Travel: Japan 2014 Day 9 // Kyoto // Stay: Hokkaikan Ohanabo // Eat: Nishiki Food Market // Walk: Obon Matsuri at Hirosawa no Ike

I backlogged my travel entry a bit, as last night I was so tired and couldn't be bothered to quick edit the pictures I took for the day and post it on the blog.

16/08/2014

In the morning, we left Magome after breakfast at Tajimaya to catch train and Shinkansen to Kyoto.














Total fare was JPY 6480 per person. When we arrived at Kyoto station, suddenly it pissed down raining like crazy. The rain wouldn't stop for hours. Kinda got us worried as there would be obon matsuri at night time.









After dropping off our day bag at our accommodation for the duration of our stay in Kyoto - Ryokan Hokkaikan Ohanabo - we soldered on to Nishiki Food Market. Yes, I chose to walk in the middle of crazy downpour, because I underestimated the walking distance. Took us a good more than half hour to reach Nishiki.



But when we arrived, ah, my starving self was so happy. This was my happy place. Few street blocks of neverending food. Glorious food.

This stall sells various fish cakes with different flavors/fillings at JPY 400 each. Try them. It's good!

Had Takoyaki that had chewy gooey centre (not the crispy-on-the-outside kinds). Still good though. And for JPY 350 for mix takoyaki (9 balls), who would have said no?

this was a bit expensive for the size, but actually quite good. I love the matcha one

What's better than baumkuchen? matcha baumkuchen

Tofu donuts with Hershey's chocolate sauce. 6 for JPY 250. Yes Please.

And the best green tea ice cream ever. So dense and matcha-ey

The street also has some souvenir shops - this would be my favourite. How could you not buy something here?? Impossibruuu!!



At night time, we headed to Hirosawa no Ike, where there were lantern afloats as part of celebration for obon matsuri in Kyoto. The floating lanterns are called 'toro-nagashi' and was set afloat from a small boat. The wind would do the rest of the job - scatering toro-nagashi all around the pond.

Then at 8 p.m., the bonfire on the five mountains (Gozan no Okuribi) in Kyoto started. From where we were at, we could see the Torii fire on Mount Mandara, which was set on 8.20 p.m. (the fire was set gradually from the most eastern mountain, to the most west - which was where we were).



We had dinner at a place close to Kyoto station, but it was quite forgettable.





Assortment of five different sushi (JPY 720), Assorted Kusikatsu (JPY 700), Kakuni - pork belly (JPY 520).

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We are staying at Hokkaikan Ohanabo, during our stay in Kyoto. Couldn't give good enough words about this place. It is located at only 5 minutes walk north of Kyoto station.

For the three nights we are staying, we were quoted JPY 73440 (for two people, and inclusive of one dinner and one breakfast at my request)

Snacks after arrival. Then we bought the same snacks afterwards as this was gooodd

The place, although looked a bit unassuming and small from the outside, was quite spacious, bright, and beautifully appointed
Room was also spacious, and we opted for the one that had ensuite (private toilet & bath)



But if you opted for a room without ensuite, their public bath is very good too (men & women separated).



When we checked in (after 4 p.m.), our luggage had arrived (which was sent from Sumiyoshi Ryokan at Takayama).





And of course, in-house yukata for Hokkaikan Ohanabo...