Hiking in Kyoto

If you aren't familiar with the Kyoto trail, check out this site. A beautiful hike that winds in and out of the city, the Kyoto trail is a must for any outdoors-loving tourist. Here are a few shots from our recent trip on the second segment of the hike.

Yuzu jam for sale at a house along the Kyoto trail. 

Tofukuji -a fabulous temple, set back in the suburbs near Fushimi. An excellent addition to any Kyoto trip. The subway/train will take you right to the temple's door. 

Nara the land deer

Deer giving kisses

Nice day for a casual stroll around the temple...It's as if they have no idea they live in one of the most famous areas of Kansai

A not-wise deer trying to steal crackers from one of the vendors...just outside the shot is the woman holding her wooden deer-beating stick, distracted by a small child and his parent. 

Warnings of what can happen if you don't feed them fast enough! 

Toji Temple Market

 A few photos from our recent trip to the Toji Temple market. This once a month market is not to be missed by tourists! Many tourist goods are sold along side tasty Japanese stall food (like the mochi balls being made in the photo). There was a large asortment of bonsai, house plants, fabric for yukatas, and all kinds of other things. many websites warn you to go early, and they are right! We went around 10am and it was a mad house!

*The market is on the 21st of every month

This is the first time we have see pine nuts for sale at the markets. I'm sure they were not any more cost effective than in the U.S. 

We know what the fox says...Ohaiyo! Samui desu ne! 

Amidst the bustle of the market, temple men walk through the crowds, reminding everyone of why the market is happening. 

Training kids to love pachinko! These antique pachinko machines are for kids to play for prizes. 

bonsai for sale, some of which were in the $150+ range! 

Colorful spray painted succulents for holiday decorations

Knife shops in Kyoto

Another likely on-going post, the Kyoto knife shop seen is booming! Located throughout the city, and we hear to the south as well, there is an abundance of knife shops to satisfy every tourist. 

Kyoto Imperial Palace

Living in Kyoto can at times feel like a bit of a time warp. One block your in a major metropolitan and the next you are biking through the gardens of an ancient palace. After a while this sadly becomes commonplace and not so exciting. It was nice though at the end of October and into early November, the Imperial Palace is open to the public without prior approval. Normally, you have to pre-apply to enter the palace grounds. On these special days, the palace is a buzz with the hum of tour buses and foreigners. If you can stomach the crowds, it's well worth the time! 

Here are a few shots of the palace!