Lazy Day in Kyoto

My day today started at Kiyomizu Temple. I rented a bike and rode up the east hills that rise next to the city.
It was a tough climb on a one speed bike, but the views were amazing. There were SO many tourists and visitors, but with good reason. The temple is nestled in the tree covered hills, and was well worth the trip.

Right before entering the temple grounds, two college aged Japanese girls approach me from behind and ask, "Do you have the time?" (in English). I tell them that it's 11:45AM, in Japanese, and they still stare at me. I wouldn't have known what they actually wanted, but someone from my hostel told me a story about how a few Japanese students approached her and guided her for free, just to get practice in English. So I say "sure, I have time".

They guide me around the grounds, into what is known as "Buddha's Belly". For $2 visitors descend into the belly of a temple. It is pitch black, and I only have a rope to guide me through. I keep thinking that I'll run into my guides in front, but eventually we make it out with no injuries.

In the above picture, the deck behind me is a Kabuki and Noh stage. What I would give to have seen a show from where I stood...
Kiyomizu temple gets its name from the waters that run down the hillside (mizu is water in Japanese). The water is fresh and clean enough to drink, and visitors drink a cup from one of three separate streams. My eager Japanese guide tells me that from left to right they help you with studies, love, and health. I asked my new friends which one I should drink from. They giggle. I had told them about Kate, so they said that I did not need help in love. Being a graduate, I drank to my health from the right most stream.


We head to a sweet shop and gorge ourselves on free samples. All three of us buy famous Japanese shaved ice, as the temperature was hitting 39 degrees celsius (~102 degrees fahrenheit). We talk in English about Japan, their school, and my life back in the states. One of my favorite customs of Japanese people is their expression of disbelief. They use it often, but always sounds genuine. A slowly rising "eeeeeeaay?" or "sugoi!" comes when I speak of "circus" and being an "actor in Chicago".


My sad face since my bowl was empty.

I finished the day off with another bike ride up and down the Kamo river. Listening to the new Coldplay album, I realize that all it takes for me to feel at home is music.

The sun begins to set, and I realize that I have only one full day left in Japan. There is so much more to see, but it will all have to wait. I also long to return home, though. It's been a full 5 weeks...