Rows and rows of Torii gates that lead into the wooded forest of the scared Mount Inari. It stretches so far in that we had no idea where it ends. Had to turnaround half-way (or was it less?) Interesting sight but if you're not big on hiking, just venture in for awhile and be ready to move on to your next destination. Bought a miniature torii gate on which we wrote our names & well wishes. Hung it on a rack together with several others, all in hope of good health and luck. See my kiddish handwriting? :p
"The torii gates along the entire trail are donations by individuals and companies, and you will find the donator's name and the date of the donation inscribed on the back of each gate. The cost starts around 400,000 yen for a small sized gate and increases to over one million yen for a large gate." - japan guide
Soon enough we caught a bus to the Nishiki Market.
"錦市場 (Nishiki Ichibai) is a narrow, five block long shopping street lined by more than one hundred shops and restaurants. Known as "Kyoto's Kitchen", this lively retail market specializes in all things food related. Nishiki Market has a pleasant, but busy atmosphere that is inviting to those who want to explore the variety of culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for. Some of the shops freely give out samples or sell sample dishes and skewers meant to be eaten then and there. The market has a history of several centuries, and many stores have been operated by the same families for generations. It all started as a fish wholesale district, with the first shop opening around 1310. A larger variety of shops moved in later, and the area changed from a wholesale market to retail. Today it remains an important market for Kyoto and is often packed with locals and tourists alike." - japan guide
Colorful and vibrant yes, but it was more window marketing than anything else. Mainly dried produce and hardly any food stalls. A little bit of a disappointment as we were very hungry at that time, but still worth walking the long street from end to the other.
Moved on to the Philosopher's Path in the evening.
"The Philosopher's Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees. Usually in early April these trees explode with color, making this one of the city's most popular hanami (cherry blossom viewing) spots." - japan guide
However it was the tailend of the sakura season already. With the trees almost bare, and with rarely any cafes open, this place looks really plain & impressionless. Of course everything's relative. Google 'philosopher's path' and you'll know what I mean. Needless to say the walk felt like any walk along any canal.. Which is a pity because people come here to be inspired!
Returned to Tokyo and stayed in Ginza. What a change.
"The Ginza (銀座) is Tokyo's most famous upmarket shopping, dining and entertainment district, featuring numerous department stores, boutiques, art galleries, restaurants, night clubs and cafes. One square meter of land in the district's center is worth over ten million yen, making it one of the most expensive real estate in Japan. A visit is most pleasant on a weekend afternoon, when the central Chuo Dori street gets closed to traffic and become a large pedestrian zone. The closure takes place from 14:00 to 17:00 on Saturdays and from 12:00 to 17:00 on Sundays (until 18:00 from April through September)" - japan guide
Found the 12-storey high Uniqlo. Like wow.
With this I finally finally conclude our Japan trip 2012 =)))
