He Qi Crystal Designs: Japan Part 2 and New Creations

Saturday, April 14, 2012

Japan Part 2 and New Creations

We stayed at K's House for our 4 day stay in Kyoto. In all honesty, I will not be going back if I return. This is a great place for backpackers to stay, or those traveling extremely light. If you plan to spend almost no time in your room except to sleep, I suppose it'll do. But I would prefer a room where we can actually set down our luggage.

In Japan, you are charged per room by the number of people staying in that room. But from what we've observed on our travels, there's one size room for up to 4 people. It is soo crowded. We don't mind the tatami floors, and the place was very clean. Bathroom are separate (also fine). But it wasn't a comfortable place for us to rest.

Here's a shot of the room-- this is.. as much space as we had. 4 sleeping mats placed directly next to each other, almost overlapping... and about 1 foot room for our luggage to stand.

Every morning downstairs, they had a breakfast buffet with some milk, cereal, yogurt (DELICIOUS YOGURT, Japan has the best yogurt ever...) They do definitely have modern facilities and a nice bar/hangout downstairs:

First day in Kyoto, we visited Kinkaku-ji, The Golden Temple -- beautiful!

Here, there are people who throw money and try to get it on a statue- I think it's something along the lines of good luck if you get your coin to stay on the top of the statue.

Beautiful scenery throughout.

Afterwards, we dine on my first official Japanese meal!

This pork chop was quite delicious; mild, but still good.

Japanese meals always come with a bit of side dishes, here were mine:

Good, fresh salad, sticky rice, miso soup and preserved veggies.

The other dishes included cream-crab croquettes:

Brian had ... a really RICH dish; a play on Chicken Parmesan with a different sauce. Good, perhaps... a bit too heavy :)

On our way back, I stopped by a little shop and bought a small box of traditional Japanese sweets.. absolutely beautiful works of art.

And then off we went to Teramachi Dori to play some games!!!
Teramachi Dori is a popular area for locals and tourists alike. It's lined with many, many shops, arcades, eateries, etc-- it's HUGE. We did NOT get a chance to explore all its parts.

Lots of these pusher games with snacks! Snacks and candies and chocolate :)

Here's a claw machine where you can win yourself some Haigen Daz Ice cream! Our friend Keith actually won some, so it's possible :)

I wanted to get one of these cute cat things:

And failed, but that's okay, lol.

Brian and I are excited about playing-- I know my outfit is horrendous. Most of what I wore in Japan was disgusting compared to whatever everyone else was wearing.

Running pants, boots and a hoodie. Not hot, though extremely comfortable for all the walking we did.

POCKY! We won them :)

Teramachi Dori photo-- outside walking:

Of course, could not resist getting some fried chicken :D

This was a cool place to hang out, right in the middle of all these shops!

That's it for Kyoto pictures... FOR THIS POST :) I do have more but we'll have to take it a little at a time.

I did release the Personalized Lip Tint Lockets on my website a few days ago-- these make wonderful Mother's Day presents!