30 October 2017
Its not Halloween
Exploring Sanjo Dori in Kyoto
I thought it was Halloween, I saw no one at all in costume, turns out its tomorrow, thats how much I know about that holiday (is it a holiday in the USA?) as someone who grew up in Australia.
So now I have to wait until tomorrow night to see Japanese Halloween costumes in Kyoto.
I did not take many photos tonight, despite unintentionally walking quite far. Despite a lot of walking today, due to my awesome shoes my feet remain in perfect condition without any additional taping to prevent damage. The Altra shoe company should have me on their payroll.
On my way back today from Arashimaya I rode the elevated JR train back into town. From here I liked the look of Nijo, so thats where I headed to this evening.
Nijo is famous for a castle thats not open to the public because it contains the divine wind itself protected by nightingale floors.
I was not there for any sort of palace, I had seen enough similar things earlier, I was there for dinner, having only eaten a cookie all day, but then I got distracted.
Nearby Nijo station I wandered into Sanjo Dori, which is possibly the longest covered shopping street in all of Kyoto. I had not been there before and had no idea it existed.
For the sake of completeness, I decided I had to walk its length. It was mainly shut at 7pm, and is not at all for tourists, there are regular supermarkets down here as you will see.
However I was nearly killed on several occasions by cyclists. For whatever reason the covered tunnel surrounded by shops is a thoroughfare for speeding bicycles.
To calm my nerves I found some cats to chat with, we agreed that the cyclists are a menace.
By this time I realised I might as well keep going back to the main shopping area, my best chance to find dinner. Actually thats an exaggeration, there is dinner everywhere, including over 9000 places at the main station (no exaggeration).
Sanjo Dori, a beautiful expanse of metal roller doors.
My favourite way to drink it.
Actually I have no idea if real beer is fizzy? I had fake beer at the Tokyo motor show in the form of Asahi Zero, and that was really fizzy, and tasted like my socks smell after a 40km hike.
Kyoto is very popular with cyclists. This is a supermarket, everyone comes by bike. Then they all aim at me.
Also bicycle lights are way too bright, my retinas are damaged.
These cats are now my only friends in Japan. They live here, the white one is a lot friendlier, and as a result, a lot fatter. He doesnt seem interested in moving at all.
My mother asked if there were any fabric shops in Shizuoka. No idea. Heres one in Kyoto. I am very helpful.
And finally, my dinner, a long time coming.
This may be close to the greatest pasta I ever ate! It took ages to prepare, I watched as it was prepared fresh.
It is beef and mushrooms and the last stage of preparation involved a blow torch.
I dont eat pasta often, but on this occasion I was very glad that I did.