KIYOMIZU-DERA KYOTO

Kiyomizu-dera is a magnificent temple built in 1633. You need to see this temple in real life in order to truly appreciate what an amazing piece of architecture it is.

There are many smaller temples on site also before reaching the main temple.

The view from the main temple is beautiful.

My daughter wanted to buy one of these prayer tablets to hang here, but we were told it was "only for Japanese".  Ok.

Have a look at the size of the pillars.

The main verandah overhangs a huge drop of a mountain. How did they build such an enormous structure without any heavy machinery? And to think of how many people over the centuries that have stood on this verandah, but somehow it is able to withstand the weight. It just amazes me.

A man painting a watercolour of the temple. What a peaceful pastime.

A quaint teahouse on the descent from the temple.

More pretty yukata.

By the time we reached the end of Kiyomizu-dera, I was sweating with a fever. But somehow I kept on walking and browsing the souvenir shops. I wasn't about to let my virus ravaged body stop me from fullfilling my lifetime's dream of exploring Kyoto.

Kawaii-ness everywhere.

We then caught a cab to Sanjo Dori, as I had spotted a fabric store when we were rushing along the night before. I knew I wasn't going to have time to go to all the craft and fabric shops on my itinerary, but at least one was madatory.  My family went off to Teramachi arcade as my daughter wanted to buy some clothes, so I had almost 1 hour to myself in the fabric shop, which turned out to be Nomura Tailor.

From memory, it was 3 or 4 storeys. The ground floor was lots of Japanese prints, Liberty and kimono brocade. One floor was just craft and notions, and there was another for formal fabrics and one for kid's prints. I had to laugh at a tourist husband sitting in the corner of the shop playing on his iphone whilst his wife shopped feverishly. Good to know there are other people out there like me, only I was smart enough to get rid of my husband for a bit. As I stumbbled around the store carrying great bolts of fabric, a nice man appeared out of the blue to carry my fabric to the counter.  The customer service in Japan always astounds me. That wouldn't happen in Australia.

I ended up buying several kilos of fabric and craft stuff, which I will show you a bit later. So now I felt I had achieved something. Always happy when I have just bought fabric!

There's also a branch of this shop in the Teramachi Arcade. The store closes at 7.30pm.

http://www.nomura-tailor.co.jp/

 

We ended up at this family restaurant for dinner. It reminded me of a Pizza Hut as it was a free standing building on a corner block with a carpark, which is unusual in Japan.  Inside it had a nice atmosphere and the seating was in cozy booths. I love these menus with the big pictures - they're good for us foreigners.

My son had his favourite karaage and potato wedges.

I had udon with a tempura prawn.

My husband ordered this beef set.  I felt too sick to really appreciate the meal, but it was delicious.

We then walked back to our inn which was owned by this cute little family.

I fell into bed, I mean futon on a hard floor, and wished I had remembered to bring my Panadiene tablets.

I was feeling very sorry for myself.