Japan Day Eleven - Kyoto Temple Market

Kyoto, my beloved Kyoto.  Our last full day in Japan was spent in my favourite city in Japan, and even better that it was to go to a flea market held in gorgeous temple grounds.

This morning we're packing our suitcases, ready for a trip back to Kansai airport and our flight back to Australia tonight.  I'll be sad to say goodbye to Japan for another year but at the same time just can't wait to get home to cuddle my little one.  It's been great having my mum to share this trip with so thank you to her for letting me drag her across the country.  I have to say that I've loved just traveling around with my iPhone as my camera, I've probably taken photos of things that I wouldn't normally have bothered getting my heavy DSLR out for, yet it's often those little things that make travel so special.

I also wanted to say thank you to everyone who has joined me on this trip through this blog, I've really loved showing you snippets of my second home.

While I'm in Japan... Antique Markets

One of the main reasons I'm heading to Japan, and what I schedule my trip around, are the antique markets.  It is there that I buy my vintage kimono fabric that I use in my jewellery.

The antique markets are held in temple grounds around the country and are such a feast for the eyes.  With a gorgeous backdrop of an old temple or shrine, often the soundtrack of monks chanting in the background and the scent of incense carrying people's prayers to the heavens, it makes the experience even more enjoyable.

As well as gorgeous old kimonos, there are stalls filled with antique toys, painted scrolls, cameras, pottery, candy moulds, kimono pattern stencils, swords and coins. 

It was at one such market that my love and obsession for vintage kimono fabrics first began, and another that I just happened to "coincidentally" plan my Kyoto honeymoon around.

1. Kingyo + Kewpie, 2. Ultraman, 3. Netsuke, 4. Kimono Fabric, 5. Obi, 6. Tsuba, 7. Writing, 8. Astro, 9. Kimono, 10. Japanese Banners, 11. Paddle, 12. Kokeshi, 13. Mon, 14. Hina Dolls, 15. Flowers, 16. Hina Doll

Here's hoping for some lovely blue skies to go with the markets while I'm there!