How lovely it is to be back in picturesque Gion, Kyoto. We were fortunate to have bright blue skies for a few days, as it does tend to get cloudy during spring.
Nishiki Market just a short walk outside Gion was bustling and exciting as usual, and we bought as many snacks, treats and souvenirs as we could (we packed brought extra luggage with us this time). The market itself is already a visual feast.
We couldn’t miss the Fushimi Inari as well, and had delicious soba and inari sushi from a quaint family-run restaurant for lunch, followed by tofu-and-matcha gelato for dessert, just outside the shrine. We were also delighted to find the stall just by the torii gates that sold yukata during our previous trip had kimono for sale this year at bargain prices. Considering their entire set of kimono cost the same as renting one for a day, we didn’t have to think twice about buying one each to wear the next day. Two Japanese women approached Cheryl while we were on our way to Arashiyama and asked where we have gotten our kimono from, and were impressed by how affordable they were.
In Gion, we caught more glimpses of maiko this time around, and also weeping trees and early sakura blossoms. Walking along Gion-Shirakawa dori from our rented house never failed to excite us everyday.
There really is no other place like Kyoto.
