Kyoto- A Day in and Around the City

The Golden Temple

Another bright, sunny and warm day. Yeah!

It’s been humid here and no matter what I do, my hair gets frizzy.

We have another large traditional Japanese breakfast… different than yesterday.

We head out on the subway and then take the bus to Kinkakuji Temple aka the Golden Temple.

The Golden Temple is very pretty surrounded by water and rocky islands. It is also surrounded by throngs of tourists and small armies of school children on field trips. The masses of visitors definitely takes away from the serenity of the temple and gardens.

All of the sites we have been too are very busy with tourists and it will be even busier in November which is high season because of the fall colours with the changing of the leaves.

A group of school kids interview me in English as part of their school project. They are very cute.

Ryoanji Temple

We grab a bus to Ryoanji Temple which is known for its Zen rock garden…one of the best in Japan. Reminds me of my home town of Sudbury … lots of rocks but not quite as “zenny”. The other gardens are also lovely. There were some trees that were pruned to create a soaring effect.

Ginkakuji Temple

We grab a few other buses to our next location which is Ginkakuji Temple. Once you get the hang of it the Kyoto transit system is excellent. They only have two subway lines but the buses are great with large computer screens on board in Japanese and English with information on upcoming stops, what attractions are at that stop and what other transit systems you can transfer to at the next stop. All of this is enhanced by an audio callout of the same information in Japanese and English.

We stop for lunch before entering Ginkakuji Temple aka the Silver Temple. The gardens of rock, greenery, trees and water are quite beautiful. Sun dappling through trees makes them even prettier.

Philosopher’s Path

After our visit we take the Philosopher’s Path along the river. It is pretty but it is supposed to be super gorgeous in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.

We take our time checking out shops (Kimberly) and drinking coffee (John).

Of course there are temples along the way. And all temples have lots of steps going up, up, up. And if not steps, high inclines. No wonder so many of the Japanese live to be so old…they are always exercising. If not doing steps or climbing, they are getting up and down off the floor to go to bed or sit.

Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple

Our next temple is Eikando Zenrin-ji Temple. Once again there are lots of beautiful gardens. People flock here for the changing leaves. The leaves are just starting to change and far from at their peak. However, the gardens are beautiful. I will let the pictures do the talking.

Yasaka Shrine by Day

By this time I am pooped. We walk to the bus stop to go to our final temple for the day…but we get off the bus early to see Yasaka Shrine Yep, one extra shrine added into the day. We saw this temple all lit up last night on our walking tour and wanted to get a few more pictures in the golden afternoon sun.

Kiyonizu-Dera Temple

The buses come often so we get back on for our last stop at Kiyonizu-Dera Temple.

Of course we have to walk nine minutes up a very steep street to get there…and then many many more steps up when you get to the Kiyonizu-Dera Temple Complex.

But it is spectacular. The vermilion coloured buildings glow in the setting sun. It is magical. I love some of the mythical beasts around the complex. And the picturesque pagodas. I can see why they used this as a filming spot in “Memoires of a Geisha”.

We take in the sunset with the crowds before heading back down.

Supper in Gion

We walk to Gion Corner in the Geisha area to make sure we know where to get in for the show I have booked. We keep our eyes open in passing cabs for Geisha and we are rewarded when one gets out and goes into one of the exclusive tea houses.

Heading to the main street we find a restaurant that serves a savoury pancake called Issen-Yoshoku. It is a specialty in Kyoto; a pancake stuffed with everything under the sun including Worcestershire sauce. It sounds gross, it looks gross but it is surprisingly good.

Culture Show

John walks me to the Geisha Culture show. He wasn’t interested so only I had reserved a ticket. Once I’m in, he goes off to do John stuff.

The hour long show consists of Chanoyu (tea ceremony), koto music, flower arranging, Bugaku Dance, a Kyogen comedy and the highlight, Kyomai dance performed by two Maiko (Geisha in training). Pictures were not allowed during the show.

Pontocho Alley

After the show, John and I cross the river and walk down Pontocho Alley; a narrow alley filled with lanterns, bars and restaurants. Street performers are playing around the area.

John and I grab the subway and head back to our ryokan/hotel.