WanderLex

Category: Kyoto

  • Uoshin Sushi and Kyoto Tower

    Uoshin Sushi and Kyoto Tower

    Uoshin Sushi (魚心壽司) is the reason why we didn’t overfeed ourselves crazy along Nishiki Market. The sushi chain has got 6 outlets across Japan and its Kyoto outlet is located at the bustling Kawaramachi-dori (河原町). It seems worthy enough to save some stomach space for their giant sushi from the reviews I read.

    Uoshin Sushi Kyoto

    Sushi counter

    Uoshin Sushi Kyoto menu

    Giant sushi galore

    The difference between the sushi here and elsewhere is their sizes. Uoshin’s salmon sushi is served with a big chunk of salmon. It’s easily three times the size of the average. It’s near impossible to eat the sushi with one bite, just look at the pictures below…

    Giant salmon sushi size

    Giant salmon sushi

    Giant sushi serving 1

    Giant sushi serving 2

    Giant sushi serving 3

    Giant sushi serving 4

    We have to call it a day after six plates of delicious sushi. Would love to have more but our stomachs are already filled to the brim. Fresh + Big = Immense satisfaction.

    Spending the evening at Kyoto Tower

    After the splendid dinner at Uoshin Sushi, we make our way to Kyoto tower. The candle-shaped tower is the tallest structure in Kyoto despite being built in the 1960s. The imposed height restrictions on buildings have prevented Kyoto landscape to be dominated by skyscrapers – a big contrast comparing to Tokyo.

    I think the measures allow Kyoto to hold on to its ancient past even when the city continues to embrace modernization. It feels like being at a juncture where the past and present had fused nicely together.

    Kyoto Tower

    Towering above all in Kyoto

    The observation tower stands out noticeably when one steps out of Kyoto Station. It’s kinda like a lighthouse in the city – those staying at Kyoto Tower Hotel will never have difficulty locating it. Yup, that’s right. Kyoto Tower sits pretty on top of Kyoto Tower Hotel where its guests get to visit the observation deck for free.

    Kyoto Tower Hotel

    We are not staying at Kyoto Tower Hotel so the admission tickets cost us 770 JPY per pax.

    Kyoto Tower Tickets

    Kyoto Tower info

    The elevator goes to the 11th floor before taking another elevator to the observation deck on the 15th floor. Immediately, the 100 metres tall observation deck gives us a clear panoramic view of Kyoto.

    Kyoto Tower Night view 1

    Kyoto Tower Night view 2

    Kyoto Tower Night view 3

    The telescopes are available free of charge on the observation deck.

    Kyoto Tower Telescopes

    Kyoto Tower view from the streets

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  • Nishiki Market Kyoto

    Nishiki Market Kyoto

    Nishiki Market Kyoto (錦市場商店街) is also known as Kyoto’s kitchen, with locals coming here to pick up food and fresh ingredients. For tourists, the market is a great place to have a taste of Kyoto culinary delights. There are a handful of stalls selling non-food related stuff like souvenirs, fans, hats, shoes etc. The popular market in Kawaramachi district is often considered by many as one of the must-visit places in Kyoto.

    Kyoto street

    Kyoto alley

    Nishiki Market Kyoto is easy to find, its big signboard and colourful ceiling are hard to miss. Tucked at a long and narrow shopping street, the sheltered market is lined with stalls selling all food related stuff from fresh seafood to cookware. And many stalls here are run by the same families for generations.

    Nishiki Market Kyoto

    Market stalls

    Colourful ceiling

    Kyoto food paradise

    This food paradise has got plenty to offer, one can literally eat from one end of the market to the other. We are often attracted to the stalls by the food aroma and left with one food skewer or two. Some stall owners give out free food samples for us to try which we gladly obliged. What can I say? I love this market lol. Be mindful not to come here on Wednesday and after 5 pm as most stalls will be closed.

    Nishiki Market Kyoto varierty

    Kyoto street food

    Kyoto street food more

    Nishiki Market Kyoto stall owner

    Nishiki Tenmangu in Kyoto

    Walking towards the end of the market will lead us to another shopping street. Where Nikishi stalls call it a day, Teramachi Shopping Arcade is bustling with tourists and shoppers. The commonly seen merchandises here are artworks, clothing, accessories, books and religious items.

    Teramachi Shopping Arcade Kyoto

    Teramachi Shopping Arcade

    But what’s more interesting is to have a shrine right in the middle of a shopping arcade. Nishiki Tenmangu (錦天滿宮) is popular city shrine located at a busy cross junction. It’s hard not to take notice of the numerous bright lanterns. It is believed that the shrine brings good luck to students and businessmen.

    Nishiki Tenmangu

    Nishiki Tenmangu Shrine

    Nishiki Tenmangu well

    Nishiki Tenmangu fortune teller

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