KYOTO > NAPONGA > TOKYO
Stomach ache in night thanks to feast. Set out in good time and Nijo-stationed it to Kyoto central.
No rush so took the thousand step staircase to the sky garden, otherwise known as the happy terrace. One floor down we happened upon the country house café – sat on a balcony terrace over the central concourse and devoured brunch of sweet potato soup and sandwiches plus K had toasted BLTs and cheesy rice bake with eggs on top (dozia?) plus strong iced coffee.
Suitably nourished we treated ourselves to reserved Shinkansen (Nozomi 20) super express to Tokyo via Naponga. K got talking to Jap girl next to him who spoke perfect English but had never been to Europe. We’ve seen more of Japan than she has although was on train for a business meeting in Osaka from Tokyo in a round day trip.
We missed the smoggy heat mostly by being on the train. Hopped on Yamamote line fast Ueno to Uesugidawa (?) and walked to Machiya. Looked and felt a bit Osaka like at this point.
Friendly greeting at posh accom. Basic room (make own beds for ‘the experience’) lush window view onto touchable electric pole. Needle sharp shower and hidden towels on full view.
Set out towards Sky Tower after K had to accept he cant have freaky footwear. Its lady slippers or nowt.
Head through Asakusa, stumbling across fab night lit ensemble of red and white temples where I touched the huge sandal to be able to walk better. Ambled the copias gallerias and covered streets.
Found the tabi shoes in all shapes and sizes – must go back! K nominates espadrilles for sacrifice. Some dead but lanterned streets were like Spirited Away 😀
Bright lights of Sky Tower, made awkward restaurant reservation for Thursday at 7pm.
Dodged Buddhist Jehovahs only to be accosted by ninja version protesting other versions as fake.
Area sporadic with residential and fast food so went for big meat pic by station. K creamed all over it. See photos.
Returned via street labyrinths using Family Mart as jump points. K fed rats a butt in illegal street manoeuvre.
Katie ate custard pillow in bed to torchlight. And goodnight.
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