Kyoto Autumn 2008 Day 2
23 September, 2008 by MJ
Day 2 of our 14 day adventure in Japan.
We pretty much settled down in our little Kyoto inn and planned where to go. Rented bikes for the day. Managed to cover a whole lot more than just walking. One of the more memorable moments was cycling down to the nearby river and munching on melon bread early in the morning for breakfast. Follow the journey as we head rode around Kyoto on 500 yen city bikes!
The thing about bikes is that the place is very bike friendly. Cycling lanes everywhere. Pavements are on the same level as the roads. No annoying curbs like in Singapore. You don’t have to worry about your bike getting stolen. Just wheel-lock it, park it somewhere and go shop/eat.
Plus the people here don’t scowl at you when you ride on the pavement, they just smile and give way. Even people in full business suits get around on bikes. It was just a blast to ride around town in our classic city bikes. 
Explored the north-south end of Kyoto. Lots to see and eat. It became a bit of a hassle with bikes at one of the locations, no place to park and it was super crowded. Not to mention uphill. xD
Super tiring day, but satisfying. My butt hurts. Photo tour below :
Enjoying the morning sun on along the Kamo River.
Rented bikes for 500yen a day to get around Kyoto.
Melon buns for breakfast! Wilson has a melon bun fetish.
I think he was frowning at the ducks. xD
Cycle, stop, shoot, repeat. By the way our bikes came with cool baskets.
It was really a river river, with clear water, fishes, birds and all.
So naturally you'll see lots of people along the banks, just enjoying the day.
Parked our bikes, got lost looking for Gion street, also known as the famous Geisha street.
Regret parking our bikes in the hot sun for an hour or so. Seats were steaming hot.
Finally found it, Gion street! Check out the painter on the bottom right.
Some shrine at the top of the hill. Started pushing at this point. Bikes were singlespeed.
Trishaws? i don't know what these are called. But they were all over the place.
I was in awe when we saw this girl pulling the trishaw. Super tough can!
Tourist traps along the path. Wilson bought japanese fans.
They ranged from simple $10 ones to $1000 handmade intricate ones.
OMG GEISHA!!
Turns out they were doing a photoshoot nearby. More Geishas!
Managed to sneak this shot in. A bit no manners but, we're tourists! /excused. xD
Sun was glaring, it was hot, but it wasn't humid.
Decided to stop cycling and parked. Streets were getting too crowded.
Little shopping, dropped by some photo gallery. S$10 wasted!
But at least i got this shot. Was from inside the gallery.
Geisha street~ It's said Geishas roam these streets in the evening.
Still early. We'll be back later to see if it's true.
I think this was a performing theatre for Geishas. Saw it on google earth.
Popped in there for lunch.
We're quite wary of the prices at this point. No more S$26 meals. lol.
Ordered these. I had tempura craving since we landed in Japan.
At the end of Gion street.
Walked back to where we parked our bikes.
Still had some time to kill so we went into this other touristy shrine attraction.
Only 2 structures.
But lots of lanterns.
Huge rope to ring bell to pray.
Detailing on the wooden supports.
Wishes? Blessings? i guess it was something along those lines.
This was a more public wish board thing.
Some of them in english too.
Paper cut!
That's all for this place. On to the Philosopher's Walk!
After riding another 4km? stopped for ice-cream!
Went to this Silver Pavilion attraction near the Walk.
It started with a little maze thing.
Then opens into stone gardens, zen looking things.
More sand art?
Very Importand Moss. I always thought moss was moss.
Apparently they're ranked.
Little wishing pond, filled with tones of money. Those are coins.
More moss viewing. Basically the whole place was covered in moss.
If you're a moss person you need to come here.
All these curvy paths leading the the ultimate Silver Pavilion!
WHICH WAS UNDER RENOVATION. ._.|||
Rode all the way back to the Kamo river for dinner.
We did drop by Gion street, but no Geishas :
All the riding around did make me feel like building a bike with a seat when i get back home.
That’s all for Day 2!
Born and raised in Singapore, MJ earns his keep by pushing pixels around as a media designer. Other jobs include getting paid taking pictures, as well as being a full time fanboy for all things cool & kawaii. MJ shoots with a Canon 5DmkII.
