On the eleventh day, we visited Kyoto (京都), the former imperial capital of Japan. Kyoto has a population close to 1.5 million and it is now the capital of Kyoto Prefecture, as well as a major part of the Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area.
We spend the majority of the time visiting various ancient shrines and other historical buildings. We did a lot of walking that day as a lot of these attractions are located in remote areas.
The first shrine we visited in the morning was the Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社). It is the head shrine of Inari, located in Fushimi-ku, Kyoto, Japan. The shrine sits at the base of a mountain also named Inari, and includes trails up the mountain to many smaller shrines.
![Fushimi Inari Taisha (伏見稲荷大社) Fushimi Inari Taisha](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3433826606_a6a6705a15_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I, still very fresh in the morning Rachel and I, still very fresh in the morning](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3407/3441198895_cb8823b337_o.jpg)
![Majestic entrance Majestic entrance](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3346/3433825602_d61a382211_o.jpg)
![The first shrine we saw upon entrance to Fushimi Inari Taisha Alvinology goes to Japan - Day 11 of 14 - Alvinology](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3614/3433827450_8439cb1364_o.jpg)
![Area map of the shrine Area map of the shrine](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3582/3433017275_088055e612_o.jpg)
![Service counters Service counters](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3433825526_a0d78f19b5_o.jpg)
![Offerings for sale Offerings for sale](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3441188915_27f7e6e226_o.jpg)
![The plates have pictures of bulls on them The plates have pictures of bulls on them](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3555/3441985892_5d8b63066d_o.jpg)
![Wishing sticks Wishing sticks](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3350/3441179091_6fe7c7c1e4_o.jpg)
![Wishing sticks holder Wishing sticks holder](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3629/3441194309_5eabecd442_o.jpg)
![Ring the bell for blessings One of the many small shrines within the Inari shrine](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3585/3433017995_7dd3eb85ab_o.jpg)
![Close-up of one the shrines roofing Close-up of one the shrines roofing](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3626/3441181137_0ca28d0de8_o.jpg)
![A devotee praying A devotee praying](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3433015385_5a55a02ddf_o.jpg)
![More people praying More people praying](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3310/3442037136_2648ab6084_o.jpg)
![Fox overlooking the devotees Fox overlooking the devotees](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3433826988_e4183f14b0_o.jpg)
![There were many Torii like this in the shrine There were many Torii like this in the shrine](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3433827398_ab7b21b6bb_o.jpg)
![Lots of fox statues at this head shrine Lots of fox statues at this head shrine](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3433019007_35194f44f5_o.jpg)
![Two fox statues Two fox statues](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3359/3433014845_68138b0f92_o.jpg)
![Someone praying Someone praying](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3644/3433015123_c0a19e6f20_o.jpg)
![Majestic fox statue Majestic fox statue](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3442044520_7cba11869b_o.jpg)
![Wishes are written on a cloth and tied into knots Wishes are written on a cloth and tied into knots](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3441217997_6dd79db8db_o.jpg)
![Walking through a long stretch of Torii Walking through a long stretch of Torii](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3388/3441252673_7b55f7716a_o.jpg)
![Me with Torii Me strolling along](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3320/3441227747_2684ed8e68_o.jpg)
![Rachel with Torii Rachel with Torii](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3441201633_e8ef967aa4_o.jpg)
![Amulet for good health Amulet for good health](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3584/3433827994_187a12e069_o.jpg)
![Amulet for business prosperity Amulet for business prosperity](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3339/3433016839_0d7d05e5fd_o.jpg)
![Shrine sand Shrine sand](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3333/3433014947_6f9d70deb4_o.jpg)
![Amulet for safe travels Amulet for safe travels](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3441999884_44de095c50_o.jpg)
![Amulet for romance Amulet for romance](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3394/3433824148_269d7082a9_o.jpg)
![Fox-shaped wishing plates Fox-shaped wishing plates](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3433824802_bebaccc707_o.jpg)
![The place to hang the fox plates The place to hang the fox plates](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3550/3442042836_524f465dc0_o.jpg)
![You can ring the bell for blessing after hanging the plates You can ring the bell for blessing after hanging the plates](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3325/3442018404_fc78a70b98_o.jpg)
![Some people just draw funny stuff and hang them up Some people just draw funny stuff and hang them up](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3433824834_5fd94467a9_o.jpg)
![Stone pillars Stone pillars](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3433016763_14c098899a_o.jpg)
![Entrance on the left, exit on the right Entrance on the left, exit on the right](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3630/3433015673_07a3b1625c_o.jpg)
![Engravings on the Torii stating who donated them and the date donated Engravings on the Torii stating who donated them and the date donated](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3433014451_17884487d7_o.jpg)
![I think one of the scene in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha, was shot here I think one of the scene in the movie, Memoirs of a Geisha, was shot here](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3433824716_9b6c232176_o.jpg)
![Rachel pretending to be Zhang Ziyi in Memoirs of a Geisha Rachel pretending to be Zhang Ziyi in Memoirs of a Geisha](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3604/3442005636_3a26769dbf_o.jpg)
![Close-up of the lanterns that lit up the Torii Close-up of the lanterns that lit up the Torii](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3622/3442004104_8e2d50f265_o.jpg)
We headed to Arashiyama (嵐山) after that, a district on the western outskirts of Kyoto. Arashiyama was a scenic area with rivers and mountains. It’s a pity we came here during winter and the cherry blossoms which it is famous for was not in bloom.
At Arashiyama, we crossed the “Moon Crossing Bridge” (渡月橋) and also walked through the Sagano bamboo forest.
![Spotted a taxi driver practising his golf moves while waiting for passengers Spotted a taxi driver practising his golf moves while waiting for passengers](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3441197355_811a61c747_o.jpg)
![Unique train station design Even the train station in Kyoto is designed to blend in with the areas ancient architecture](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3569/3433018867_b92c9ced5e_o.jpg)
![We like this Kirin milk tea We like this Kirin milk tea](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3433827246_9305655332_o.jpg)
![Yummy tofu coroquette Yummy tofu coroquette](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/3433014969_e2b5940852_o.jpg)
![Some barbeque food Some barbeque food](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3362/3441987534_630de2f435_o.jpg)
![A shrine entrance A shrine entrance](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3335/3433015829_6eaea90a4c_o.jpg)
![Sweet plum and green tea flavour soft-serve Sweet plum and green tea flavour soft-serve](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3541/3433018721_b75d624bc9_o.jpg)
![Rachel enjoying a soft-serve Rachel enjoying a soft-serve](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/3441168943_6ceaf8cc88_o.jpg)
![There are many stalls like this selling mochi There are many stalls like this selling mochi](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3433017927_3f9416cd75_o.jpg)
![Rachel with the kimono mochi girl Rachel with the kimono mochi girl](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3548/3441210207_3faf0355e5_o.jpg)
![Kyoto gift snacks that I bought for my aunt Kyoto gift snacks that I bought for my aunt](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3637/3433018217_61bdeb228d_o.jpg)
![Shop selling traditional Japanese hand-made fans Shop selling traditional Japanese hand-made fans](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3441249087_66634c1288_o.jpg)
![A roadside stall selling giant turnips A roadside stall selling giant turnips](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3331/3441248019_407e6cef17_o.jpg)
![Good doggie Good doggie](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3433828232_73c327c148_o.jpg)
![Ōi River Ōi River](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3433017049_94c7249438_o.jpg)
![Mountain facing view Mountain facing view](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3336/3433824964_c3034b12b9_o.jpg)
![A shot showing more of the surrounding mountains A shot showing more of the surrounding mountains](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3433824566_d383b1fb68_o.jpg)
![Moon Crossing Bridge Moon Crossing Bridge](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3556/3433825366_12744a5b74_o.jpg)
![Rickshaws for hire Rickshaws for hire](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3442045574_dcab5a9051_o.jpg)
![Oi River Oi River](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3343/3441239415_b7e78df4c2_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I on the bridge Rachel and I on the bridge](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3602/3433823950_1c209aeb7c_o.jpg)
![Glittering water plain Glittering water plain](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3442005262_65b3a017b7_o.jpg)
![Screening retro Japanese movies Screening retro Japanese movies](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3433016263_1d5585e5a6_o.jpg)
![A rickshaw that zipped past us A rickshaw that zipped past us](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3589/3441996094_5967a915ab_o.jpg)
![A family of little Buddha statues A family of little Buddha statues](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3433824754_474821f570_o.jpg)
![The street of Arashiyama The street of Arashiyama](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3433823826_34a9e0e95f_o.jpg)
![A tofu specialty stall A tofu specialty stall](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3389/3433824332_8e4ebc0405_o.jpg)
![Baked tapioca and assorted tofu Auntie selling baked tapioca](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3441194545_59ac1e3ac1_o.jpg)
![Sagano bamboo forest Sagano bamboo forest](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3549/3433018533_d41a8efaf4_o.jpg)
![Stolling in the bamboo forest Stolling in the bamboo forest](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3315/3442021408_73b9b27c71_o.jpg)
![Ricksaw spotted in the bamboo forest Ricksaw spotted in the bamboo forest](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3441984134_d936abf2f1_o.jpg)
![Graveyard tucked in the bamboo forest Graveyard tucked in the bamboo forest](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3433825668_f30ef3a07b_o.jpg)
![A shrine located inside the bamboo forest A shrine located inside the bamboo forest](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3659/3433824430_2b90467ed6_o.jpg)
We then visited another shrine, Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) which we did not go in as it requires an entrance fee and seems to involve lots of up slope climbing.
Hungry from all the walking, we had lunch in a small traditional-looking Japanese restaurant in the area. The food was pretty good, but the squatting tatami seats were a pain.
![Many tourists and Japanese alike were shrine visiting like us Many tourists and Japanese alike were shrine visiting like us](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3433827936_4908160ed2_o.jpg)
![Interesting snack store Interesting snack store](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3322/3433826478_8dbcee433e_o.jpg)
![The signboard The signboard](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3316/3433017375_0e3767684c_o.jpg)
![Conan biscuits Conan biscuits](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3341/3442022802_091dc575e8_o.jpg)
![Stall selling buns Stall selling buns](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3090/3442060614_edd615c7c9_o.jpg)
![Scary masks Scary masks](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3441206113_a33c6d15c6_o.jpg)
![Novelty condoms Novelty condoms](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3433018559_91b98413f9_o.jpg)
![Funny joke glasses Funny joke glasses](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3441234161_82630315c1_o.jpg)
![Sushi-shaped candies Sushi-shaped candies](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3600/3441184827_475a5bb8af_o.jpg)
![Restaurant interior Restaurant interior](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3301/3442018976_b0713faecc_o.jpg)
![Lunch time! Lunch time!](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3357/3433014923_2168670f63_o.jpg)
![Rachels lunch: a serving of three different types of soba (buckwheat noodle) Rachels lunch: a serving of three different types of soba (buckwheat noodle)](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3655/3433827504_82503bace0_o.jpg)
![Soba type 1 Soba type 1](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3647/3433017187_b66f407b2e_o.jpg)
![Soba type 2 Soba type 2](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3433015163_518f8534a3_o.jpg)
![Soba type 3 Soba type 3](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3599/3433014545_b4edb04682_o.jpg)
![My lunch My lunch](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3663/3442015194_3cf957c2ba_o.jpg)
![My udon My udon](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3588/3433826248_a96a29f139_o.jpg)
![Close-up of the rice, served with small salted fish Close-up of the rice, served with small salted fish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3323/3441981444_1b536e3b25_o.jpg)
![Rachel tucking into her lunch Rachel tucking into her lunch](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3442011456_e7ddd1e60d_o.jpg)
![Mark ordered a large set for himself while Meiyen just sit and watch him eat Mark ordered a large set for himself while Meiyen just sit and watch him eat](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3596/3433824472_cd3d5f7e00_o.jpg)
![Mark's tempura soba set with rice My lunch set with udon and rice](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3442055566_bd01829839_o.jpg)
![The restaurant has a nice little balcony filled with greens The restaurant has a nice little balcony filled with greens](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3590/3433017871_654863f65d_o.jpg)
![Signboard of the restaurant where we had lunch Signboard of the restaurant where we had lunch](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3330/3441216915_f7968420fb_o.jpg)
![Meiyen bought a crepe from here for lunch Meiyen bought a crepe from here for lunch](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3338/3441202887_d42bfa11c9_o.jpg)
![Making Meiyens crepe Making Meiyens crepe](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3414/3433827200_375782ec4b_o.jpg)
![Meiyen with her crepe Meiyen with her crepe](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3442001758_df3d170ba5_o.jpg)
![Japanese pancakes Japanese pancakes](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/3433827734_204199533b_o.jpg)
![Another pancake stall Another pancake stall](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3442015110_0bfce1b7a8_o.jpg)
![Hand-made mochi with filling Hand-made mochi with filling](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3297/3433015889_777470f2bf_o.jpg)
![This shrine is very popular This shrine is very popular](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3433825570_7dbfd8d0b9_o.jpg)
![Rachel alone Rachel alone](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3369/3433016119_6c967e86c3_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I Rachel and I](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3368/3433825254_e2817ef510_o.jpg)
![Ladies in kimono making their way up the shrines Ladies in kimono making their way up the shrines](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3360/3442014264_137ba3cc6e_o.jpg)
![Red shrines Red shrines](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3327/3442059528_edcaef32c6_o.jpg)
![Devotees cleansing themselves before praying Devotees cleansing themselves before praying](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3433018153_65ab55409b_o.jpg)
![A signboard A signboard](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3587/3433825018_6dae08342b_o.jpg)
![Rachel enjoying the scenery Rachel enjoying the scenery](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3311/3441190041_53d74c2c75_o.jpg)
![We just took a peek at this shrine and did not venture further We just took a peek at this shrine and did not venture further](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/3442028106_e1e77f141f_o.jpg)
![Mouse plates for making wishes Mouse plates for making wishes](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3337/3433016957_144777a484_o.jpg)
![Black sesame soft-serve Black sesame soft-serve](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3565/3441989602_ef073f5f08_o.jpg)
![Rachel enjoying her second soft-serve for the day Rachel enjoying her second soft-serve for the day](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3613/3441198439_90dc2d2423_o.jpg)
![A small pond A small lake](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3433824276_d3d1a0a80a_o.jpg)
![There were ducks like this wandering around the pond There were ducks like this wandering around the river](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3332/3433824916_e28b65fac2_o.jpg)
![Full body view of the duck Full body view of the duck](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3442002842_d2339c47de_o.jpg)
![Another duck Another duck](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/3433014623_4d1b09e962_o.jpg)
![View of the pond from another angle View of the pond from another angle](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/3442006228_8d3cea9a21_o.jpg)
![The whole pond area A wider view of the pond](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3607/3441235471_219c3a36ce_o.jpg)
![We spotted limited sakura blossoms We spotted a few](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3441997376_87afdbb314_o.jpg)
![Rachel with the white duck Rachel with the white duck](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3441182911_fb960cdeae_o.jpg)
![The surrounding park The surrounding park](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3373/3442000906_88eb39fb61_o.jpg)
![The sky is starting to get dark. Its going to rain soon. The sky is starting to get dark. Its going to rain soon.](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3433018955_28f3afc9b3_o.jpg)
![Fat crows Fat crows](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3363/3433017501_6190bbe9e6_o.jpg)
We went to more scenic sights and shrines after that. As it was drizzling, we did not pause much and were just briskly walking from one attraction to the next.
Mark persistently wanted to look for an attraction called the Philosopher’s Walk (哲学の道) which was recommended by his colleagues as a must-see in Kyoto for it’s beauty. We got lost looking for this place. This made the other three of us very pissed at Mark as our feet were sore from all the walking plus the rain made us wet and cold, upping the grumpy factor.
Eventually when we finally managed to find the place, it was a big disappointment as it was just a narrow path beside a tiny drain. Apparently, after looking at online photos, the area is most beautiful when there’s cherry blossoms. However, we came here in the middle of winter and saw only empty branches and a washed out canal. None of us got inspired after walking the Philosopher’s Walk.
The Philosopher’s Walk concluded our walking tour of remote shrines and scenic spots. We took a bus back to Kyoto Station after that and spent the rest of the day shopping.
![One of the many shrines we walked past One of the many shrines we walked past](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/3433828202_82ef66b370_o.jpg)
![Another large shrine we past Another large shrine we past](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3364/3433826564_e9f4bc145d_o.jpg)
![We never go in, but can pose for picture We never go in, but can pose for picture](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/3441990530_674420d1ca_o.jpg)
![A house that specialises in making ghost masks and figurines A house that specialises in making ghost masks and figurines](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3632/3433016893_cd22475180_o.jpg)
![Close-up of one of the ghost figurines Close-up of one of the ghost figurines](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3652/3441196817_59b7038c04_o.jpg)
![Creepy old house that looks haunted Creepy old house that looks haunted](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3349/3433017573_7bce273a06_o.jpg)
![A statue seen outside a library A statue seen outside a library](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3560/3433017467_f1b83a55e1_o.jpg)
![Shiny umbrella Shiny umbrella](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3441249937_3f6fa0ed07_o.jpg)
![Geishas getting dressed Geishas getting dressed](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3356/3442038638_6cc14f48b1_o.jpg)
![Check out the retro-looking streets Check out the retro-looking streets](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3442035616_dc91eeb55e_o.jpg)
![There were also lots of old houses like this in Kyoto There were also lots of old houses like this in Kyoto](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3385/3433828066_5530cbedc9_o.jpg)
![More old houses More old houses](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3441215311_9ee3c32c68_o.jpg)
![Close-up of the tall building Close-up of the building](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3345/3441216293_cd8f7af118_o.jpg)
![Elcletic mix of new and old Elcletic mix of new and old](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3539/3433824680_360dd7d850_o.jpg)
![Hunting shop Hunting shop](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3355/3433825438_16f65731c1_o.jpg)
![We finally found the Philosophers Walk We finally found the Philosophers Walk](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3397/3433823652_684fb46bdb_o.jpg)
![Entrance to Philosophers Walk Entrance to Philosophers Walk](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3654/3433017705_c8fc336e6d_o.jpg)
![Stone house with mouse plate offerings The house](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3627/3442050906_819a2d9832_o.jpg)
![Mini cherry blossoms at the Philosophers Walk Mini cherry blossoms at the Philosophers Walk](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3318/3433827588_f2ab366285_o.jpg)
![The canal for philosophers to gaze at when they need inspiration The canal for philosophers to gaze at when they need inspiration](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3643/3441983242_9b9f1f0dea_o.jpg)
![More shrines! We did not venture further anymore as we were too tired More shrines! We did not venture further anymore as we were too tired](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3661/3433824074_b6695a0af4_o.jpg)
The modern architecture of Kyoto Station was a far cry from the rustic beauty of the sightseeing spots in this imperial city. We visited a Tezuka Osamu specialty shop in the area where I bought an Astroboy tin can candy and a handphone strap.
We had ramen for dinner. Black and white soy ramen to be precise – served with black and white soy sauce respectively. The posters were very visually arresting, but the taste was average. We proceed to the supermarket after that to buy near-closing-time discounted food for supper. Since Mark said Kyoto is famous for their tofu, we bought a few types of tofu to try.
This ended our day tour of Kyoto. 🙂
![modernistic Kyoto Station modernistic Kyoto Station](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3317/3441211763_8733d61508_o.jpg)
![Kyoto Tower in the day Kyoto Tower in the day](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3645/3441242745_a71e0ca2b5_o.jpg)
![Directional installation to Tezuka Osamu gallery Directional installation to Tezuka Osamu gallery](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3401/3433018659_c796c8863c_o.jpg)
![Tezuka Osamu gallery showcase Tezuka Osamu gallery showcase](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3617/3442058184_6d60eecc68_o.jpg)
![Astroboy welcomes all Astroboy welcomes all](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3441240579_3396ede552_o.jpg)
![Astroboy bag Astroboy bag](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3433017547_61f344a14a_o.jpg)
![Me being childish Me being childish](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3547/3441230213_52cea979dd_o.jpg)
![Close-up of the Astroboy figurine Close-up of the Astroboy figurine](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3375/3441190875_c0bf852a95_o.jpg)
![Rachel and I fooling around Rachel and I fooling around](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3441988112_e1817337a0_o.jpg)
![Astroboy handkerchieves Astroboy handkerchieves](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3416/3433016703_f60ab79fe3_o.jpg)
![Astroboy biscuits Astroboy biscuits](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3402/3441992132_ce6a6c97a1_o.jpg)
![Vintage Astroboy toys Vintage Astroboy toys](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3580/3433826376_8d77816263_o.jpg)
![Blackjack Valentines Day collectibles Blackjack Valentines Day collectibles](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3433825724_0d1ac73776_o.jpg)
![Astroboy pancakes Astroboy pancakes](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3636/3442032434_63511b4d94_o.jpg)
![More Astroboy snacks More Astroboy snacks](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3620/3441988862_9bc18318ea_o.jpg)
![Original Tezuka Osamu artworks Original Tezuka Osamu anime cells](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3544/3433014667_07112c3d31_o.jpg)
![Paper Astroboy Paper Astroboy](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3319/3441203689_1c7092b5f5_o.jpg)
![Kimba the White Lion Kimba the White Lion](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/3442067248_58f28b4143_o.jpg)
![Various anime and manga by Tezuka Osamu Various anime and manga by Tezuka Osamu](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3578/3433826124_ae50658320_o.jpg)
![Astroboy mochi Astroboy mochi](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3542/3433016611_18ff63a2cc_o.jpg)
![Astroboy tin can sweets - I bought the one on the right in the end Astroboy tin can sweets - I bought the one on the right in the end](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3441193459_e6d653ede0_o.jpg)
![Mural of Astroboy and his sister Mural of Astroboy and his sister](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3347/3433014765_e9f2bfa654_o.jpg)
![An interesting Astroboy card An interesting Astroboy card](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3603/3442009252_8112db6f0c_o.jpg)
![The cashier The cashier](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/3441194819_7c27a0386a_o.jpg)
![I bought this handphone strap I bought this handphone strap](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3386/3433826928_3a2aa2e8a3_o.jpg)
![Me with Tezuka Osamu created anime and manga characters as backdrop Me with Tezuka Osamu created anime and manga characters as backdrop](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3624/3441985064_47067cdd3c_o.jpg)
![The backdrop without me blocking some of the characters The backdrop without me blocking some of the characters](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3571/3441173199_2ba746398c_o.jpg)
![The Kyoto Tower at night The Kyoto Tower at night](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3664/3441212741_1c029dfea6_o.jpg)
![Closer look at just the Kyoto Tower Closer look at just the Kyoto Tower](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3638/3442015342_7ed61cf900_o.jpg)
![We had ramen for dinner in this restaurant We had ramen for dinner in this restaurant](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3583/3441196593_8b3b3ef4a2_o.jpg)
![The restaurants signboard The restaurants signboard](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3616/3441981810_2ffe34b6f0_o.jpg)
![The ramen chefs The ramen chefs](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3304/3441191401_c903541ed8_o.jpg)
![Our dinner: Black and white shio ramen Our dinner: Black and white shio ramen](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3361/3433828160_f175f28032_o.jpg)
![We were drawn into this restaurant by their poster We were drawn into this restaurant by their poster](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3408/3433824544_5cd35c253a_o.jpg)
![Marks black shio ramen with extra char siew and an egg Marks black shio ramen with extra char siew and an egg](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3572/3433017631_be4d7dc848_o.jpg)
![Rachel bought a cream-filled pancake Rachel bought a cream-filled pancake](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/3433827786_56297bd2f5_o.jpg)
![The pancake stall which Rachel bought from The pancake stall which Rachel bought from](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3648/3442014988_e935c5f8b7_o.jpg)
![Staff will stand by the window shutters as the shopping malls close for the night Staff will stand by the window shutters as the shopping malls close for the night](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3305/3433015971_570e764cfa_o.jpg)
![Our supper Our supper](http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3606/3433018821_4dd3a319de_o.jpg)
Links to my previous blog entries on my Japan trip:
Day 1 – Kansai Airport, Hokkaido
Day 3 – Asahikawa, Asahiyama Zoo
Day 4 – Sledding, Shiroi Koibito, Crab Buffet
Day 5 – The 60th Sapporo Snow Festival
Day 6 – Staying with the Asai, Shōnan
Day 8 – Shibuya and Akihabara, Tokyo
Day 12 – Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Dotonbori
Day 13 – Akashi-Kaikyo Bridge and Mt. Rokko
Technorati Tags: alvinology goes to japan, japan travel, hua meiyen, mark tan, rachel chan, tokyo travel, kyoto travel, 京都, Osaka-Kobe-Kyoto metropolitan area, 伏見稲荷大社, inari head shrine, fushimi inari taisha, fushimi-ku, 嵐山, arashiyama, inari amulets, japanese amulets, moon crossing bridge, sagano bamboo forest, 渡月橋, kyoto train station, tofu coroquette, Ōi River, oi river, japanese rickshaw, 清水寺, kiyomizu-dera, japanese soba, japanese crepe, japanese udon, japanese pancakes, 哲学の道, philosopher’s walk, tezuka osamu, astroboy, kimba the white lion, astroboy collectibles, astroboy snacks, blackjack, kyoto tower
I am extremely envious of your visit to the shop that is filled with all the Astorboy goodies!!!! Pls provide mw with more info of this particular city/area and how to get there!
I am a huge Astroboy fan!!!
p/s: And I can’t wait for the movie to e released later this year, though I would say the anime version is better than the CG movie. Hehh. :p
what a comprehensive overview of kyoto, great pics & its really interesting seeing what you did, we have just got back & i am missing it & longing to be back, love the astro boy pics too as we bought a great poster there
is the food same taste as singapore?