It’s actually a tall order to describe how absolutely fantastic today was. “Amazeballs” just doesn’t cover it adequately. As you know I was keen to give Jennie an excellent introduction to Japan on her first visit, but even on my fourth visit to Kyoto, I too was blown away. I’ve never done Japan in such style before and it was only possible thanks to our wonderful driver/guide Mr Moritomo - you are a generous and delightful gentleman, a rockstar.

We did a bunch of things on my must-do list, but also a couple of ticks that had previously eluded me. Like Fushimi-Inari, actually bucket list for me. I just somehow never got there before and not only that, despite the huge spring crowds, we even managed to get a few moments when we were under the tori on our own, how does that even happen? Other firsts for me included Nishiki market, and Sanjūsangen-dō temple. How could I have stayed at the Kyoto Hyatt and not made it there before?? (It’s right next door!). Oh, and I managed to squeeze in a sake tasting after lunch. I think I still prefer Toji but it was a good transition to Friday evening…

We also hit a number of personal favourites: I will never tire of Nijo Castle and think every visitor to Kyoto should put this on their list. That clever little shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu installed squeaky floorboards so that if he was ever set upon by insurrective ninjas then he would be warned by the nightingale squawks made by the boards. Seriously! 

Then on to Higashiyama and all that it offers, Kiyomizu temple, and down to the Heian shrine. Actually by the time we got to the Heian shrine, we were so hot and bothered all we wanted was a cocktail and a rest; luckily we found champagne and GG at the museum across the road. Our patient driver probably wondered how we could possibly spend 90 minutes at Heian at the end of a long day when in fact we knocked it off in 10 and made merry instead.

Finally to Gion and Pontocho Alley, both just coming alive as the evening set in. No geishas spotted, but that’s okay. BTDT, sorry but c’est la vie Jennie.

I’ve always stayed in Kyoto before, but I am loving the Osaka vibe and think this might be the best way to experience the Kansai region. Tomorrow night is jazz night, so that will probably be the determiner.

It was a massive day, but am pretty sure I am going to do it all again, next year actually, lol. Mr Morimoto, you’re on notice! 

PS Shattered by the time we got home, but still managed to drink the hotel out of Grey Goose and rosé. They are such amateurs!

PPS so damn sick of this dress, I may never wear it again!