Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 6 - Kyoto)
DAY 1
I arrived in Kyoto early in the morning. Rain was pouring at that time. I was searching for the the way to hostel (K's House Hostel) but later got frustrated because I have dragged my huge luggage under the rain into 2 streets but I never find the correct way, so I decided to stop a taxi to help me. The Taxi driver was very nice and he could speak English very well. We chatted a lot during the ride. He told me that he went to Malaysia from China via train once but didn't continue his trip to Indonesia because he was stopped (by the authority?) in Malaka Straight. He was a bit lost, and have to called the hostel (with his own cellphone) to find the correct way. He then told me that he used to live in Tokyo, but decided to moved to Kyoto 3 months ago because he wanted to learn to become guide but he needed to know Kyoto better before becoming guide that's why he work as Taxi driver. Once we arrive at the destination, he kindly carry my heavy and wet luggage in front to the hostel door across the street, and he also kindly turn off the "fare meter" on the spot where he got lost earlier so I got lower fare than I suppose to get. Thank you very much! <3
It was not my time to check in yet, so I have to put my luggage in the storage room. But before that I took a bath, wash my tooth and have an Indomie breakfast in the common room (Yes, they allow me to use the common room even before check in). After storing my luggage, I bought Kyoto 1 day bus pass in the receptionist for 500yen then went to Kyoto Station. Apparently it's easy to find the front part of the station. First target was Fushimi Inari, since it is famous and I was told that it was out of town, so I have to get there first, while the other place can be reached later because most of the place I want to visit was inside the town.
Fushimi Inari
Apparently it was so close from the Kyoto Station. Only 2-3 bus stop away. It was Saturday, so it was packed by people. To reach the place requires around 10 minutes walking from the bus stop. There's a lot of shop selling merchandise to snacks on the left and right side of the road. On the lower part of it there's some bunch of shrine building. They sell a prayer card on a shape of fox, it looked so cute but I hesitated to buy it because I want to take it home instead of writing a wishes and hang it there. On the upper left the famous line of red gate started. I was determined to get on the top, which apparently a very tiring effort, and the top was not really impressive as they looked almost the same as another check point. My suggestion: once you reach the point where you can see the view of Kyoto City, take a good picture, rest and get down. The top was still far away from that point, and it was not really worthy to waste your energy to the top, especially if you has limited time in Kyoto. Trust me on that!
The beauty of Fushimi Inari
If you reach this point in Fushimi Inari, turn around and go back, no need to go further.
Japanese are so creative, they turn the expressionless fox into some handsome faces..
While walking to the top, I decided to buy the fox prayer card once I got down, but the way down wasn't the same path I took to go upstairs (I guess I kinda took the wrong way) so I didn't manage to buy it. After manage to reach the top by losing a lot of energy, I told myself to buy some snack as reward of my effort, so I bought Sakura ice cream. Then I saw takoyaki. It looked so delicious with the size trice bigger than what I used to see in Indonesia..I wanted to buy it, but my only hand had been occupied with the ice cream and I have an appointment with my friend's friend in Kyoto Station, I would feel bad if I keep her waiting for too long, so I didn't buy the takoyaki (in the hope that I could find it in another spot later on, but later I failed).
A proof shot that I've reached the top of Fushimi Inari
I arrived at Kyoto Station to take my friend's belonging and we bought a sushi roll and one inari sushi in Kyoto Station for lunch. We chatted for a while and said goodbye because she was from another city and she needed to go back. She invited to go to her place, but since I only has limited time in Japan I have to decline.. :(
Kiyomizu Dera
actually I made the list of the spot that I want to visit in Kyoto based on one page about sightseeing spot in Kyoto inside my Japanese handout.
One of the place they mentioned was Kiyomizu Dera. Beside that, I have an appointment with another friend in Shijo Kawaramachi, and this temple was on the way to Shijo Kawaramachi. To reach the temple you need to walk around for 15 minutes from the bus stop and the path was up hill. The temple was even more higher, but seriously was beautiful. So the walk upstairs was worth it. The main temple was made 100% by woods and due to the land contour it was made very tall with woods supporting the main balcony. We are allowed to step on the main balcony which was quite tilted, and they not limit the number of people allowed to step on it. I manage to take picture of myself with the assistance of several other tourist. Sadly, I drop my one day pass in this temple so I have to pay for the next bus towards Gion. In Kyoto the bus fare are flat for 230 yen per trip.
Gion
I went here because they said you can see Maiko when you came on the right time (around 15:00 to 17:00?). But I came around 17:30.
In that place you'll be able to find a pond with tortoise inside the smaller pond and a stork on the bigger pond (at first I thought the stork was a statue). There was a fish jumping so high that me and one of the tourist gasped loudly in awe. No other fish jumped that high again after that.
The pond in Gion
The stork
Anyway the place actually looked like a small housing complex, it has many buildings and I wonder in which building does the Maiko lives. Because besides some traditional building there were some classic European buildings. I left the place after taking several picture because it was almost already 18:30 while my appointment was at 19:00.
Shijo Kawaramachi
According to google map Shijo Kawaramachi was within reach by foot from Gion, and it was! As I lost my one day pass I think I'll use my money to take bus later to reach the hostel. So there I met Okurappa-san. She's one of Bump of Chicken's fan that I follow on Tumblr because her Tumblr post mainly are translation of Bump of Chicken's interviews which are rare to find (she translated it herself), I accidentally chat with her and she offers me to help my buy Bump of Chicken's CD/merchandise and I can take it from her on the day I'm in Kyoto. I only bought 2 stuff actually the xyloband (whis is now broken due to my fault) and Chama's (Bump of Chicken's bassist) book. We stop by at starbucks on my request (which I regret now, because I should've gone to a more authentic Japanese place). On the way to Starbucks we were dragged by the cuteness of playing kittens in a pet shop, along with us there were several Japanese as well.
We had our dinner at the starbucks (i bought egg sandwich and cookie frappucino or something like that) and we talked a lot about Bump of Chicken (new songs, concerts, women, article translations and other fangirling stuff). She even show me the way to reach Chama's family restaurant (Ooiwa) in Chiba if I have the time and willingness to go there. It was a really fun night. She took me to the correct bus stop towards my hostel, but I stop too early because the name of the bus stop was quite similar to the place I should stop, so I took the next bus and stop at the nearest place to my hostel.
Between Gion and Shijo Kawaramachi
My room was a mixed dorm and since it was weekend, the room was full and only 1 bed on top of a bunk bed available. Luckily I can climb the bed's stair with my only hand.
DAY 2
Initially I want to go to Arashiyama, which located little far from down town Kyoto, but after walking/hiking too much yesterday, I decided to walk around the city instead. Because there are plenty spot in the down town that I haven't visit yet. I woke up a little bit late (around 8:30). Taking a bath, packing things because I have to check out that day. After cleaning up, I cooked a ramen I bought from Indonesia for breakfast. I decided to ate it on the roof top because I haven't been there. So I took the elevator to the top. There's one guy with me in the elevator. I was kinda embarrassed because I bought a bowl of cooked ramen with me. And apparently this guy was heading towards the rooftop as well. He helped me to open the rooftop balcony door and asked if I was OK when I got tripped. Both of us released a long "wow" when we saw the view from the rooftop and he said it was his first time coming to the roof top. I sat down and expected him to stay sat far away from me, but instead he sat in front of me and we chat a lot. It was a nice morning. After finishing my ramen, I took picture of the view and got down to clean the bowl and grab my luggage preparing to leave.
View from the rooftop (you can see Kyoto Tower)
I put my luggage in the hostel's storage room, bought the 1 day pass for today and left towards Kyoto station. I found a good way to prevent me loosing another pass card; put the pass in the left pocket of my jeans. because I rarely use the left pocket so the card wouldn't fell when I grab for coins or anything. the left pocket was special for pass card!
Kinkakuji
This place is famous for a temple purely made with gold. The place was very crowded because it was Sunday, but I manage to take good picture of it. :D
They also have a bowl at the corner of the path where we can throw coins from certain distance in a hope that if the coins gets inside the bowl our wishes would come true (but I failed to put even one coin despite many coins I have thrown).
In Kinkakuji I bought omamori for my friend and me (the price there was cheaper than in Fushimi Inari or the Kiyomizudera), and they also have a small cafe selling green tea and traditional sweet snack for 500 yen. Of course I bought that!
Kinkakuji
Matcha & sugary snack
Ryouanjingu
I wanted to go there because this one have Japanese style Zen stone garden with certain philosophy in it. It was near Kinkakuji. I didn't know the way so I ask a lady, and she told me I can took the bus number "Juukyu" - 19 (that's what I heard). I check the map and I saw no bus number 19 passing there so I decided to ask another guy. He told me that I could walk there. I finally decided to walk and apparently it was quite far and in midday. I almost feel like I was lost until I finally found the place. I saw bus number "Go Juukyu" - 59 passing by there. Ah! I missed heard "Go juukyu" to "juukyu". *facepalm* I feel like crying because it was so hot and quite far, plus I have the 1 day pass which allowed to take as many bus as I want. On the way there I stopped at Lawson to buy Ghibli and Doraemon museum ticket, but sadly they haven't sell the ticket for the date that my sister's friend's wanted.
Ryouanjingu was a very tranquil place, with a lot of trees it provides cool air in the hot weather. There is one guide that explain the philosophy of the garden towards visitors, I don't know whether he was the guide for another group or he's the guide in ryouanjingu but I keep sticking with him to get the explanation. The garden contains of 15 rocks, but if you sit on the porch, no matter from which side you could only manage to see 14 rocks. Only once you stand you can see all fifteen. He explain that the philosophy was no matter how human strive for perfection (15 stone) they would never get it, only God - Budha can reach that (all 15 stones can be seen from above when standing - God's POV towards human). He also mentioned that the other thing to notice is that the formation of the stones construct the letter ”心” - Kokoro (Heart or Soul in Japanese). The interesting part was also that no one knows who created the the garden.
The Zen Garden
The room behind the garden
Small water fountain
PS: there is a small souvenir shop in front of Ryouanji but the price were expensive. I like one simple wallet that they have but the price was so expensive (more than 20,000en). Can't afford it TT
Islamic Center and Kyoto Imperial Park
It was almost 15:00 and as I hadn't been praying since I left Atami, I decided to visit the Islamic Center which located in the center of the city. I manage to find the place without many difficulties, but the place was closed because it was Sunday. TT
Feeling defeated, I continue to the nearest tourist attraction: Kyoto Imperial Castle. The map shows several bus stop near the castle, so I got confused which one was the nearest to the entrance I end up walking quite far because I guess I made the stop in the wrong place. It was almost 16:00 and I haven't ate anything after eating Matcha soft cream at Kinkakuji. So when I finally found the entrance door to the imperial park I decided to ate at the cafeteria. They sell udon so I ordered udon with tofu. They were about to close when I arrived there. I started to scare that maybe the the palace was close as well and my intuition was correct, the palace was close particularly because it's Sunday. I was tired with all the walking, but I have to walk again to the bus stop. it was almost 5, I'm debating to go to find takoyaki or just go shopping at Shijo Kawaramachi. I finally decided to go to Shijo Kawaramachi because I was tired of walking and getting lost, I'm afraid that the effort to find takoyaki would only waste my time, and I guess the one in Fushimi Inari has already close at that time.
One of the corner of Kyoto Imperial Castle
On the bus to Shijo Kawaramachi I spot a river where there's a lot of people (I guess there was a marathon earlier), other people also sit and chat with one another in the river bank. The sun was almost set, created a beautiful view in the water. So I decided to to walk to the river and I made a stop at the next bus stop, which luckily wasn't far from the river. I walked to the river and ask a person sitting there to take a picture of me crossing the river on the stepping stone. I feel refreshed after crossing the river, seeing the surroundings and the sounds of the water. I slowly letting go the frustration I had for failing to visit many spots in Kyoto.
Shijo Kawaramachi - Part 2
In Shijo Kawaramachi, I intended to find Sou.sou, because I've been wanting to have their shoes (but i was debating myself whether to buy their shoes or not because of the price was very expensive), but I challenged myself and thought lets see the shoes with my own eyes first then decided to buy it or not on spot. Other than that I'm interested to visit Book-Off, hoping that I could find the limited edition of Bump of Chicken's latest CD (with DVD bonus), but I couldn't find one. They only have the regular CD on discount but I already bought that on iTunes. I almost bought Shugo Tokumaru's CD + DVD for 750en, but then realize that I already have all the song there and I believe I can find the PVs inside the DVD on Youtube, so I walk out the Book-Off empty handed. Then I went to H&M because my friend told me that H&M would have very cheap price once they have the seasonal sale and yes I got 3 tank tops for 1,000en plus 5 pairs of socks for 1,000en as well (I never went to H&M in Indonesia but later I found that the price is slightly more expensive in Indonesia) After struggling to find the correct way trough my google map I finally found sou.sou's shop in a small alley, but they only sell scarf. I didn't know why I didn't ask where they sell their shoes (I guess I was too afraid that I would spend much money to buy their shoes which I want but don't really need).
So after finding the shop, I decided to return to the hostel. I took a bath, taking my luggage and went to the cafe next door to order takoyaki and yuzu tea for dinner. At around 22: 08 I left the hostel for Kyoto Station. My bus to Tokyo was planned to depart at 22:50. I arrived in front of the Kyoto Station at 22:18. The bust stop was at the back side of the station. What I didn't calculate was I got lost on the first day and I didn't know the way to go to the back side of the station plus the station was huge. I asked the Lawson guy the way but I he didn't know the way either. I keep moving and try to ask people. I got so panicked because the clock showed it was 22:40. Finally I found a group of salaryman, I guess they just returned from gathering or something. I ask the way, and the girl in the group assist me. We literally run towards the back side the station trough the station. We have to take the escalator to go inside the station, run trough the second floor, and my backpack decided to play prank on me. The zipper was wide opened, I guess it was because of the heavy weight and the running movement. The content started to spill; including the wifi that I rented. Luckily there was another nice girl helping me to collect my belonging. Imagine if I lost the rented wifi, I don't know how much I have to pay. The first girl who help me finding the way found an elevator to go down to the back side. While waiting for the elevator to stop at the correct floor I could see my bus across the street. I reached the street and I still have to wait for the crossing light to change to green before crossing the street. I ran towards the bus once the light change and confirmed my name to the driver while apologizing for being late (I tried to say "I'm sorry, I was lost" in Japanese, hopefully I said it correctly). When I entered the bus some people were staring at me, and the clock in the bus showed 22:51 (1 minutes late from the initial schedule). I felt guilty but nothing I can do, so I just drank my water (I was thirsty because of all the running) and fall asleep instantly.
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 1 - Preparation)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 2 - Jakarta-Narita-Odawara Station)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 3 - Hakone)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 4 - Atami)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 5 - Tokyo-Home)
I arrived in Kyoto early in the morning. Rain was pouring at that time. I was searching for the the way to hostel (K's House Hostel) but later got frustrated because I have dragged my huge luggage under the rain into 2 streets but I never find the correct way, so I decided to stop a taxi to help me. The Taxi driver was very nice and he could speak English very well. We chatted a lot during the ride. He told me that he went to Malaysia from China via train once but didn't continue his trip to Indonesia because he was stopped (by the authority?) in Malaka Straight. He was a bit lost, and have to called the hostel (with his own cellphone) to find the correct way. He then told me that he used to live in Tokyo, but decided to moved to Kyoto 3 months ago because he wanted to learn to become guide but he needed to know Kyoto better before becoming guide that's why he work as Taxi driver. Once we arrive at the destination, he kindly carry my heavy and wet luggage in front to the hostel door across the street, and he also kindly turn off the "fare meter" on the spot where he got lost earlier so I got lower fare than I suppose to get. Thank you very much! <3
It was not my time to check in yet, so I have to put my luggage in the storage room. But before that I took a bath, wash my tooth and have an Indomie breakfast in the common room (Yes, they allow me to use the common room even before check in). After storing my luggage, I bought Kyoto 1 day bus pass in the receptionist for 500yen then went to Kyoto Station. Apparently it's easy to find the front part of the station. First target was Fushimi Inari, since it is famous and I was told that it was out of town, so I have to get there first, while the other place can be reached later because most of the place I want to visit was inside the town.
Fushimi Inari
Apparently it was so close from the Kyoto Station. Only 2-3 bus stop away. It was Saturday, so it was packed by people. To reach the place requires around 10 minutes walking from the bus stop. There's a lot of shop selling merchandise to snacks on the left and right side of the road. On the lower part of it there's some bunch of shrine building. They sell a prayer card on a shape of fox, it looked so cute but I hesitated to buy it because I want to take it home instead of writing a wishes and hang it there. On the upper left the famous line of red gate started. I was determined to get on the top, which apparently a very tiring effort, and the top was not really impressive as they looked almost the same as another check point. My suggestion: once you reach the point where you can see the view of Kyoto City, take a good picture, rest and get down. The top was still far away from that point, and it was not really worthy to waste your energy to the top, especially if you has limited time in Kyoto. Trust me on that!
The beauty of Fushimi Inari
If you reach this point in Fushimi Inari, turn around and go back, no need to go further.
Japanese are so creative, they turn the expressionless fox into some handsome faces..
While walking to the top, I decided to buy the fox prayer card once I got down, but the way down wasn't the same path I took to go upstairs (I guess I kinda took the wrong way) so I didn't manage to buy it. After manage to reach the top by losing a lot of energy, I told myself to buy some snack as reward of my effort, so I bought Sakura ice cream. Then I saw takoyaki. It looked so delicious with the size trice bigger than what I used to see in Indonesia..I wanted to buy it, but my only hand had been occupied with the ice cream and I have an appointment with my friend's friend in Kyoto Station, I would feel bad if I keep her waiting for too long, so I didn't buy the takoyaki (in the hope that I could find it in another spot later on, but later I failed).
A proof shot that I've reached the top of Fushimi Inari
I arrived at Kyoto Station to take my friend's belonging and we bought a sushi roll and one inari sushi in Kyoto Station for lunch. We chatted for a while and said goodbye because she was from another city and she needed to go back. She invited to go to her place, but since I only has limited time in Japan I have to decline.. :(
Kiyomizu Dera
actually I made the list of the spot that I want to visit in Kyoto based on one page about sightseeing spot in Kyoto inside my Japanese handout.
One of the place they mentioned was Kiyomizu Dera. Beside that, I have an appointment with another friend in Shijo Kawaramachi, and this temple was on the way to Shijo Kawaramachi. To reach the temple you need to walk around for 15 minutes from the bus stop and the path was up hill. The temple was even more higher, but seriously was beautiful. So the walk upstairs was worth it. The main temple was made 100% by woods and due to the land contour it was made very tall with woods supporting the main balcony. We are allowed to step on the main balcony which was quite tilted, and they not limit the number of people allowed to step on it. I manage to take picture of myself with the assistance of several other tourist. Sadly, I drop my one day pass in this temple so I have to pay for the next bus towards Gion. In Kyoto the bus fare are flat for 230 yen per trip.
Gion
I went here because they said you can see Maiko when you came on the right time (around 15:00 to 17:00?). But I came around 17:30.
In that place you'll be able to find a pond with tortoise inside the smaller pond and a stork on the bigger pond (at first I thought the stork was a statue). There was a fish jumping so high that me and one of the tourist gasped loudly in awe. No other fish jumped that high again after that.
The pond in Gion
The stork
Anyway the place actually looked like a small housing complex, it has many buildings and I wonder in which building does the Maiko lives. Because besides some traditional building there were some classic European buildings. I left the place after taking several picture because it was almost already 18:30 while my appointment was at 19:00.
Shijo Kawaramachi
According to google map Shijo Kawaramachi was within reach by foot from Gion, and it was! As I lost my one day pass I think I'll use my money to take bus later to reach the hostel. So there I met Okurappa-san. She's one of Bump of Chicken's fan that I follow on Tumblr because her Tumblr post mainly are translation of Bump of Chicken's interviews which are rare to find (she translated it herself), I accidentally chat with her and she offers me to help my buy Bump of Chicken's CD/merchandise and I can take it from her on the day I'm in Kyoto. I only bought 2 stuff actually the xyloband (whis is now broken due to my fault) and Chama's (Bump of Chicken's bassist) book. We stop by at starbucks on my request (which I regret now, because I should've gone to a more authentic Japanese place). On the way to Starbucks we were dragged by the cuteness of playing kittens in a pet shop, along with us there were several Japanese as well.
We had our dinner at the starbucks (i bought egg sandwich and cookie frappucino or something like that) and we talked a lot about Bump of Chicken (new songs, concerts, women, article translations and other fangirling stuff). She even show me the way to reach Chama's family restaurant (Ooiwa) in Chiba if I have the time and willingness to go there. It was a really fun night. She took me to the correct bus stop towards my hostel, but I stop too early because the name of the bus stop was quite similar to the place I should stop, so I took the next bus and stop at the nearest place to my hostel.
Between Gion and Shijo Kawaramachi
My room was a mixed dorm and since it was weekend, the room was full and only 1 bed on top of a bunk bed available. Luckily I can climb the bed's stair with my only hand.
DAY 2
Initially I want to go to Arashiyama, which located little far from down town Kyoto, but after walking/hiking too much yesterday, I decided to walk around the city instead. Because there are plenty spot in the down town that I haven't visit yet. I woke up a little bit late (around 8:30). Taking a bath, packing things because I have to check out that day. After cleaning up, I cooked a ramen I bought from Indonesia for breakfast. I decided to ate it on the roof top because I haven't been there. So I took the elevator to the top. There's one guy with me in the elevator. I was kinda embarrassed because I bought a bowl of cooked ramen with me. And apparently this guy was heading towards the rooftop as well. He helped me to open the rooftop balcony door and asked if I was OK when I got tripped. Both of us released a long "wow" when we saw the view from the rooftop and he said it was his first time coming to the roof top. I sat down and expected him to stay sat far away from me, but instead he sat in front of me and we chat a lot. It was a nice morning. After finishing my ramen, I took picture of the view and got down to clean the bowl and grab my luggage preparing to leave.
View from the rooftop (you can see Kyoto Tower)
I put my luggage in the hostel's storage room, bought the 1 day pass for today and left towards Kyoto station. I found a good way to prevent me loosing another pass card; put the pass in the left pocket of my jeans. because I rarely use the left pocket so the card wouldn't fell when I grab for coins or anything. the left pocket was special for pass card!
Kinkakuji
This place is famous for a temple purely made with gold. The place was very crowded because it was Sunday, but I manage to take good picture of it. :D
They also have a bowl at the corner of the path where we can throw coins from certain distance in a hope that if the coins gets inside the bowl our wishes would come true (but I failed to put even one coin despite many coins I have thrown).
In Kinkakuji I bought omamori for my friend and me (the price there was cheaper than in Fushimi Inari or the Kiyomizudera), and they also have a small cafe selling green tea and traditional sweet snack for 500 yen. Of course I bought that!
Kinkakuji
Matcha & sugary snack
Ryouanjingu
I wanted to go there because this one have Japanese style Zen stone garden with certain philosophy in it. It was near Kinkakuji. I didn't know the way so I ask a lady, and she told me I can took the bus number "Juukyu" - 19 (that's what I heard). I check the map and I saw no bus number 19 passing there so I decided to ask another guy. He told me that I could walk there. I finally decided to walk and apparently it was quite far and in midday. I almost feel like I was lost until I finally found the place. I saw bus number "Go Juukyu" - 59 passing by there. Ah! I missed heard "Go juukyu" to "juukyu". *facepalm* I feel like crying because it was so hot and quite far, plus I have the 1 day pass which allowed to take as many bus as I want. On the way there I stopped at Lawson to buy Ghibli and Doraemon museum ticket, but sadly they haven't sell the ticket for the date that my sister's friend's wanted.
Ryouanjingu was a very tranquil place, with a lot of trees it provides cool air in the hot weather. There is one guide that explain the philosophy of the garden towards visitors, I don't know whether he was the guide for another group or he's the guide in ryouanjingu but I keep sticking with him to get the explanation. The garden contains of 15 rocks, but if you sit on the porch, no matter from which side you could only manage to see 14 rocks. Only once you stand you can see all fifteen. He explain that the philosophy was no matter how human strive for perfection (15 stone) they would never get it, only God - Budha can reach that (all 15 stones can be seen from above when standing - God's POV towards human). He also mentioned that the other thing to notice is that the formation of the stones construct the letter ”心” - Kokoro (Heart or Soul in Japanese). The interesting part was also that no one knows who created the the garden.
The Zen Garden
The room behind the garden
Small water fountain
PS: there is a small souvenir shop in front of Ryouanji but the price were expensive. I like one simple wallet that they have but the price was so expensive (more than 20,000en). Can't afford it TT
Islamic Center and Kyoto Imperial Park
It was almost 15:00 and as I hadn't been praying since I left Atami, I decided to visit the Islamic Center which located in the center of the city. I manage to find the place without many difficulties, but the place was closed because it was Sunday. TT
Feeling defeated, I continue to the nearest tourist attraction: Kyoto Imperial Castle. The map shows several bus stop near the castle, so I got confused which one was the nearest to the entrance I end up walking quite far because I guess I made the stop in the wrong place. It was almost 16:00 and I haven't ate anything after eating Matcha soft cream at Kinkakuji. So when I finally found the entrance door to the imperial park I decided to ate at the cafeteria. They sell udon so I ordered udon with tofu. They were about to close when I arrived there. I started to scare that maybe the the palace was close as well and my intuition was correct, the palace was close particularly because it's Sunday. I was tired with all the walking, but I have to walk again to the bus stop. it was almost 5, I'm debating to go to find takoyaki or just go shopping at Shijo Kawaramachi. I finally decided to go to Shijo Kawaramachi because I was tired of walking and getting lost, I'm afraid that the effort to find takoyaki would only waste my time, and I guess the one in Fushimi Inari has already close at that time.
One of the corner of Kyoto Imperial Castle
On the bus to Shijo Kawaramachi I spot a river where there's a lot of people (I guess there was a marathon earlier), other people also sit and chat with one another in the river bank. The sun was almost set, created a beautiful view in the water. So I decided to to walk to the river and I made a stop at the next bus stop, which luckily wasn't far from the river. I walked to the river and ask a person sitting there to take a picture of me crossing the river on the stepping stone. I feel refreshed after crossing the river, seeing the surroundings and the sounds of the water. I slowly letting go the frustration I had for failing to visit many spots in Kyoto.
Shijo Kawaramachi - Part 2
In Shijo Kawaramachi, I intended to find Sou.sou, because I've been wanting to have their shoes (but i was debating myself whether to buy their shoes or not because of the price was very expensive), but I challenged myself and thought lets see the shoes with my own eyes first then decided to buy it or not on spot. Other than that I'm interested to visit Book-Off, hoping that I could find the limited edition of Bump of Chicken's latest CD (with DVD bonus), but I couldn't find one. They only have the regular CD on discount but I already bought that on iTunes. I almost bought Shugo Tokumaru's CD + DVD for 750en, but then realize that I already have all the song there and I believe I can find the PVs inside the DVD on Youtube, so I walk out the Book-Off empty handed. Then I went to H&M because my friend told me that H&M would have very cheap price once they have the seasonal sale and yes I got 3 tank tops for 1,000en plus 5 pairs of socks for 1,000en as well (I never went to H&M in Indonesia but later I found that the price is slightly more expensive in Indonesia) After struggling to find the correct way trough my google map I finally found sou.sou's shop in a small alley, but they only sell scarf. I didn't know why I didn't ask where they sell their shoes (I guess I was too afraid that I would spend much money to buy their shoes which I want but don't really need).
So after finding the shop, I decided to return to the hostel. I took a bath, taking my luggage and went to the cafe next door to order takoyaki and yuzu tea for dinner. At around 22: 08 I left the hostel for Kyoto Station. My bus to Tokyo was planned to depart at 22:50. I arrived in front of the Kyoto Station at 22:18. The bust stop was at the back side of the station. What I didn't calculate was I got lost on the first day and I didn't know the way to go to the back side of the station plus the station was huge. I asked the Lawson guy the way but I he didn't know the way either. I keep moving and try to ask people. I got so panicked because the clock showed it was 22:40. Finally I found a group of salaryman, I guess they just returned from gathering or something. I ask the way, and the girl in the group assist me. We literally run towards the back side the station trough the station. We have to take the escalator to go inside the station, run trough the second floor, and my backpack decided to play prank on me. The zipper was wide opened, I guess it was because of the heavy weight and the running movement. The content started to spill; including the wifi that I rented. Luckily there was another nice girl helping me to collect my belonging. Imagine if I lost the rented wifi, I don't know how much I have to pay. The first girl who help me finding the way found an elevator to go down to the back side. While waiting for the elevator to stop at the correct floor I could see my bus across the street. I reached the street and I still have to wait for the crossing light to change to green before crossing the street. I ran towards the bus once the light change and confirmed my name to the driver while apologizing for being late (I tried to say "I'm sorry, I was lost" in Japanese, hopefully I said it correctly). When I entered the bus some people were staring at me, and the clock in the bus showed 22:51 (1 minutes late from the initial schedule). I felt guilty but nothing I can do, so I just drank my water (I was thirsty because of all the running) and fall asleep instantly.
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 1 - Preparation)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 2 - Jakarta-Narita-Odawara Station)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 3 - Hakone)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 4 - Atami)
Crossing the Big Dream Out of My List with Garuda Indonesia (Part 5 - Tokyo-Home)