Memoirs of Nippon (2)

After arriving in Kyoto, I had my first big embarrasssing incident. I was trapped in the handicapped toilet, not knowing how the flush worked. At that moment, I was frantically searching for a help phrase from my companion (phrasebook) but unfortunately they didn't have this "emergency for toilet scenarios". Come on, Lonely Planet, you need to work on it! I don't recall how long I was in there, but fortunately through some trial and error, I finally resolved it myself.

I took a walk around the station, it was massive and I got lost. Thereafter I began the search of my hostel, and yes it took me a while. The Japanese I asked along the way seemed to be tourists in Kyoto too, so nobody seemed to be able to help but they always tried. Finally I found it - Tour Club!!! But unfortunately, the hostels in Japan have this strict rule of checking in at 3pm, thus I was left stranded. It was also the first day of the time of the month, how lucky, I was not feeling the best and thus did want to overwork myself the first day I arrived.

I went back to Kyoto train station to grab a bite, my first meal at Mister Donut. Wow. Chewy. Best donut ever. Then I went to the tourist information (Please go to them if you don't have a plan, they are super helpful, they just made my life so much easier)! I decided upon two temples I shall conquer that day.

I took a few stops on the JR line to Fushimi Inari Taisha. The rare few shrines that do free admission, and it is my favourite so far in Kyoto. Its beautiful, the path up the mountain is lined up with thousands of torii. A torii is the red gate-pillar structure in my photo. I didn't do the trek up which would have took 2 hours (I probably would the next time if I'm back!) as I was feeling crappy that afternoon. But it was a joy even talking a stroll through the torii. Each of the torii is donated by a Japanese business (quoted from Wiki) and has engraving stating the date and also the donor. At Inari shrines, they worship the foxes.

I walked to the train station and took a stop to visit the next temple named Tōfuku-ji. I also read Tōfuku-ji temple is a popular spot to see maple leaves from the Tsūten-kyō bridge, even though there was no cherry blossom, neither was it autumn, it was still a pretty sight. The precincts of Tōfuku-ji house several gardens, I was in a dilemma which to visit as each visit would cost 500 yen (not very tourist friendly, isn't it). So I picked the one with admission to walk on Tsūten-kyō bridge, you could also visit a small zen garden. In fact, I think the main attraction would have been the main garden.

After a few hours at these two temples, I just wanted to chill back in the hostel. I took a walk back to the train station, just opposite the station, I was attracted to this shop plastered with photos of their delicious desserts. Unable to resist, I bought one box of some brown sugar mochi-looking dessert.

I like it in Japan that they have a priority cabins for elderly and women, I also realised they prohibit usage of mobile in cabin (how is it possible?).

Back in Kyoto train station, it was another challenge to find my hostel again. LOL. But it got easier every time. When I got back, I was so relieved to check in, got myself settled before planning what to do the following day. Tour Club has a very nice lounge area where you can relax and mingle with others, also a cute mini zen garden. I chatted with a French guy whom was cycling around Japan alone (mind you, he's not taking any train, or well as I was told). Impressive. I had a lazy evening that day, went out to get a drink and Takoyaki balls for dinner. Then I shared my desserts with people in the hostel, only the French took it. It felt a bit rubbery but the brown sugar in it was delicious.

It was also this trip I decided to be more daring with my fashion sense since it's Japan! I brought neon colored leggings which seemed to be a bit too much for the locals!!

I was staying in the female dorm and there was a German girl (pretty quiet) and two Taiwanese. The Taiwanese girls had been there a couple of days and they gave really good tips where to check out the cherry blossom! The next morning, I decided to go for breakfast with them at this Japanese fastfood chain. I had a bowl of udon despite not liking a full breakfast usually, I also didnt't like the food. They were kind enough to show me where to get the daily bus pass before we parted our ways.