Wajimaya Ryokan Kyoto

Since we got to Kyoto a bit late in the day on Friday, we decided to skip Hiroshima and spend Saturday in Kyoto instead. Unfortunately the weather wasn't exactly going to cooperate! You can't win 'em all I guess! We thought we could save some walking by taking thf subway which as was the case with all our other mass transit in japan, was rather ...

This posting is dedicated to Kobes, who first introduced me to Yamazaki whisky, as well as to Boris and Julie, both who I consider are connoisseurs of bourbon whiskies.

Off the beaten path, you'll find Suntory's Yamazaki distillery, located in Yamazaki area in the Osaka prefecture. Yamazaki first opened its doors in 1923, and is Japan'...

So I've been chilling out at my friend's house for the past few days and it's been reAlly great. Today I hit the town with Saori as she has tuesdays and Thursdays off. We started the day by dropping Anouk off at daycare as she had been begging for me to take her. She not surprisingly got very emotional at daycare and begged her mom to let her co...

6 Days in Kyoto - Day 6 / December 25

Central Kyoto:

Kitano Tenman gu Antique Flea Market
Aizen Kobo: 4th generation traditional aizome studio. 100+ years.
Shioyoshi ken Confectionery: 100 + years.

Photos:
Day 1 - http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-en tries/pedalpaddle/10/1262275682/tpod.ht ml
Day 2 ...

08.09.09
At Kyoto st*tion (our soon-to-be-h*ted tr*vel center for the next week), we c*me out on wrong side. Worked w*y *round to Kyoto tower (y*tt*) *nd then off to K's House. When we fin*lly find it (street m*ps in J*p*n suck; more on this l*ter), turns out our RSVP is for the next night. We’d left Tokyo * d*y e*rly! Found *nother *c...

4 March 2009 - Kyoto I awake and am free from the shackles that is the tour group. My luck continues - today I'd planned a walk up the eastern flank of Kyoto but last night the weather gave rain - peer out the window - no rain - crisp and clear - the Kami (Shinto gods) are well and truly on my side. I stick on my rather cool bandana thing round ...

The next day we were off to the cultural hub of Japan - Kyoto. This place had tons of museums, temples, pagodas, and ryokans which are traditional Japanese B&B-like accommodations for $1000 per night. Needless to say, we did not stay a ryokan. At this point, we realize that we're carrying coins around like they're nickels but, literally, you...

Today started like each day before it here, too early. The girls claim to have adjusted to the new time, but I can assure you the guys have not. We all got up around 5 in the am. After waiting on the girls for breakfast, they decided they'd rather eat at Mr. Doughnuts than accompany Aaron, Matt, and I to are new usual spot, the coffee spot. The...

The Arrow Hotel was a mid-class hotel by every definition of the term, and in the US it would have fit in comfortably with one of those big black Scottish Inn signs over it. Although certainly dirtier than our place in Kyoto, the Arrow's biggest offense was that it was really boring. After we'd spent the previous night hanging out with friends a...

HeyHeyanda Big G'Day toya, Kyoto, within and around can be found something like 2000 Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. But wait there's more...there are several palaces, many perfect gardens and more beautiful girls you can hope to find in the one city. Oh yeah, the little bridges and ancient architecture are also worth checking out...ha ha!...