Kyoto Bicycle Anti-Theft Sticker

自転車にツーロック！

This colorful sticker was attached with a rubber band to a bike illegally parked along Kawabata Dori near Demachiyanagi Station in Kyoto.

In fact, each of the 30 or so bikes parked along a railing that separated the sidewalk from the Kamo River below was decorated with such stickers.

From right to left, the sticker reads "This bike is being targeted!"

Below that, a bicycle is in the crosshairs.

The left column states:

"Let's definitely lock up twice."

The police campaign is urging cyclists to use two locks. It is a bit strange, as this area sees a lot of foot traffic. The bikes are taking up precious space on the sidewalk.

The usual stickers - warning against parking here at all - have been absent for a while.

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Path of Nene Green Tea Ice Cream Cones

アイスクリーム寧々の道

Nene (1546-1624) was an aristocrat who lived during the Sengoku and Edo periods of Japanese history. She was married to Toyotomi Hideyoshi, who unified and ruled Japan.

She was his principal wife.

Nene was a highly intelligent woman but did not bear him children.

What Nene is best known for today is the street that bears her name:

The Path of Nene

This beautiful street runs north to south in the Higashiyama Ward of Kyoto. It lies below Kodaiji Temple, and is a short walk from Kiyomizu Temple.

On a recent evening, these giant fake green tea ice cream cones beckoned to the few passersby.

During peak times - cherry blossom season and fall colors - cycling is not recommended.


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Cycling in Wroclaw Poland

ポーランドのヴロツワフでサイクリング

Wroclaw, Poland's fourth largest city, is one of the most beautiful cities in the country.

It is located in southwestern Poland in what was at various times in history a part of Germany.

Until 1945, the city was called Breslau and controlled by Germany.

After suffering terrible damage during World War II, then neglect during the decades of communist rule, the city today is vibrant and attractive.

It is a city of rivers and trams, squares and parks - and very good for cycling.

Bike lanes run through much of the city and along the river path that runs from Podwale.

Rental

Bicycle docking stations already have appeared in the main square. Further information can be found here.

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Inoda Coffee Kyoto

イノダコーヒー本店

For Kyoto coffee freaks, a trip to Inoda Coffee is somewhat like visiting Philadelphia's Independence Hall is to Americans - this is where it all started.

The main store - pictured at right - is an old elegant building. The coffee shop opened in 1946, and has been going strong since.

To the hipster crowd, Inoda represents a musty place with waiters and waitresses that seat the blue-haired set out for a day of shopping.

To which we reply, yes, guilty!

However, look at the building, smell and drink the coffee, groove on the interior.

There are six shops in Kyoto, and the main Inoda Coffee is the best of the bunch.

This is where coffee culture, if not actually began, got a huge caffeinated shot.

Access

On Sakaimachi Dori south of Sanjo dori.

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Traditional Bike Shop Fushimi Kyoto

町家自転車屋伏見

On a corner of Ryoma Dori in Fushimi is this wonderful neighborhood bicycle shop.

The Miyata Bike Shop is a regular, local place where you can have a tire repaired or buy a simple bike for shopping.

Perhaps because of its location - in a historic area with links to Ryoma Sakamoto (a rebel leader who attempted to overthrow the Japanese government but, prior to doing so, was ultimately assassinated, in central Kyoto, on 15 November 1867) and many sake breweries - the buildings have a unified elegant look.

Fushimi itself is of course worth a trip, and of course a tour to a sake brewery.

Directions

From Tofukuji Temple, at Kujo Dori, ride south on the street that runs north-south and is due west of the temple. Fushimi Inari Shrine will be on the right. Ride under the Meishin Expressway. At the Sumizoe intersection, turn right and cross the train tracks. Several blocks later, at Route 35 (Shindan Highway, a two lane urban street), turn left. This will take riders into Fushimi. At the Ote-suji intersection - Fushimi Momoyama train station is just down the block to the right - turn right and head toward the station.

About one hour one-way.

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Ninnaji Temple Roof

仁和寺の屋根

The main gate at Ninnaji Temple features two devils to ward away evil.

The roof itself spreads wide in tent like fashion, imposing and strong.

This photo is standing to the left at the base of the steps leading up into the temple - and looking directly up.

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Gion Kyoto Delivery Bicycle

祇園配達自転車

On the eastern edge of Gion we found this amazing delivery bicycle.

Perhaps even more amazing was the building it was parked in front of: it is a delivery company (takyubin)'s local administrative center.

In other words, if you peek into the open door you will see:

a. a geisha
b. a maiko
c. a woman in kimono serving green tea
d. lots of cardboard boxes waiting to be delivered

The answer is of course d., and this nearly brought tears of joy to our eyes.

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