Following Google Maps brought me to Imadegawa Station which had plenty of foreigners.

I was hoping they were heading the same way as me but turned out they weren’t. Would have been easier to get off the buses.

I liked how the bus signs that were digitalised yet had a sliding mechanism to show which stop the next bus was currently at.

Trying to get off buses feels harder than a packed train because there is only one door…

Also find that natives mostly prefer a full seat to themselves than sit next to a stranger. Especially students.

Went after lunch and the place wasn’t too crowded.

There is a bit of an uphill climb which reminds me of the walk up to Kiyomizu or the caves at Enoshima. Plenty of souvenir stores which funnily enough, sold souvenirs for the Gold Pavilion too.

The little statues were kind of tempting but were also a bit too cheap looking so I decided against buying anything. The glass etched versions looked better but I try not to build up clutter these days.

Glazed strawberries seem to be everywhere.

Actually wanted the ice-cream puff but ended up with this instead. Probably because I asked for a “shoo puff” by mistake instead of “shoo softo”. Was wondering I was being charged cheap, lol… Again, cash only here.

Ticket comes in the form of a charm wishing for safety amongst the family along with a little guide.

It kind of felt like your usual Japanese castle garden tour.

There were a lot of students there as part of the common Kyoto school excursion.

A bit of a climb up stairs before you get an elevated view of the garden.

The phoenix on the roof stood out the most.

I don't think there's much detail to admire even when you start to get up close. Guess why there's no crowds around.

Beware of snakes and caterpillars. Should I be worried?

Throughout the walk, there was the sound of thunder. It wasn’t until I finished my tour of the place before it started raining thankfully.

I had planned to take a walk along the Philosopher’s Path nearby but with no umbrella to shield my Osmo Pocket from the rain I decided to return to base.

Today was supposed to be a break day anyway so got some laundry done. With only 2 laundry machines for the entire hotel, I found myself meeting the same two people while timing and collecting my laundry… What a way to mingle.

I was reluctant to go to KFC for dinner after my last experience from a previous trip but, with all the restaurants filled up and waiting lists long, I went for it. Very quiet and multi-lingual screens for ordering too so foreigner friendly.

Chips turned out ok this time and I thought I’d try something not on the UK menu; a Wafuu (Japanese style) Cutlet Chicken Burger.

Spot Mario Galaxy movie related keywords around Kyoto stations and get a prize. Still to watch the movie.

Check out how many calories you’re burning by using the stairs.

Pretty cool monument commemorating 50 years of the Kyoto Royal Lions Club whatever that is...