Just wanted to share an experience I had in Kyoto today which has been my favourite moment of the trip so far.
Hidden amongst the hustle and bustle of Sannenzaka was a little store run by an elderly gentlemen where he sells little paintings of flowers and plants that he's done. We got a small one for 100 yen.
He spoke rather quite good English for someone of his age (stereotypically we expect the older generations to not speak much), but it turns out he's visited the UK several times which might explain it.
We spent around 10 minutes just chatting about Japan and the UK whilst everyone else was cramming the street behind us to get their perfect photos etc.
He was located right at the bottom of the steps where Ninen Zaka Path meets Sannen Zaka Path, on the right of you're coming down, left if you're going up. On Google maps (and looking at the old street view photos) it seems it's sometimes a café (Ninenzaka cafe Garakuta) but there wasn't any café open today, just him sitting at the front with a table and his paintings.
He's surrounded by all the touristy shops etc but he's just there doing what he loves and was genuinely really excited when we approached.
If you're in the area, it's worth checking out.
by pouchey2