Kyoto Central Market

We reached the market at 7.30am and they were already cleaning and closing up. If you are interested in the Tuna auction, do arrive at 5.30am to catch the action! Though I missed the Hustle and Bustle of the Auction but I arrived in time to see them slicing a tuna! This market is less commercialised than the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo. This place is wonderful, if you do not want to meet hordes of photo crazy tourists!

Satisfy your growling stomach by buying pieces of sashimi. The fishmonger will gladly slice your "prized catch" for you! I paid 1000 yen for a piece of tuna and I got 15 as-thick-as-my-thumb slices for that price! Oishii

Be careful of the food transportation carts. Do not step on the wooden crates as they are used to place the fishes for sale! We have traffic policemen to direct traffic on a congested street. The market employs policemen to direct the food transportation carts!

Toji Temple Flea Market : 21st of every month

The Toji Temple Flea Market is held outside Toji Temple on the 21st of every month. The market starts at 7am and ends at 4pm! If you are classified under the category of a "BARGAIN HUNTER". Do go earlier as "the early bird catches the most worms!"

The flea market sells second hand kimonos for as low as 500-1000 yen. Do check the kimonos properly as they may have moth holes or sleeves ripped off! It is extremely difficult to remove the yellowish stains on the kimono. Other than selling kimonos the fair has many stores selling knick knacks, ranging from antique items, plants, household items, food etc. It is the perfect remedy for a grumbling stomach and those thirsting to find a gem. Jostle with the locals and tourists, as you try to fish for a bargain. Have fun fishing! After covering the flea market, you might be interested to visit the temple.

*Do leave a tag if you managed to remove them because my kimono is still stained after washing!

When you wear a kimono, always wrap the left side over the right side. An exception is when you are wearing a kimono for the deceased. There are different kinds of kimonos for the different seasons and age groups. Young ladies tend to favour bright coloured kimonos with longer sleeves and huge prints.

Hida Takayama - Sanno Matsuri or Spring Festival 14-15 April

Takayama is tucked in Northern Gifu Prefecture and often referred to as "Little Kyoto" A trip to this city reveals a rich history, charming streets lined with old buildings and breathtaking landscape of beautiful mountains! Kanpai to Tradition, Sake and Hida Beef!

Takayama Festival is held in Spring(14-15 April) & Autumn(9-10) and is considered one of Japan's Best Festivals During this period, the festival floats(yatai) are taken out of their storehouses and displayed throughout town. The floats with intrinsic details are a fine example of the craftsmanship of Takayama's "woodsmiths"! At the front of some floats, there is an extended ledge on which a mechanical doll stands. Catch the Karakuri Doll Performance and the floats parade throughout town!

If you have missed the festival, check out the floats at Yatai Kaikan!

Street Parade

The Storehouse

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Getting There by Bullet Train
Shin Osaka->Nagoya->Takayama (approx 3h30mins) vs Osaka->Takayama(approx 4 hrs)
* During the festive season, do remember to book your train tickets early, so as to ensure that you have a seat!


You might be interested in
Tenjin Matsuri

Mikimoto Pearl Island and Meoto Iwa (Husband and Wife Rocks)

Day Trip from Osaka
You might find this site useful

Mikimoto Pearl Island There are a couple of exhibitions which showcase the cultivation process, the history of the island and exquisite pieces made up of that precious creamy coloured non-symmetric rough circle. The exhibitions are pretty comprehensive with english explanation. Shopperholics listen up, you can snap up tax free jewelery at the Pearl Gift Shop there. Happy Shopping!





Do not miss the Ama 海女 (women divers) demo. Do ask the attendant at the ticket counter for the timing of the show. This task is highly admirable as they dive without an oxygen tank and in all weather. Clad in white attire they dive down to fish for shellfish. And the only form of safety precaution is a rope connected to a bobbing wooden tub to contain their catch. In the past, women turned to diving to supplement their family income when their husbands were away. These women reminded me of the Samsui Women and the Amahs who immigrated to Singapore to support themselves and their families in China. They are all heroes in their own professions







There are many shops along the way to the Pearl Island serving fresh sashimi or grilled ocean catch(abalone,clams etc). Feast on these gems from the sea as the wind sweeps your hair into a mess. The freshness is worth the "bad hair day"!

Budget for 2 hours at Futaminoura.

Getting There:
1)JR Line from Osaka->Nagoya(55 mins)
2)Nagoya->Tsu Station(58 min)
3)Tsu Station->Taki Station
4)Taki Station->Futaminoura Station
5)Futaminoura Station->Toba Station
5)Walk from the Station to the Pearl Island

After Mikimoto Pearl Island, another spot to visit is Meoto Iwa(Husband and Wife Rocks) There are many inns along the way to the rocks, therefore during summer(May-July) do consider staying at one of the inns. Catch a priceless picture of a sunrise/sunset at the backdrop of the rocks and an added bonus might be the sight of Mount Fuji on a clear day! If you happen to be there on May 5, September 5, and mid-December do catch the ceremonial rope replacement celebration. Anyway with or without the sunset/sunrise, the rocks make a picture perfect backdrop, whether you are there as an individual or with your friends or family or partner! Visit Futami Okitama-jinja Shrine beside the rocks





A Suggestion for Food & Rest -
Iwato Kan is a ryokan that is located by the beach on Sando Street. The highlight of the ryokan is the inn’s bath which contains salt. Have a nutritious set lunch which consists of a home-made soy milk dish with other sides. Also available is oyster with sweet miso and wild vegetables tempura served with salt.

Getting there:
1)Toba Station->Futaminoura Station
2)20mins on foot from JR Futaminoura station.

If you have extra time you might want to visit -
Ise Shrine

Or stop at JR Kyoto Station for Green Tea Ice Cream