kid's Parade Kyoto Hanatouro 2010

2010-03-21T23:30:00.003+09:00

Hadn't used the video on my camera for a bit so the video starts on an angle however the kids do a great job whatever way you look at it. Enjoy.

Kyoto Hanatouro

2010-03-21T21:48:00.007+09:00

Chionin's Sanmon

Ikebana in Maruyama Park

Objéts in Maruyama Park

In front of Chorakuji

Lanterns

Lantern close-up

The southern gate of Yasaka Shrine

Close-up of southern gate lanterns

Inside Yasaka Shrine

Hanamikoji Street

Kyoto Hanatouro 2010 ends tomorrow. If you have a chance please go.

Croix-Rousse Bakery

2010-03-21T21:01:00.003+09:00

My Croix-Rousse favorite-French toast

Mm mmm. Soo good!

Bakery name: Croix-Rousse

Hours: 11am-7pm

Closed: Thursdays

Location: on the east side of Nishinotoin Street just above Shijyo Street

Map:

In Maruyama Park

2010-03-20T14:21:00.005+09:00

Part of the 'zoo' in the park

Ryoma Sakamoto and Shintaro Nakaoka

Classic Car

At the moment the Kyoto Hanatouro is on so the ikebana and hippo are lit up at night-if you have a chance please go.

Train Spotting@Degoichi Cafe and Bar

2010-03-20T13:03:00.007+09:00

Recently I took JS along to Degoichi. We both had a really good time. I look forward to going back.

Sweetness and Light

2010-03-20T12:43:00.002+09:00

'Tokyo Prettseringu' (-it sounds Italian-'Tokyo Prettseringu per favore!')

It looks like a pretzel but actually is a very sweet donut. Mm mmm.

'Tis the Season...

2010-03-19T18:15:00.003+09:00

...Take no ko (=Bamboo Shoot) Season

I like

2010-03-19T18:10:00.000+09:00

Around and about Kyoto

2010-03-18T20:11:00.001+09:00

Kuzukiri at Kagizenyoshifusa

2010-03-17T20:38:00.004+09:00

Kuzukiri with kuromitsu syrup

Mm mmm

Traditional Japanese Sweets Cafe: Kagizenyoshifusa

Location: on the northside of Shijyo Street in Gion (see map below)

Hours: 9:30am-6pm (Tuesdays to Fridays), 9:30am-7pm (Saturdays, Sundays, and Public Holidays)

Closed: Mondays

Map:

Miyakoodori Poster

2010-03-17T19:56:00.005+09:00

Looking forward to this:)

Nakatani-where east meets west

2010-03-14T21:03:00.005+09:00

Nakatani is a sweets shop where East meets West. You'll find wagashi (=Japanese sweets), Western sweets and sweets with the best of both. You could have a traditional Japanese lunch here too but most people come for the sweets.

Nakatani

Zaruwarabi*-perfect for 2

Zaruwarabi close-up

Some of the other sweets on offer: Strawberry Shortcake and Cherry Mont Blanc

Restaurant/Cafe: Nakatani

Hours: 11am-6pm

Closed: Wednesdays

Map:

*=warabimochi with cream

Out and About

2010-03-14T19:51:00.003+09:00

Lunch at Kiyomizu Yubasen

2010-03-14T11:25:00.004+09:00

Yuba Restaurant: Yubasen

Location: on Gojozaka below Kiyomizu Temple (on the south side)
Lunch Hours: 11am-3pm

I like going to Yubasen as it's close to Kiyomizu Temple, the fresh yuba tastes really good, and you can go and see yuba being made upstairs.

'Kyoyubagozen' showcases their yuba products.

Appetizer-yuba served with 3 sauces-plum, ponzu and sesame.

Pictured clockwise from the top left:
*rice with thick yuba sauce
*boiled yuba
*deep fried tofu
*tofu dessert with with a brown sugar sauce
*red miso soup
*freshly rolled yuba
*Japanese pickles
*yuba cooked in soy sauce

Freshly made yuba

Walk about Fushimi or Gates, Statues, and a Pagoda

2010-03-13T18:37:00.007+09:00

Sekihoji

2010-03-10T01:13:00.006+09:00

I've wanted to visit Sekihoji since I saw its garden featured in Jakuchu's paintings late last year. Funnily enough it turns out the statues in the garden of this temple were carved by the same artist.

Recently both I and my friend, JS, were free on the weekend so we decided to go to the temple, look at the statues, and have a catch up along the way.

Though the garden was smaller than I expected I really enjoyed visiting the temple and its garden. Of course catching up with JS is always good:)

The main hall

Jakuchu's grave

Stone offerings.

Some of the many statues-interesting to see all the different poses and facial expressions.

Just in case-make sure you put out any fires properly...

Looking back at the main temple building

Looking out the main gate

For the kids

2010-03-08T21:59:00.007+09:00

I've been trying out some snacks that could be suitable as energy boosters to keep kids genki.

Glico caramels with toy freebie seem to fit the bill

There are 5 caramels in a pack

All the delish caramels are heart-shaped-just looking at them makes me smile

Robot animal freebie

Rhino with moving parts

Curry for Lunch@Remonkan

2010-03-07T00:00:00.005+09:00

Outside the Remonkan

Outside the Remonkan

Inside the Remonkan

Curry lunch at the Remonkan

Cafe name: Remonkan

Hours: 11am-6pm

Closed: Mondays

Telephone:075-495-2396

Map:

Imamiya Shrine

2010-03-05T23:30:00.004+09:00

The eastern gate

The sacred horse that looks more like a giraffe

A vending machine decorated to blend in

You can wash your hands here

Get your stamps here

There are plenty of stamps to keep you happy

Get your fortune here

Put your dolls here

Write your wish on a tablet

Put your tablet here

Soak up the atmosphere

The impressive southern gate

Looking out towards the east from a gate

View back to aburimochi shops

For M and J

2010-02-28T20:57:00.004+09:00

The other day I was returning on the Keihan Line from the Fushimi area and the train I caught happened to be the one decorated with Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends. I'm not up with all their names but the train was really cute. Hope you like it M and J.

A walk in the park

2010-02-28T20:19:00.003+09:00

Last week, gardener T and I meet up for a walk in central Kyoto. We walked up the Kamo River where we witnessed nature at work with hawks attacking the ducks (-not too much fun but what can you do?), and then through the Imperial Park enjoying its hidden gems and then the blossoms in the orchard. We then enjoyed a break at the free cafe before heading back to Shijyo via Teramachi. All in all a lovely walk in interesting company. Glad you weren't put off by the rain T!

Dinner with R at Casa de Manolo

2010-02-28T19:43:00.005+09:00

I had some sangria for you, N:)

One evening last week, R and I met up in Umeda. After some shopping at Yodobashi Camera (-I bought a new printer) we headed to our main destination of Casa de Manolo, a Spanish bar well-known for its delicious wine, tapas and paella.

I was going to take lots of photos to show you but after taking the photo above I totally forgot. Look at the bar website for more pictures and information (in Japanese).

Abrurimochi at Imamiya Shrine

2010-02-22T20:12:00.005+09:00

The aburimochi (= grilled rice cakes with a sweet miso sauce) stores can be found at the eastern entrance to Imamiya Shrine.

I always go to the store on the right. These ladies are lovely.

It's 500 yen for one serving of aburimochi which comes with a pot a tea. Just the thing for a cold day. Mm mmm.

Inside the store.

Guess what!? There's a well inside the store.

You can walk down to look at it but mind your head.

Down the bottom there's an offering.

The stool where 'grandma' sits to put the mochi on the bamboo skewers for the aburimochi.

The eastern gate for Imamiya Shrine
beyond the aburimochi stores.

Princess sushi

2010-02-22T16:21:00.003+09:00

Passing back through Umeda the other week I bought a bento inside the Hankyu Station to eat on the train. It was called himesushi (=princess sushi). There was a lot of variety which was good. However, though everything was cutely sized I still found there was too much rice so I ended up leaving some.

Pictures outside a school

2010-02-22T16:15:00.001+09:00

'Breakfast' 'Good morning'

'Hello' 'Thank you'

Takoyaki at Hanadako in Umeda

2010-02-21T16:58:00.006+09:00

Recently I passed through Umeda. Needing something to tide me over to the evening I stopped at Hanadako for some takoyaki. I chose the oroshi ponzu with some grated daikon radish, spring onions, and ponzu. They were go-od.

The restaurant is open counter style.

Look out for the cute octopus sign.

This a busy place-check out all the plates.

Takoyaki on the grill.

My takoyaki oroshi ponzu.

Store name: Hanadako

Dishes: takoyaki

Hours: 10am-11pm

Takeout: available

Map:

Nice noren

2010-02-21T16:45:00.003+09:00

Passed by this noren as I was cycling along Aneyakoji. Liked it so much I turned round, went back, and took a photo.

Bringing Sunshine

2010-02-20T21:22:00.000+09:00

I received this Sunshine award from a fellow blogging friend, Kat . (Thank you!)

Apparently, "The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspire others in the blogging world." The rules once this award is received are as follows:

1. Post the logo on blog.
2. Pass the award on to 12 fellow bloggers. I chose to do 10.
3. Link the nominees.
4. Let nominees know they have won this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person you received this award from.

I'd like to pass this award onto the following 10 bloggers:

1. Ms. Mee a Bee of Blooming in Japan

2. the man behind Nora-ri Kura-ri Fera-ri

3. Rowena of Rubbah Slippahs in Italy

4. Hiro of Easy Kyoto

5. RB of Pure Land Mountain

6. the Englishman of An Englishman in Osaka

7. Melanie of Kimono Reincarnate

8. Kathryn of 4 Goodness Cake

9. the folks who write their bicycle tour journals at Crazy Guy on a Bike

10. Shauna of Dietgirl

Thanks to all of you.

Bicycles around and about

2010-02-20T20:15:00.000+09:00