Vespa Spot (6)

Shortly after the posting below, I followed a lead that my daughter gave me that there was a modern Vespa located just behind Murasikino Elementary School.






She was correct and I found this one. Unfortunately I couldn't take too many shots as the owner of the house was sitting in their front room and I have no doubt the flash was disturbing them.

I can imagine what they must be thinking when a foreigner is hanging outside their house taking photo's at 10.00pm. I am surprised the Police weren't called.

Vespa Spot (5)

Tonight whilst driving along Kitaoji Dori, slightly east of Senbon Dori, I noticed this little blue Vespa outside of a Pachinko Parlour.

At the time I didn't have my camera with me, so I rushed home, grabbed it and raced back to get the shot.

Again, I think this is a nice little Vespa in original condition (I think), similar to the last post.

To learn a little more about Pachinko Parlours, which I believe are the scourge of Kyoto, click this link: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pachinko

Vespa Spot (4)

Kuramuguchi Street, located in the north of Kyoto was the location of my latest find.

Outside Cafe Sarasa this evening, I came across this nice little blue one. Honestly one of the more original (though I am not an expert) Vespa's I have seen in Kyoto.

Unfortunately I only had my phone to take the pictures so they are pretty poor quality.

On another note, Cafe Sarasa does a reasonably good coffee, good BLT's and a great Tekka don (Tuna on top of rice).

Cafe Sarasa is located on Kuramuguchi Street, just west of Shirai Vespa....if you know where that is. Website for Cafe Sarasa is as follows: http://www.cafe-sarasa.com/

Vespa Spot (3)

Spotted a second Vespa in Kyoto on the same day.

This little blue on was located near just south of Horikawa / Nakadachiuri intersection. I don't know the exact name of the street, but east of the shops.

Vespa Spot (2)

Discovered this Vespa in the car park of the Kyoto Royal Hotel on Kawaramachi Dori. Kyoto Royal Hotel and Spa can be found here: www.kyoto-royal.co.jp

The Vespa is owned a Chef of the hotel and he uses Inoda Motors on Senbon Dori to service it.

Love the windshield!

Vespa Spot (1)

Spotted this Vespa on Teramachi Street (North of Oike) parked outside of the Al Matsuo Italian Restaurant.

By the look of the flat rear tyre, it seems to be a decoration rather than a fully functioning scooter.

Nice decoration though! Al Matsuo link can be found here. Sorry, Japanese only. http://www.hotpepper.jp/A_20100/strJ000108899.html

Arashiyama - 9 May 2008

Today the temperature in Kyoto reached an unseasonably but balmy 30 degrees Celsius. There is no better way to spend a warm morning than taking the Vespa for ride.

Arishiyama is less than 10km's from my house and is located on the Oi River. The river and mountain area is quite spectacular and there are many temples and shrines of historical significance in the area. Along with this, there are many traditional restaurants and ryokan's.

My favourite however is the residential district and you will see a photo of the Vespa outside a traditional Japanese House. The gardens are beautifully manicured and the azalea's are in full bloom.

The vespa is probably a little loud for the Arashiyama and surrounds, but its hard not to enjoy the ride when the weather is this good!

More about Arashiyama here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arashiyama