Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto

Kyoto is much more quiet and serene than Osaka and Tokyo. It seems more of the historical Japanese architecture and culture has been preserved here with tons of temples, palaces, zen gardens, shrines, bamboo forests and all sorts along those lines. 

There is a river that divides the city which is really nice for running along or sitting in the grass and chatting with friends.

(Kamo River)

The sights

While you can take buses around, I recommend renting a bicycle for about 5USD a day. Pick a destination or two and set off on an adventure. I did this almost everyday. Each day I had a few places on my agenda but would just end up exploring one place all day since most temples are surrounded by gardens and trails which take hours to explore. Here are some of the sights. 

Fushimi Inari Shrine

(stopped for tea and hard boiled eggs on the mountain and met these lovely ladies)

(City of Kyoto cradled by beautiful green mountains)

(sunset while riding home)

(Beautiful zen garden)

Walk Around!

Just walking around Kyoto is very pleasant with beauty and surprises all around.

Gion, the Geisha District

Food!

Japan has the best food! Try everything

The Best Ramen I have ever had

Find it here:

http://www.honke-daiichiasahi.com/ 

or here:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g298564-d3178693-Reviews-Kyoto_Takabashi_Honke_Daiichiasahi-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kinki.html

(I swear this bowl of ramen is bigger and yummier than this picture could justify)

(I complemented the chef and snapped a picture of his operation)

Unagi

A little bit more on the expensive side, this river eel is nothing like any eel that I have tried before. It just melts in your mouth!

(http://www.unagi-hirokawa.jp/english/index.html)

Takoyaki

This is a great snack consisting of a chunk of octopus encompassed by a delicious gooey doughy ball and smothered in sauce. 

Shabu Shabu

Shabu Shabu is usually served as an all-you-can-eat buffet. There is a boiling broth and you choose different veggies and meet to put into the soup. The beef is sliced so thinly that you can dip it in the boiling broth stir it around for only a couple seconds and toss it in your mouth. So good!

Strange Places

(Didn't set foot in this bar)

(Jail Themed Restaurant)

Nightlife

Zaza bar seems to be the bar where Japanese and foreigners mingle and Club World is just 5 minutes walk from there. And of course you can end your night in a private karaoke booth with all you can drink if you like.

Karaoke