Weeping Cherry of Sannen Zaka

It is reported that cherry blossoms in Tokyo are already in full bloom.  In Kyoto, the blooming of cherry blossoms was announced just three days ago.

However, the big weeping cherry tree in Sannen-zaka is fully bloomed now.

Girls in kimono and cherry blossoms are beautifully matched.

And tomorrow is a full moon -- another great match with cherry blossoms!

Toji Temple's Flea Market Part 3

In fact, flea markets at Toji Temple are held twice a month -- "Kobo-san" on the 21st, and "garakuta ichi" on the first Sunday.  ("Garakuta" literally means junk and "ichi" means market in Japanese.)

Of course Kobo-san is much larger, and many food related venders participate on the 21st.  

I ended my visit with Japanese udon noodle and oden (Japanese pot-au-feu).  It was a fun day!

Toji Temple's Flea Market Part 2

Used bicycles are really cheap and very well maintained.

Toji Temple's Flea Market

On the 21st of each month, a very famous flea market called "Kobo-san" is held at Toji Temple.  

It was a perfect weather for a flea market and there were lots of people browsing through the market.

There were many venders outside the Temple as well.  

Kimono and Obi belts are very popular items for foreign tourists.  Some are very cheap, about 500 yen.  Cheap, old kimono and obi are great to remake something new.

Ichi-no-den

Ichi-no-den is a Kyoto style miso marinated fish store called "Saikyo Zuke."  They are in business for more than 80 years near Nishiki Market, and offer Kaiseki lunch on the 2F of the store.  

First plate is an appetizer -- turnip, herring roe, ball shaped "Temari" sushi, deep fried oyster, etc.  

Next is Kani Shinjo (a bowl of soup with grilled and dumpling crab).

Simmered "Shogoin" Japanese radish and very creamy cod milt -- wonderful combination!

Main dish is a grilled Kanburi (yellow tail) marinated in Saikyo miso! 

Miso soup, pickles, and rice cooked in "donabe" clay pot were all delicious.  And Japanese dessert "Ukishima" was served at the end.

Lunch is 3,150 yen and menu changes daily.

Yasaka Taxi

"Yasaka Group" is a long-established taxi company in Kyoto, whose company logo is a three leaf clover.

And people get very excited when they encounter a Yasaka Taxi with a "four leaf clover" of good luck.  Plus the chances to be able to see the car are super slim, as there are only 4 cars with this lucky logo.  I don't remember seeing it more than once a year,  or twice if I am lucky.

But a few days ago, not only I saw the car, but it stopped for me when I was waiting for a taxi!!

And I received this lucky card from the driver -- "Chances are 4 out of 1,300!!"

Moreover, the driver told me that it's the only car who has a teddy bear wearing a four-leaf Yasaka T-shirt, and those who got on the car had many kinds of good fortune!!

Rokkaku-do

I visited Rokkaku-do Temple.  

You can view Rokkaku-do Temple from the elevator of the building next to the Temple.  I saw pigions basking in the sun on the roof.

The temple also sells food for pigeons and it has become a place for them to rest.

Even their omikuji (fortune telling) imitates pigeons.

Handmade Envelops

I occasionally spend my leisure time to make my own envelops because I don't like commercial, businesslike envelops.

The left is an envelop I made from a 17cm square Chiyogami paper, and the right is an envelop which I made from Nancy Seki's eraser stamp print on A5 size paper.

And someday, I want to challenge hand-painted envelops.  Illustrator Shinya Nishida makes very unique and artful "invoice envelops" by incorporating postage stamps!

Receiving bills in such envelops can make us smile!?!

Sushi Iwa

I was blessed with the opportunity to have dinner at Sushi Iwa, near Higashi Honganji Temple this winter.  It's very conveniently located, about a 10 minute walk away from Kyoto Station. 

I also learned that Steve Jobs said "This is the best sushi I've ever had!" when he visited Sushi Iwa.  The owner speaks English and the restaurant is visited by many foreign tourists. 

The appetizer, scallop sashimi with tomato and basil sauce was really tasty.

Next is sashimi plate.  The pink slices on the right are bonito.  I've never had bonito sashimi as delicious as this one.  I was amazed!!

Soup of a snapping turtle.

The taste of winter -- a snow crab.  And beautiful presentation.

Kabura-mushi (steamed grated turnip) made us very, very silent because it was too delicious.  The best kabura-mushi ever!!

Finally the sushi plate.  All of them were mouthwatering!

Dessert was warabi-mochi, a jelly-like bracken starch dumpling.  Texture and sweetness were sooo perfect, and I have to say "best ever" again!!

Aranzi Aronzo

The Aranzi Caravan came to the first floor of "LOFT"! 

There are wide variety of crafty characters in "ARANZI ARONZO" world.

By purchase of 3,000 yen or more, you can receive this cute bag! 

The caravan will stay till March 4 (Monday).