The day started at 2pm as we slept in due to jet lag. With sleep caught up with, we showeres and headed out. As we missed out on Hiroshima this morning we thought we would continue with our plans in the afternoon.

With help from a friendly station master who helped us buy a day pass and then double checked we had the right pass as we brought a 2 day pass. We headed to Kyoto station and took a bus to Kiyomizudera (Water Temple).

The temple was at the end of a long uphill street of small craft and gift shops. We found stores for chop sticks and Japanese fans. Our favourite was a "My Neighbour Totoro" store. Where we looked though the cuddly toys and purses. Beverley was particularly fond of the Ponyo cuddly toy in a bucket.

The temple was worth the walk. It sat on the hill side surrounded by the forest. It was very peaceful dispute the crowds of tourists. One of the temples main features was a wooden platform that had a great view over Kyoto. The temples where beutifully coloured and crafted with hidden woodern carved statues doted everywhere.

Back into Kyoto we got off the subway and started to head back to the hostel.
On the way we found a Japanese fast food curry house. A big plate of curry saw us full for a really good price.

Back in the hostel we Skype my parents and Beverley's Katie (if anyone else wants to skype let us know). Bed time ready for an early start tomorrow.

Japan is already starting to feel so familiar to me. This could be down to the Japanese movies and games I have consumed in my younger years. Also down to how friendly the everyone is. If they don't understand or speck English they will still do their best to help you. They are also very approachable. The use of English on signs also helps navigating the cities and attractions.

Author: Adam Turner
Editor: Beverley Turner