Kamigamo Jinja - Four weddings and a handicraft market かみがも

On the fourth Sunday of every month the Kamigamo Jinja (shrine) in Northern Kyoto City holds a Tezukuri (handmade/handicraft) market.

 Local ceramicists, jewellers, bakers and clothing makers come out in force, mingling with vendors of organic drip filter coffee, veg from the garden and other more curious nic-nacs. Its a charming market for strolling around - particularly on a warm day when, as I discovered, the trickling of the stream that runs through it can make it seem less muggy than it actually is. 

FYI - if you happen to live in Kyoto or have hired an apartment with a kitchenette -these bagels were really pretty good! I have some in the freezer now - in fact yesterday my breakfast consisted of some toasted sesame bagels topped with bean jam (also purchased at the market) topped with kinako (roasted soy bean powder). Delish. 

I have to point out the side of these gigantic broad beans - note that the eggplant to their right are regular size...

Its a casual vibe and as you can see, its a place people like to walk their pets... or at least carry them. 

After the market I decided to take a look around the shrine as it was my first visit and can confirm it is definitely worth a gander if you are in the area.  Particularly if the market is on. 

Its common to see a wedding or two on the weekends at most large shrines however within the short time I was there I witnessed 4 - they were basically tailing each other. It was interesting to witness the expressions on the faces of some of the soon-to-be wed. From the impartial (possibly arranged marriage) to the nervous (understandably) to the giddily happy (obvious love match and/or clearly POST ceremony) - it was quite a show from this lurking spectator's perspective. Come join me in my voyeurism...

I returned to the gardens of the shrine for a last look around... and in hope of finding one of these cheeky creatures...

but to no avail. 

The day was divine so I strolled homewards along the river, keeping out of the way of cyclists...

 - and decided that a detour to Kitayama Dori should be made (hint: there are plenty of cafes and patisseries in the area).  In the backstreets on route I found plenty of locals tending some amazing flower gardens and veggie patches - some of them clearly for trade as you will see -  but just by the side of the road! Fascinating. 

Well after all that walking I deserved a little sumpthin' sumpthin' - this Rhum au baba was sensational. And the little, unexpected, sample cakes and cookies that came with it also fab! Now if only I could remember the name of the place.  Their wares are seriously good. Will endeavour to find out the name and get back to you!

And after a long day walking in the sun a coffee on ice went down a treat!