Our last full day in Japan! We started the morning off with a quick onigiri breakfast from the convenience store. The last bucket list item to check off on our Kyoto itinerary was to visit Fushimi Inari Shrine while wearing kimonos! Since we also had to check out of our Airbnb, we decided to drop off our luggage at a storage centre in Kyoto station. That way, we would still be free to explore for the day.
We rented kimonos from Wargo, a company that has multiple locations in Kyoto and other cities. We went to the one located right across from Kyoto station on the third floor of Kyoto Tower.
We went for the standard kimono, and though we were limited to a smaller section of the store, there was still a wide variety of designs to choose from. Once we made our selection, including the obi, we were guided to the back where workers help to dress you. Let me tell you, putting on a kimono is an art form. So many intricate folds!
We also opted to get our hair done and to complete the look, they let you borrow a hair accessory, bag, and shoes.
After we were finished dressing up, we took a quick taxi ride over to Fushimi Inari since it was easier than taking the train in our full get-up. Can you imagine all the weird looks and stares we'd get? Also, it was actually quite difficult walking around in the kimono. Everything is tied really tight so it was a struggle to waddle around in the sandals, let alone to breathe.
Fushimi Inari Taisha is one of the most important Shinto shrines in Kyoto. The shrine is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, sake, and prosperity. Foxes are said to be the messengers of Inari, so you'll see many fox statues, motifs, and souvenirs around the area.
Perhaps the most famous part of Fushimi Inari Taisha are the thousands of vermilion torii gates that line the trails of Mount Inari.
The torii gates are donated by individuals or companies, with inscriptions of their names and date of donation carved into the back of each gate.
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If you wanted to hike up the entire summit of the mountain, the entire journey takes about 2-3 hours. However, most people turn back after the first break in the trail.
Lots of street food stands around the area. We took a small break from taking pictures and got some takoyaki.
There was a shop near the entrance of Fushimi Inari that sold fresh senbei, or Japanese rice crackers. Mine was brushed with soy sauce and sprinkled with some seaweed.
A couple hours later, we decided to head back to Kyoto Tower to return our kimonos. Such a relief taking all the layers off. Literally a weight off our shoulders.
Afterwards, we decided to have a proper lunch at Kyo-ryori Manshige, one of the restaurants in PORTA, Kyoto Station's underground dining area.
We actually didn't have much sushi while in Japan (regret!) so we definitely were overdue for some raw fish. Manshige actually serves a style of Kyo-ryori, or Kyoto cuisine. We ordered a sushi or sashimi set each, which came with a variety of tempura and side dishes.
Such pretty presentation!
After our late lunch, we picked up our luggage and headed back to Tokyo. We were going to spend the night in Tokyo before departing for the airport early the next day. The shinkansen trip almost seemed longer going back -- no doubt because we were sad to be leaving.
The Airbnb we booked was located a few blocks away from Tokyo station. The apartment (if you can call it that) was tiiiny with only tatami mats for sleeping but we knew that going in. We figured it was only for one night and we didn't need anything fancy.
Though we were exhausted after settling in, we decided to head out in search of nearby eats. We found Nakau, a 24-hour Japanese fast food restaurant chain that specializes in donburi (rice bowls) and udon. A very casual place where ordering was done via vending machine. It seemed like a popular spot for solo diners and businessmen who just got off work.
I ordered a katsudon while my sister got a katsu curry. LT enjoyed her dish a lot but I was a bit indifferent. It did the job of filling us up though.
Since we were leaving Japan the next day, we decided to spend the remaining money on our Suica cards at the 7-11 across from the apartment. You could technically get the money refunded back but we thought it wasn't worth the trouble. Plus, who doesn't like snacks?
Obligatory ice cream to cap off the night. Pretty sure I had ice cream every day on our trip. No regrets there.
And that concludes our last full day in Japan! We accomplished and seen a lot in the nine days that we were there but I know we barely scratched the surface. I'm definitely planning to go back one day!
Until then, off to Korea next ~
- CT
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