Solar Godzilla

 | 03-May-2018 | As we rode the train this morning to Kyoto we discussed the anticipation of visiting a place you’ve been before. We’ve been fortunate to return to places like Reykjavik, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Stockholm, and now Kyoto.  Our rough “plan” was to check out the Philosopher’s Path and visit a couple of shops: Jet Set Records and Nomura Tailor.

The Solar Godzilla here really has nothing to do with anything – that we saw it at the Kyoto Handcrafts shop and thought it was amazing. You know, in case you’re looking for a 6″ Godzilla, but are energy conscious….. Shouldn’t it be in a Sky Mall catalog?
The Philosopher’s Path is a stone path, approximately 2km long, in Kyoto’s Higashiyama district. It begins at Ginkaku-ji and ends at Nanzen-ji (both are temples)j; we only walked about half of it, and in reverse. The path is named for Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s most famous philosophers.

The canal it follows is part of the Lake Biwa Canal system that was built in the 1800’s.  Gorgeous walk and well travelled today as it is Constitutional Memorial Day here in Japan, kicking off  a 4-day weekend book-ending Golden Week.

We stopped at several of the temples we passed along the path.

Not feeling particularly philosophical, we parted ways with the path and headed into Kyoto proper to practice consumerism. Jeff visited Bootsy’s Records before we lunched at an Asahi German-themed restaurant. Yes, it’s exactly was weird as it sounds.

After lunch we hit Jet Set, then waded our way through the mid-day shoppers to Nomura Tailor.  I’ve shopped here on previous trips to Kyoto and always come away with fabulous fabrics.This time I was focused on Japanese linens and seersuckers, with sewing patterns already in mind.

I would LOVE to have Nomura as my local fabric store – sooooo jealous of the locals!
 
We took the train back to Osaka, navigated subterranean Umeda to a another subway station then hopped a quick ride back to the hotel.

Somewhat refreshed (as in feet-not-screaming), we were off to dinner Yellow Ape Craft.  I learned of this place from friends and was looking forward to checking it out. Yellow Ape did not disappoint – more awesome local craft beers on tap and small plates.
 
On the way back from dinner, we went by the Foodium to pick up desserts , and then Tower Records to check for X Japan CDs.  Totally NOT on the way to the hotel.

At Foodium, we found tiny cans of Asahi – Pleepleus for scale!!
 Tomorrow we’re off for a day trip to new territory: Hiroshima!