Kyoto: Eclectic Shops

You can certainly find American chains in Japan. I spotted KFC, Starbucks, McDonald's, Wendy's, Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf -- even a Tully's! But my new favorite coffee chain, sadly not available in the States: Caffe Veloce...


It's inexpensive, has great interior design, good service, and this really cool giant slow-spinning globe with counter seating around it. Mesmerizing!

Then there are the weird, found-only-in-Kyoto places. Like this Octopus Ball shop:


Or my personal favorite, a Captain Santa store! (With his side-kick reindeer... )