Day 5 was primarily travel to Kyoto. We got a late start out of Tokyo because we spent some extra time at the hostel chatting with some other travelers, catching up on things on the computer, and whatnot.

Once we got to Kyoto we split ways and get checked into our lodging places. I am staying in an AirBnb a few minutes from downtown. Its simple but nice, and even has free laundry. The owner has a great list of authentic restaurants that are nearby, which was super helpful.

We headed to one of those, called Tsurukame  for dinner.

More ramen, but good.

After dinner we strolled around some of the surrounding area. One neighborhood is called Pontocho, and it is loaded with restaurants and bars.

I wanted to see what kinds of Japanese Whisky I could find, so we went to a very quiet, very empty, but very nice whisky bar called Bar Cordon Noir. They had a huge selection, much of which was quite pricey (pours for $175+ USD). We all got a pour, the Nikka 21 year for me (real nice, not too pricey), and then continued on.

While wondering around, we also stumbled across a restaurant with a Dallas Cowboys sticker, an American Flag, and… yes… a confederate flag. Even in Japan.

I will leave you with that. Cheers!