When you travel overseas, especially such with different culture and history like Kyoto, one of the most excitement from the trip is "Souvenir", isn't it? In Kyoto there is a lot of unique souvenirs to attract not only the overseas tourists but even us, Japanese. :)
During the tour, I always enjoy helping the guests to find the souvenirs for their friends, families and themselves! When I've guided Italian couple one day in March they told me they'd like to buy Japanese dolls. Roughly, there are two types of dolls as recommended, wooden traditional Kokeshi or Maiko doll.
They preferred Pretty Kokeshi, so I introduced the store I visit often in the tours on the way to Kiyomizu temple. Kokeshi is one of the most popular souvenir as traditional doll in Japan.
In this store, there are lot's of selection, various colors and designes.
Each doll attracts you in different smile, so every body says hard to choose!!! I really understand! :D
And the couple has finally selected two different dolls for their friends.
And the couple has finally selected two different dolls for their friends.
Each dool is handmade. They may look simple at a first glance, but if you look in detail, they are really nicely made in a different shape and color. It's wooden, but not heavy at all, so you can buy several different models if you want!
After enjoying the tour and souvenir hunting, we were walking in a quite happy mood on the way down to Gion area through Yasaka shrine.
To tell the truth, as a coincidence, that day was the wife's birthday!! In the afternoon he told me he'd like to order cake while enjoying lunch. But unfortunately, there's no coffee or cake at traditional Japanese noodle restaurants, so given up. I remember the story by sudden in the street, so I introduced the most popular cafe in the area to celebrate her birthday.
Tsujiri is one of the most popular cafe in Kyoto. The queue is always looking endless every day at the main brance in Gion. So I selected the another secret branch near from Kodaiji temple! Luckily, we've found the chair! :)
The husband and I have sung a Happy Birthday Song for her at the table! It was a bit cold weather, but we've enjoyed really warm happy mood, and of course Tsujiri's Matcha flavor "Parfait". ;-
Kyoto Visitors? How to Process Free Guide! 
