Sat, 30 Aug '08 - Temple shopping at Kiyomizu-dera

Temple shopping; tat, fans and silly hats. Japan is not immune from the scourge of tacky souvenirs, but look closer and you can find some really beautiful things. Daruma winks at me so I pick him up (John gets three). Graphic fans, hmmm OK, stylish and practical. Incense, yes please. Kimonos and cloggy sandals by the rack-full. Swords, slime cake, postcards and teas... not today thanks, but best of all are the blow-the-budget ceramics.