Kamo River 鴨川 Part I • 0 comments • While bikes seem to be the preferred method of transport for the residents of Kyoto, we opted to explore on foot. A popular place for a leisurely stroll and/or a picnic is on the banks of the Kamo River. Kamo River is a favorite spot for tourists and Kyotoites alike to hang out. Cyclists and joggers pass by while many people sit contemplatively on the grass. Restaurant patios face the river, and the energy of the area is very relaxed, with children noticing but reacting calmly to the sight of a heron landing on the stepping stones to find a fish. We experienced some sort of performance art happening that day where people took turns shouting what we believe to be horoscopes... even our Japanese friends were perplexed and weren't sure what to make of it but their explanation may have just been lost in translation. You can watch the video below to see if you can figure out what's happening. This was a lovely start to a full day exploring Kyoto. If we ever visit again, we might pack a bento box and sit down for a picnic like the locals. - Mina
Sushi no Musashi in JR Kyoto Station 寿しのむさし • 4 comments • On our way home from the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine we took the convenient route of stopping for dinner at Sushi no Musashi in the Kyoto train station. Despite its location, it's popular with locals and tourists alike. Kaiten-zushi (回転寿司) translates to "rotation sushi". Plates wind through the restaurant on a conveyor belt and you can just pick up whatever you're craving. Your bill is determined by the number and style of plates left on your table. Yoshiaki Shiraishi invented this style of dining when he has issues staffing his small sushi restaurant and managing people on his own. The idea came to him while watching beer bottles on a conveyor belt at an Asahi brewery. It took him 5+ years to develop the design and speed of the operations. The very first conveyor belt sushi restaurant was opened in 1958 and now they're famous around the world... including a certain touch screen one that we've visited more than a few times. Sushi no Musashi has the most unique assortment of sushi options we’ve seen at one place: eggplant, roast beef, raw horse & mane (???), baby sardine, and grilled corn nigiri, in addition to high quality favorites. If that isn't enough, you can also make custom orders. It's a spot worth adding to your list if you're in the area.
