To get there, we had to hop on the train to a different area of Kyoto.
According to Linda, this sign is pointing the way to Volks.
Linda in front of the "place your angels are".
Funny thing was, we had an appointment for Volks that Linda made prior to the trip. We were
all thinking we were supposed to be there at 10:00am. But when we arrived the doors were
locked. We rang the doorbell and a girl answered. Kris talked to her in her broken Japanese,
and we figured out they don't open until noon. So we had some time to kill.
We set out for the bamboo gardens not far from there to wait until Volks opened. While walking
we stopped for some of the best ice cream ever. (more on that in a later bonus post)
Lollers.
Angels.
Linda "at home" in Volks.
Volks was our first taste of what I like to call "Japanese intensity". NOTHING is taken
lightly. Be it a meal on a train, a doll store, a hobby shop, or simply getting coffee and
a donut, it is all serious business and done up to the Nth degree. There is no half-ass
in Japan, as far as I can tell, and Volks Kyoto is a perfect example of this. I kinda knew
what to expect, after all, Linda is my wife and I have known about this place for a while. But
Tom and Kris, not being doll people at all, were shocked at the extravagent setup...all for
DOLLS. It is a sight to behold.
This area is where you bring your dollies in and take pics of them.
The gardens where Volks Kyoto is in the middle of.
It was actively raining while we were here, and I was trying to get some decent
photos while holding my backpack on my chest, camera in one hand and
umbrella in the other. :/
Linda outside Volks.
<3
After Volks we walked around some more in this area and ate lunch there.
After we got back to the main area of Kyoto, Linda and Kris went to a Kimono shop.
Tom and I waited outside. Just look at that patient expression on his face.
I couldn't help myself, and I went into a pet shop. KAWAIIIIIIII ne?
We walked around a bit and shopped a bit (just the beginning of several days of ridiculous shopping,
and I mean ridiculous in a good way).
After dinner we did some boozing back at Tom & Kris' hotel. Linda reading "Dirty Japanese".
A few more misc pics from the day. Sorry, out of order. Bamboo forrest.
Lush.
Public bathroom at a park. Notice the exposed urinals. Interesting.
Big nutted bear. I've seen these before, but I don't know what they represent.
As I said, it was muggy and warm in Kyoto. Carrying my pack, being out of shape, and generally not
liking the humidity, lead to a swamp ass day for me. I actually stopped at a convenience store and
bought a "dew rag" to wipe my sweat away. Yes, it was that bad. My shirt was soaked!!
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