14 November 2023
Most of the main drag
Kyoto shopping area
Everyone who has been to Japan has been to Kyoto and walked up and down the main shopping street to the shrine at the end, past the 2 x covered shopping streets, and tripped over the other tourists. For me I think it is my fourth time here, so in the interests of not confusing myself or others with something they have not seen before, here it is.
Surprisingly, not that busy. I had heard many horror stories. Discussions of limiting the number of people allowed to visit Kyoto, discussions of new visa's for entering Kyoto city limits, discussions of a foreigner tax, discussions of $100 a night hotel taxes, you name it. But it was half as busy as Osaka as far as people per square metre in the busy areas.
I am sure before I leave I will go up the street again, probably on Friday, and it will be really busy, but now I need to do some research for tomorrow. I am going on a hike I have done before, it is far away, over a half marathon distance, and requires a really early start.
Across the road from my hotel, the start of the shopping street. Not a lot of people.
It does not seem to matter which country I go to, there is some idiot driving around with loud speakers going on about something. Probably the Korean unification church that is now understood to run all of Japan.
Here is a view back down the main street from the temple / shrine steps.
My 4th time taking this photo.
Inside the complex, there is a night market. Night markets are a bit of a rare thing in Japan compared to the rest of Asia.
I had my camera set with a higher aperture than I should have for hand held low light pics, but this one came out ok.
I remembered this place is always popular with foreigners.
The local kabuki theatre.
Another edion, the store that encourages taking photos.
I rewareded them again by ascending to their food levels and treating myself to omurice AND a side salad. So extravagant.
I walked past but not up and down the covered shopping streets, I will save that for another night. For example, it might be raining on Friday night.
Although from the entrance I did spot this place. And there is no other way to end the photos for tonight than with the micro pig house.