Final exam for N1 grammar, tests on Wednesday, and we’re learning how to mail letters in JBPP.
Kyoto
Kinkakuji, Gion, LL Bean, and Going Home (Sunday, part 2)
In part two, I went to Kinkakuji, LL Bean, and Gion, then took a few trains to get back to Okazaki.
Nijo Castle (Sunday, Part 1)
It’s my last day touring Kyoto, so I headed over from Osaka, fought for a locker, and headed to Nijo Castle.
Arashiyama (Saturday, Part 2)
Part two of my big Saturday excursion, from Kyoto Station to Arashiyama, the Sagano Bamboo Forest, Nision-In Temple, the Togetsukyo Bridge, then dinner in Kyoto, and off to Osaka for my hotel.
Tofukuji (Saturday, Part 1)
I started my day with a trip to Tofukuji Temple, which is steeped in history, and packed with people! Part 1 of my Saturday excursion.
First Night in Kyoto
I made it to Kyoto; discovered a few things about buying shinkansen tickets, ate some delicious food in Kyoto, and some not-so-delicious food.
My Manly Hat
I bought a 100 yen manly hat, found someone to take my extra supplies, and I found a room for one night in Kyoto, but not two.
Brief Update
I did well on my sakubun test, practiced asking for favors, and I’m going to try to go to Kyoto this weekend. (Along with the rest of Japan, it seems.)
From Kyoto to Nara
For my last night in Kyoto (which was last night), I went back to Isetan’s 11th floor. This time I went back to my chicken and pizza places for a second raid. Good stuff. Later that night my stomach paid me back in spades. That’s why I bring the Pink Stuff with me on a … Continue reading
Another Big Day in Kyoto
Another busy day. Not as good as yesterday, but yesterday was hard to beat. I started off my day by doing laundry at 7:30 a.m. Doing laundry in Japan is kind of handy. I say “kind of” because it has its limits. I’ve noticed that all of the coin-operated washers that I have come across … Continue reading
Nasty Crunchy Yellow Things; Wait Your Turn; Keep Left
Here’s my nightcap report. After I got back and recharged for a couple of hours, I headed back to Kyoto Station and Isetan’s 11th floor. FYI– The mall stores and the stores in Isetan in Kyoto Station close at 8PM, and the restaurants all close at 9PM. I made it in time to go to … Continue reading
A Philosophical Journey Through Kyoto
Wow. I’m totally wiped out. I saw a bunch of stuff after all, in spite of a persistent light rain that wasn’t more than slightly annoying. Ginkakuji For starters, I took the subway and then grabbed a bus to Ginkakuji (the Silver Pavilion). On the bus ride there, I saw a great sight I wish … Continue reading
It’s Raining Again…
It’s raining in Kyoto today, and it’s supposed to rain all day. I guess I’ll head to the station and ask the information desk people for some ideas for things to do that won’t get me soaked. I’ll try to visit some temples/castles tomorrow, and just do city stuff today. Monday I travel to Nara, … Continue reading
Sayonara, Okazaki; Konbanwa, Kyoto!
I’m back in Kyoto, safely out of Okazaki now, although I kind of miss Okazaki. The Sky Is Crying Way Too Much I’m so happy to finally be dry. Why is it whenever I go to Kyoto, it rains? (Does two trips count enough for a “whenever?”) It started this morning, during “The TP incident,” … Continue reading
It’s Made of Gooold!
I just got back to Okazaki from Kyoto, and today was great. Sun! Beautiful sun! I dumped my luggage in a locker at the station, and talked to the very helpful ladies on the 9th floor of Kyoto Station in the tourist office: by all means, go there. Try to get to Kyoto well before … Continue reading
Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on My Head
I managed to salvage a nice evening out tonight. I thought about going to Gion (the place with all the geisha), but I’m going to save that for when I return to Kyoto later in my trip. I have to return here to see everything I want to see. First I stopped by the local … Continue reading
Putting the Mizu in Kiyomizudera, or Blame It On the Raaaaain
So I made it to Kyoto, and guess what? It’s raining like crazy. And guess what I left behind in Okazaki? Yes, my rain gear, what there was of it, anyway. I managed to make it to Kiyomizudera (emphasis on the mizu today, I guess), and I took a bunch of pictures there. Like any … Continue reading
Made it to Kyoto.
I finally made it to the hotel in Kyoto. It’s the Urban Hotel Kyoto, another business hotel. Business hotels are a good deal for cheapskates like me. You get a tiny room, a tiny bed, a tiny bathroom, a TV, a fridge, and you don’t pay a whole lot. The fridge was an unexpected bonus … Continue reading
Off to Kyoto for the Weekend!
I’m still in Okazaki, but I’m leaving for Kyoto in just a few minutes for the weekend. I need to rest for another 5-10 minutes, then I’m heading out. That’s one thing I’ve discovered I have to do– make time to rest. If I don’t, I suffer. Classes are hard. For some reason, the Japanese … Continue reading
Kyoto Plans
So far, I think my tentative schedule is going to be: 10/26 last day in Okazaki– go to Osaka. 10/26-10/28 Enjoy Osaka, then head to Nara. 10/28-10/29 Enjoy Nara, then head to either Hiroshima or Kyoto again, if I feel like more Kyoto. 10/29-11/1 Hiroshima or Kyoto 11/1-11/3 Kyoto or Hiroshima, or move on to … Continue reading
Climbing Up Again.
I’m starting to feel a bit better. I can’t believe I’ve already been in Japan for a week. Considering I’ve spent a good portion of it horizontal, I’m not too thrilled about that aspect, but at least I’m here. I’m really looking forward to going to Kyoto, just to get out of Okazaki for a … Continue reading