6/16

We started our morning with breakfast at Starbucks. There weren’t a lot of options for breakfast as it was still pretty early and most places weren’t open yet.

Our first stop was supposed to be another bamboo forest, but we got lost and couldn’t find it. I think the one we went to yesterday was “the one.” So we went on to visit the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). The place really is gold colored. It was embedded within a beautifully manicured garden.

Ryoanji Temple

Nishiki Market and surrounding shopping area. This area has rows and rows of shops and food stalls. You can spend days here!

Shrimp tempura stick

Tyler loves hot dogs

Ramune ice cream

There was a cool sticker shop the kids loved.

We took a break at a really cute (and tiny) cream soda cafe. Our legs were tired from all the walking we’ve been doing. It was nice to sit and relax a bit. The kids really enjoyed this place.

Much to my delight, another Hello Kitty store!

We took the bus back to our hotel and the kids were so tired, they headed straight to the room. David and I went to have dinner across the street inside Kyoto station at a Yakisoba restaurant.

Happy Father’s Day, David

Thoughts:

Many service workers in the touristy areas are actually Chinese people who also speak Japanese.

The temples here are surrounded by meticulously manicured gardens that are beautiful and serene.

Favorite part of the day:

Nat: Nishiki market area

Ty: Nishiki market area. In particular, checking out the sticker shop and having ramune ice cream.

David and I: Nishiki market