*some of the info extracted from wikipedia and japan-guide*
12 Sep 2016- Kyoto Day 2
The highlight of our Japan trip was long awaited for this day, day we were in Kimono (着物, きもの), Japanese traditional garment. The word "kimono",
which actually means a "thing to wear" (ki "wear" and mono
"thing").
It is highly recommended to make booking on the kimono earlier to secure the slot as it takes time for the kimono process. From choosing your kimono, belt, handbag then staff assist in wearing process which took another 15-20mins, self make up plus last minute hairdo, not to mention the waiting time, it took us around 2 hours to get 6 girls all done in Kimono!
Our first stop of the day was Kinkakuji Temple (金閣寺,Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are
completely covered in gold leaf. An impressive temple built in the middle of pond, Kinkakuji was inspired for the similarly named Ginkakuji (Silver Pavilion).
My first Kimono look on temple with the ticket. Yeah, that's the ticket for entrance. The design of ticket is so special, looks like a talisman or rune something! Because of our kimonos, we been quite popular among the tourists, some even taking picture with us or behind us. Sounds like popular celebrities with paparazzi! (*floating*)
The second stop of the day was Arashiyama.
The Togetsukyo Bridge (渡月桥, "Moon Crossing
Bridge")
Arashiyama's most iconic landmark
Bamboo Groves- walking paths
The groves are particularly attractive when there is a light wind and the tall bamboo stalks sway gently back and forth. It is blessed that the weather of the day was windy and chilling enough :)
Show off xia my back with kimono :p
The girls w kimonos at bamboo groove.
From the left, Li Kin, me, Geraldine, Yi Ting, Lai Ching and Candice.
Spot any similarity? (There are two same kimonos here!!!)
The front picture of us on Kimono
Our lunch was after Bamboo Groove which was almost 4pm! I guess because of the kimonos, we didn't feel hungry at all and only realised that we have to be fed at the late noon.
Along the way going to bus stop, we managed to spot two geisha (芸子), traditional Japanese female entertainers who act as hostesses
and whose skills include performing various arts such as classical music,
dance, games and conversation, mainly to entertain male customers. Or maybe they are the apprentice of geisha, maiko "dancing child" (舞妓) or generally they did o-shaku (御酌),
literally one who pours (alcohol).
The story started with my sport shoes went broken which I rely heavily on them during the trip. My first remedy was thinking to get a super glue to get my shoe fixed. Inside a convenient store, while I was trying hard to tell the staff I would like to have a super glue to stick on the shoes, there was a kind uncle helped me to translate. Gentle reminder, Kyoto is a small peaceful town, hence not everyone especially local residents are English spoken and literate. Well, continue on the story... I did manage to get the super glue however the kind uncle asked me to go for cobbler service instead and recommended me one which is quite popular and easily access, Mister Minit.
Along the way at the subway, I found out the outlet I was headed to, is a retail shoes store, they actually didn't provide any cobbler service. OH MY! In the middle of Kyoto subway, I was panic, where I should go? Should i give up and go back? No, I don't want to give up and insist to get it fixed anyway. I was braced enough asking a local japanese girl stood beside me, asking any nearest Mister Minit that do provide cobbler service. Instead of keep explaining me in Japanese which I totally don't understand, she brought me to the outlet inside Daimaru Departmental Store that she found from her cellphone.
After ensuring myself was safe at the mall, then she left... I keep saying thank you and shake my hand with this kind girl! (*Thanks god! for sending me this girl*)
At the cobber shop, the staff not only provided me the cobbler service on last minute basis knowing that I am leaving Kyoto the next day but also didn't charge me a single yen! I can only nonstop saying Arigato Gozaimasu to the uncle and inside my heart feel so touched to meet such kind-hearted people.
Hanami-koji
Along the street, the shops and restaurants aren't transparent at all and can see a lot of expensive cars entering the street. (I guess there are geisha/ maiko performance inside and of course you have to pay for it!)
13 Sep 2016- Nara
We heard so much stories about the deers at Nara from our roommate at Hakone Hostel hence we decided to pay a visit here! The six of us separated into 2 small groups, one going to Nara to see deers another one headed to Osaka to see fishes at aquarium.
Kofuku-ji Temple 興福寺
It is hard to miss the temple on our way up Noborioji Street on the way to Nara-koen Park as there the temple compound contains the towering pagoda.
Deer: Thanks for the cookie (bow)
Me: You are most welcomed! (moving backward)
Deer: Thanks again! (bow again)
Me: It is ok! My pleassure (moving further backward)
Nara's deer are surprisingly tame, although they can be aggressive if they think you will feed them. Deer crackers are for sale around the park, and some deer have learned to bow to visitors to ask to be fed. Yeah I was a bit scared thinking they are way of aggresive end up they actually bow after I fed them crackers (the crackers actually smell good!).Me: It is ok! My pleassure (moving further backward)
Good Bye Nara! See you and you (deers) again!
