(March 14th) I was only in Kyoto for 3 days before having to leave to go to Hiroshima. I had to make my most of my last full day. I found some cool cafes I wanted to visit and a few shrines that were interesting. I ended up making a plan to make sure I had time to squeeze everything in but not feel rushed. Firstly I went to a cafe called Kafon Cafe which had a really interesting dessert plate I saw online. Afterwards I caught a train to go pretty far away from central Kyoto. It was pretty confusing and I had to ask for help many times but I made it on the right train which is what matters. These two ladies I asked for help were sitting by me on the train and asked where I was going and when I told them they were shocked. They said many locals don’t go there or even know about that shrine. I was hoping they were right and that maybe it would be empty. Once off the train I had to catch a bus and the only disappointing thing was I had to wait 40 minutes for the next bus I needed to catch. It took me to the buddhist temple I wanted: Otagi Nenbutsu-Ji. The ladies were right too, the place was empty except for three other travelers who went at the same time as me. I was thankful for them being there though because I overheard that the next bus was soon and the next one wouldn’t be for another hour. The temple was very small but filled with stone carvings and neat little things.
I was able to see what I wanted and take the next bus. I got off in a little neighbourhood and it was such a nice place. Japan has shrines everywhere that are relatively small but I found one that had little pathways and bridges leading to it.
I kind of guess each time whether or not I’m getting on the right city bus only because even if it’s the correct number I could be on the wrong side going in the opposite direction. Thankfully I always try to figure it out and end up being right. I took a city bus to another part of the neighbourhood I was in to find a cafe. This one looked especially cool from their photos and it was called Alpha foods&drink.
After my break at the cafe I headed over to the geisha district. It’s known for its old wooden buildings that line the street. Unfortunately I didn’t see it that well because it was already dark. The reason I went at the end of the day was the see the lanterns lit up in Yasaka shrine. After doing some shopping and walking around I needed food. I stopped in a tiny gyoza shop that sat about 10 people and it was completely full except one seat. It’s technically 20 for the drinking age in Japan but it’s a very relaxed rule in my opinion. They asked me what I wanted to drink so decided to order some wine and they didn’t question it. It was a good way to end the long day.
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