Birthday dinner, Teppanyaki style!

On the night of my birthday we had dinner at a place that serves Teppanyaki style meals. This was made famous by the Benihana restaurant chain, where a chef cooks the meals in front of you on a large metal cooking surface.

Little flaming action while cooking the beef!

 View from the restaurant, which was on the top floor of our hotel, overlooking Kyoto.

Watching the sun set over the mountains

For my birthday they brought out a special birthday dessert.

In Japan, fresh fruits are considered a specialty since many are imported. Finding fruits in the store will show you just how special, the prices are pretty high with special things like melons going for $50 to $300!!!