The Royal send off or all things Imperial and Katsura

In English no less
see all photos »

My last day in Kyoto and my last full day in Japan was certainly my most scheduled day so far.  I had made reservations yesterday for the Katsura Imperial Villa and the Imperial palace of Kyoto.  10 am sharp I was at the gate of the Katsura I.V.  Which by the way is next to the Katsura River.  They didn't charge me anything to see the place but they did give a guided tour albeit in Japanese.  The flyer that came with in English gave plenty of information and the grounds speak for themselves.  This garden and landscape layout is unparalleled.  The proportions and thebalance again even in winter when things are not their most glorious are just so right on.  As I was leaving I asked a French couple to take my picture - in French.  and they understood me.  I felt tres proud.

the gardens at the Katsura Imperial Villa
see all photos »

My next stop was the Nijo Castle.  The one that was closed on me yesterday today welcomed me with open gates.  I was most impressed with the wall paintings.  Most noteworthy are the 'nightingale floors' .  The floors were built especially to squeak so no one could sneak up on the royalty.  They also had great trinkets including coins stamped with the image of the castle on them.

I round out the day at the Imperial Palace. Here we had an English speaking guide who made the visit very informative.  After Katsura I.V.  the palace was just a bit overdone.  A bit too big and just not as perfectly proportional as K.  I does have some impressive gates that only the Emperor can pass through.  Not even his wife can use it without him being there.

Looking through one of the rooms at Katsura Villa
see all photos »

A quick shinkansen back to Tokyo and a visit around Shinkuju with its flashy lights and stylish stores.  Here I ate at one of those conveyer belt sushi places.  Everyone in Shinjuku is dressed.  Loads of business men and well heeled ladies.  Nothing like Harajuku with the young trendy crowd.

I found the answer to one of my puzzlements.  Why do the Japanese use so much orange on Temples -  The orange color was a folk custom borrowed from the Chinese.  It wards off evil spirits especially at night.  And the other question I made up my own answer to.  What is with the handkerchiefs?   Everywhere handkerchiefs for sale and people seriously checking them out.  If you eat at many of the restaurants they don't necessarily have napkins.  A hanky is good for the runny nose of eating so much hot soupy stuff.   Probably also makes a cheap gift item which is big time here.