Foliage Season in Kyoto – Day 2

In Kyoto we stayed at a ryokan. It wasn’t one of those fancy schmancy places, but it does offer breakfast for the additional cost of 2000 yen. I like Japanese breakfast and would never pass an opportunity to try one.

24991554_1397171547078494_7545922322828232020_n

The meal was filling. The cost, however, is a bit steep, considering the ingredients. Let’s just say that I’ve had better breakfast elsewhere in Japan.

My parents went to the Lawson store across the street and got themselves Onigiri, fresh steamed buns and a bowl of miso soup for less than 800 yen. Smart couple!

With our tummies full, we set out to Kiyomizudera.

25627038_1406237952838520_6861607238988690996_o

This popular temple is never shy of people, not even when its 400 year old main hall is under construction.

25394920_1401724773289838_1119376208341538829_o.jpg

But of course this was no ordinary time.

24993367_1397175783744737_5998392187927856555_n.jpg

Not when the colours

25394958_1401725189956463_7525652931490968199_o

were at their prime!

25398251_1401724359956546_1224461211304796281_o

If there was one thing I’ve learned from day one, it was to research lunch options before heading out. That’s why we ended up at this bustling restaurant and ordered their Japanese Black Wagyu Beef cutlet set lunch.

25289309_1397178547077794_534564198178097786_n

Did you know that there are six steps to enjoy these high quality beef cutlets – first with wasabi soy sauce; second with Japanese Sansho pepper and salt; third with the Worcestershire sauce; fourth in a Japanese curry broth; fifth (and the most intriguing) in soft-boiled egg;

24993122_1397178553744460_6862538059493096572_n.jpg

Finally, pour the remaining curry sauce and soft-boiled egg on top of rice and meat and eat up. Evidently this was a much more satisfying meal than what we had the previous day.

After lunch, we meandered about the neighbourhood.

23737932_1406239626171686_6657581264957700179_o.jpg

In Yasaka Koshindo, we saw dozens of young Japanese tying up colourful Kukurizarus – a ball shaped cloth talisman representing control of one’s inner desire – and taking selfies with them. Their smiles and giggles were infectious!

Near the Yasaka Pagoda, we spotted a Japanese couple holding hands and having their pictures taken by a professional photographer.

25151947_1397180330410949_20680701961950604_n

More photo sessions were in place, next to a winding lane lined with old houses.

25157943_1397182550410727_5107471899912746857_n.jpg

This must be one of Kyoto’s most photogenic neighbourhoods!

For dinner, we wanted something simple. So we had Nishin soba (soba topped with braised herring, a Kyoto specialty) and the seasonal oyster soba (in a fragrant yuzu dashi broth) at the restaurant a stone’s throw from our ryokan.

This concludes our second day in Kyoto. More to come.

16 thoughts on “Foliage Season in Kyoto – Day 2”

    1. Hi Liesl, You are not alone. I’m not a big fan of soft-boiled egg either and right now it’s lunch time here ion Seattle, and I am drooling looking at the food I had in Japan. Such cruelty to self haha. I do hope you get to go to Japan and I will be there again for sure.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply

  6. Beautiful photos, I loved Kyoto and I must say you went there at the right time to see the beautiful colours of the leaves. I was living in Beijing at the time I went and had a choice of autumn to see the leaves or spring to see the cherry blossoms; I chose spring. Thanks for letting me see what autumn looks like in Kyoto.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment