Yummy...Maccha parfait in Kyoto Station

Are you looking for any Japanese dessert after lunch or dinner in Kyoto?

Tsujiri is one of famous Japanese cafes, where there is a variety of dessert using ”maccha” and ”houji-cha.”

Its brunch is located on the 6th floor in ISETAN department store next to Kyoto station.

Today, many people were in a queue when we visited there, but it was worth visiting :)

Why don't you eat special Tsujiri parfait??

Twilight rooftop In the Moon.

Summer in Kyoto is stunningly beautiful, a lot of historical/cultural stuff going on - but very hot and sticky.
One of my MUST summer activities other than beach chillaxing and camping is ROOFTOP!
I know it's kinda silly to call it activity, but I found an amazing place and it always makes me want to dress up a bit and drags me out of air-conditioned room.

In the Moon.
My friend and former cleaner Ellie found this place on Instagram just right after people posted some photos from their pre-opening night back in the end of June. I was so pumped because it totally looked like rooftop bar in our beloved Melbourne! 

So this is what I'm talking about. Ready?

Watching the sunset from there is so romantic and breathtaking. OK sounds a bit exaggerated but in the middle of Gion area with spectacular city view of Kyoto, along the river feeling summer breeze...hands down.

I highly recommend everyone to try their great Mojito which is not cheap (1,000JPY) but once again, when I think of this amazing location and beautiful view, no table charge and overall nice time - isn't it bad?

What about them?

Absolutely fantastic. First time I got there back in the first week of July, it was so slow and chill that I could talk to the owner guy who is actually a friend of my friend, but as time passes I can tell it's getting more popular and it's hard to get a seat there especially on weekend. They don't serve food there but you can have great meal at In the Soup. on 9th floor.

This is a nice spot to have a casual hangout, nice place to have quality girls' talk or take your date!

In the Moon. (In the Soup.)
Address: Kamogawa building, 200 Nakano-cho , Higashiyama-ku
Hours: 6pm ~ 11:30pm
Closed: Wednesday 
The rooftop bar is open till mid October

Light Festival

Hello!

Kyoto is now literally at the peak of summer and it is quite tough to be outside in the daytime because of the heat...

However, there are lots of nighttime events!

I am curious about this exhibition, the World Heritage Site, Shimogamo Shrine is lit up with mysterious lights!

It consists of two different arts, "Resonating Trees" and "Resonating Spheres".

Why don't you get impressed by this special event? :)

Term: August 17th (Wed) - 31st (Wed)
         *"Resonating Spheres" is only open on Aug. 17th (Wed) and on the weekend (Sat. and Sun.)

Venue: Shimogamo Shirine

Admission: Free ("Resonating Spheres": 500yen)

Hours: 18:00-21:30
http://light-festival.team-lab.net/en/

Night Hike

I did a a hike in Mt. Atago（愛宕山）on 31st July.

This is the highest peak of the mountain in Kyoto city.

Every 31st of July, there is an annual event at the mountain which is "Sennichi Mairi ".

Visiting to the shrine on this day gives worshipers as much benefit as 1000 times visit. 

I and other J-Hoppers crew and guests got the starting point at 7 pm and headed to the peak.
The road was very rough and steep so it seemed quite tough hike.
Although, climbers gave encouraging words each other therefore, nice atmosphere was there and was so warm hearting and encouraging !

After 2 hours , we finally got the peak ! There is a 1400 year-old shrine at the top of the mountain and it was full of people and was so lively !

What was the hardest part for me was climbing down to the bottom.
It was quite scary and herd to walk down on rocky steps.

We got back to the starting point at 11:30 pm and it was so fun and accomplishing !

Will try again next summer :-)