Japan: Day 5 Bamboo Forest

The day started in Kyoto where I took the metro to Arashiyama Park and walked to see a bamboo forest. It seems kind of silly to go and see a bunch of stuff growing but so is seeing a religious structure when you do not pray to the diety. What we do when we travel is weird. But the bamboo was amazing. 

I returned to Kyoto and visited the open market, Nishiki. I enjoyed some Strawberry Candy (they are in season), a kamaboko (fish paste and potatoes), sake, and the worse chocolate chunk cookie I have ever had in my life (but the tea was nice and it made for a great photo). 

I returned on the bullet train to Tokyo where I was able to see Mt. Fuji (although it was far back and the speed of the train left for a terrible photo). Our friend Yuki cooked dinner for us in a typical Japanese style which reminded me of the Dutch gourmetten done at Christmas. 

Yuki’s partner recently took over a Jazz bar so we went to check it out. He practiced his new bartending skills on me making me a gin gimlet and I talked about my dream of being a barback someday. Someday. 

I got home and fell asleep with my clothes on without taking a shower. The wine and gin contributed, yes. The walking I did earlier could have as well. 

Steps: 20,078

Flights of stairs: 21