After a lot of walking around Arashiyama and the Heian Shrine I took a rest and cleaned up at my Hotel. The staff gave me the gift of free bath salts when I checked in. There was a different scent for each day. These were very welcome gifts. After my bath I felt completely refreshed and was ready to go out have some dinner and see Kyoto at night.

Pizza Salvatore

I walked down Sanjo-dori and crossed over Sanjo ohashi (Sanjo Bridge). There is a really nice Italian place just a block past the bridge called Pizza Salvatore Coumo & Grill. I stopped in for a Margherita Pizza and also had a fruit mojito as well. The servers were so nice and friendly. They really noticed that I was alone and paid a lot of attention to me and chatted a little when they could. It was pretty busy. There were mostly foreigners eating there from all over the world. It was really very tasty.

Crow bathing in the creek

Satisfied by a well-earned dinner and drink I walked all over the area. There are lots of small alleys full of interesting things and tons of shops as well. I noted some places that I wanted to revisit when I had more time and enjoyed some of the great art on display as well.

Taxi on Sanjo-dori

The night atmosphere was very lively. Mostly it was a mix of young people and also other foreigners exploring as well. The mood was very cheerful and energetic. I never felt uncomfortable even for a single moment despite being alone and walking along the river and back alleys in a foreign area. Most people minded their own business though other foreigners often did the customary head nod if we made eye contact which is something not practiced among the locals.

To see more of Kyoto please visit my Kyoto set: http://kfrates.zenfolio.com/p45570337