23 July – I arrived at Osaka Airport in the morning. I flew with Air Asia X from Kathmandu. There was a transit in KL. I found my bag on the conveyor belt, and the handle had broken off in the transportation. A young Japanese man (airport staff) seemed to see my predicament. He found a blue strap/belt so I could drag the case. he said don’t normally do this; it was a ‘special’ case. Thank you! My first big Arigato!

But then the bags were searched upon entry too, the landing here was a small trial. But my time in Japan was full of blessings. What a relief to be here. It may sound strange, but even though I had just arrived, I felt I understand this place. I had come to Japan specifically to go to Mt Fuji. Then I found the bus that goes to Kyoto Station and whisked off. The skyline of Osaka was overcast. Concrete buildings and power lines were visible at a distance as we passed by. I had planned for this trip I would go straight to Kyoto.

Getting off the bus in the destination of Kyoto and found a cab. I was tired of dragging my now ‘belt’ bag! I had only written the name and address in English for the hostel. I forgot that Japanese letters are not English letters. Two cab drivers said no. They couldn’t read it. One cab driver got me there, as he called the hostel for directions. Another big Arigato!

I arrived at Khasosan Kyoto Guest House. It was very nice, and I met some people. I waited for check-in while sleeping in the lounge, where it was cooler. Then I went to a really cool sushi place that had a conveyor belt, and very friendly staff. It was on Kawaramachi Street, unfortunately I cant remember the name though!

That night there was a weekly origami lesson at the hostel, it was nice to watch. I was glad to get to sleep as I had been up all night again traveling.

24 July – The next morning, I caught the underground to Kyoto station. It is a big bustling station. I went there to inquire about trains or buses to the Mt Fuji area. I decided to bite the bullet so to speak. Brought a ticket on the bullet train, the Shinkansen. For the next day to Mishima. Done!

Kyoto was cool, but very hot! There are people handing out free cardboard fans everywhere, as these have advertising on them. I had never used a fan until now, and I realized they really do offer relief! As it would feel quite airless. I went back to hostel and rested happily in the air conditioning of my room. I heard chanting coming from the street. I peaked out to see men dressed in white in a parade. I find out later the parade is the Gion Matsuri, Kyoto’s biggest annual event. Seems it was an important day, and I got to see it out my window!

I went out for a walk later around 7 pm when it was cooler.  The lovely streets that are lit up at night. A Young Japanese lass at the Hostel had highlighted streets that were safe and perfect to walk to at night. Shinbashi Street and Hanamikoji St, which is in the Gion district and is known as the geisha district. It was charming, with traditional wooden merchant houses, machiya, and quaint ochaya, or tea-houses.,

I went to Hanamikoji Street, and the lanterns were all lit up in old world Japanese wooden doorways. Then I took a walk down Shinbashi Street. It was one of the most beautiful walks of my life. It was peaceful by the river, with trees overhanging and a shrine at one end.

July 25 – Took the Shinkansen train from Kyoto to Mishima.  And then bussed to Hakona.