Adding Kilos
I’m talking baggage limits here!
We had been fortunate to have covered quite a few markets
in our tour of Japan – by design or accident – and were disappointed not to have argued
for a triple luggage limit on the flight home. (Can you do that?)
Markets in Kyoto are a textile shopper’s heaven. (My notes remind me that
we felt an earth tremor whilst at To-ji Temple Market. Perhaps it was a sign.....)
Our last morning was spent at the bustling To-ji Temple monthly market,
Kobo-san. Sadly, we only admired the Momoyama period buildings if our eyes strayed
momentarily from stall after stall of fascinating goodies. (Held on 21st)
Earlier in our tour we had visited the Chion-ji Market (1234) which has a
reputation for food and handmade clothes.
I think we found piles of old kimonos for display. How many can one person have? (Held on 15th)
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| To-ji Market |
We had also stumbled across the Myoren-ji Market, a low key
affair but non-the-less most interesting.
This market had the feel of a very local experience and whilst we didn’t
buy much (well, perhaps some of us were more restrained than others!), it was
worth stopping in. We descended upon a
local fabric store very near to this market.
I dare say it was an interesting experience for the owners too! (Held on 12th)
Miyagawa (Takayama) Morning Market is a daily affair held
in the old town area along the river.
Stall holders sell flowers, vegetables, preserved foods like pickles and
the odd rather lovely souvenir.
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| Takayama Market |
Having unearthed a few bargains at To-ji Temple, we made
our way back to the hotel to repack our bags (redistribute the weight – how did
we manage to fit so much into them?).
Then it was back to the Kansai International Airport to head for home.
This is my disclaimer!
Memory is a funny thing and whilst I have a clear picture of some days,
others are fuzzy. In pre-digital times, I didn’t take nearly enough photos and
of course now regret not having kept a decent journal – simply because you do
forget! I hope therefore to have included
everything but am open to “corrections”.
It was a fantastic journey and a great experience. What better introduction to world textiles
could one have….
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| Kansai (with luggage!) |
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| Not the best of photos but nice to see our new home from above |
I’m talking baggage limits here! 
We had also stumbled across the Myoren-ji Market, a low key
affair but non-the-less most interesting.
This market had the feel of a very local experience and whilst we didn’t
buy much (well, perhaps some of us were more restrained than others!), it was
worth stopping in. We descended upon a
local fabric store very near to this market.
I dare say it was an interesting experience for the owners too! (Held on 12th)
