Our first day in Kyoto we started bright and early. We headed out along Shijo Dori and made a small pit stop to grab some coffee.
Once we finish our coffee run we started our way towards the Yukata rental shop and we managed to see the Gion Matsuri begin! It was my first ever matsuri that I've ever seen in life and it was very interesting.
As soon as we got to the yukata rental shop it was time to pick our yukata and get our hair done! They have a wide range of hair accessories and hairstyles for you to choose from!
This time round I went for a pastel yellow with bright sakura flowers and finished it off with a pastel lilac obi. As for my hair I wanted something more elegant, so I went for a low bun and topped it off with a purple flower clip.
After putting on our yukata we headed off to Arashiyama, also known as the Bamboo Forest. It was super hot that day so I got myself some kakigori (shaved ice) at the station, before we started our walk towards Arashiyama Bridge to meet up with a friend of mine.
Along the way I saw this man grilling unagi!! OMGSH! I wanted to just eat there on the spot because unagi is one of my favorite Japanese dishes! I had much regrets not getting this after we left too! Next summer I must try it!!
This time round, it was my first time being on the bridge at Arashiyama. It was really beautiful~
Steph and I didn't let the scene or yukata go to waste and we took tonnes of selfies, until my friend Oscar arrived!
We decided to grab some food before trekking up into the forest and so we walked around seeing what we could find to eat~ We managed to find a maiko walking around being filmed~ I loved her red kimono!!
As for lunch, we settled down for this soba shop nearby and it was super refreshing, as it was served cold!
After lunch, it was time to head into the Bamboo forest. I swear everything looks so much more vibrant and full of life in summer!
Cannot leave the bamboo forest without any selfies, right!? Just Oscar, Steph and I enjoying this lovely walk surrounded by nature and people.
I mean look how beautiful this scene just looks!
We came across this small pond?, and there were turtles hanging around it~
Thank you Oscar for taking this amazing shot as I descend down from the forest!
Once again, I had to take a photo on the rail tracks but I was definitely not going to balance on the beam in my geta sandals!
After a long day of walking in the forest, Oscar headed off as he was headed to Tokyo that night to meet up with friends. whereas Steph and I were headed off to Kinkakuji, but first, we needed a quick break from all that walking. So we stopped by this cute little cafe!
We ordered the Ice tea set which comes with a refreshing glass of ice tea and red tea jelly. The jelly was so nice and delicious, perfect for the summer days!
I had to take heaps of selfies since I won't have many chances of me in a yukata that is properly put on! After finishing our little treat we headed out to Enmachi, where Kinkakuji awaits us!
When we arrived at Enmachi, I had to make a quick stop to the croquette shop as they have really good croquette there at cheap prices. Unfortunately for us we arrived 5:01pm and the place closes at 5pm. So we had to revisit Kinkakuji another time.
We headed back to Kyoto, returned our yukata's before heading out for a quick dinner. We got Mosburger (again!). Mmmm that tastey goodness.
We explored an arcade strip, where we found many shops and restaurants were hidden in. There was also a shrine so we decided to check it out.
We saw many of these thousand paper cranes hanging~
As soon as we came out of the shrine we headed a lot of noise from the other side so we made our way through and saw that the Gion Matsuri was making its' finale! The men would hoist the float up and down while chanting, as a means of team effort and support.
Once they were done they all cheered and clapped for everyone's effort for the day. They have had a long day as you will find them to be all sweaty and tired! After watching the last hoist, Steph and I headed back home and had an early night in.
[231215]
Only 2 days till Christmas and until I announce the giveaway winner!! If you haven't entered you can enter now via this "link".
Blogging about my Japan trips makes me miss Japan so much and I cannot believe next year in June the Tsukiji fish market will no longer be there!! Hopefully their new fish market will be just as good though! Need to start planning my next Japan trip, I really want to go during the Sakura season and Octorber for their Halloween craziness!
Comments are love ♥
-LAZYPANDAH
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