Met James Hernan at kizumiza-dera temple. Went to magic fountains behind. Onto the philosophers path via silver pavilion by bus. Hernan teaches a lot about Japan. Philosophers path was long with 2-3 temples along- favourite was Nansen-Ji. all temples now closed so headed for dinner at japanese tapas bar. Son and Hernan ate excessive amounts of sushimi. I ate lots of fried cheese. 2 Japanese guys on opposite table bought us sushi and beer. James-su-san had to leav...

Woke up for the last time in Kai's pit. Replied to lots of work emails while bridge and sonny got breakfast. Brief chat with the joy that was Canadian Jerry then on to Kyoto via bullet train which was fast, but not fast enough. Landed in Kyoto and got taxi to hanakuya inn owned by the cutest japanese lady. Staying in ryokan on top floor of pretty japanese house /annex. Walked to gion via pretty temples and searched in vain for 3 hours for food.

Tea at tea shop on asakusa and scones. Went to the imperial palace, accosted by Asian tourists for photos. Gardens beautiful. Headed to shinjuku for arcading/Teken and the robot show- what a fantabulous sensory overload. (7000 yen). Hai hai hai hai hai! After the robot show went to get sticky pictures and hung out at the worlds most magical arcade dressed as sailer moon. Standup bar last on agenda whwre son and bridge had octopus balls (I got onconyaki).

Woke up at 10 again but this time hanging like a mofo. Got ready to check out- met Californian winemaker vacationing for 4 weeks. He wanted to it involved with out itinerary-get your own! Met so and bridge and went for tea and scones. Moved hostel walked 40 mins then realised you could see it from Sonia's old place. New place shady as. looks like anabandoned office with no walls- just partitions between tiny squares if floor space (last time I let Laura book anyw...

Woke at 10-met son by 11 at byron cafe for coffee. Headed to sensoji shine. Wandered and ate some street food. Next to shibuya to see crossing and drink sake met some 'japanese pornstars' and a dancer who insisted on drinks- refused. Went to the cutest restaurant with japanese tapas and the drinking began. Ended night in golden finds- 6 alleyways with tiny bars all over the place. Fist met leopard print maverick called me so for same and lilo and stitch drinking...