Japan - Tokyo and Kyoto

Mount Fuji from the airplane
see all photos »

Arrived here on Wednesday evening and had a lovely view of Mount Fuji from the plane just before we came in to land.  I stayed the night in Tokyo before getting the Shinkansen (bullet train to you and me!!!) to Kyoto the next day.  Unfortunately my timing is not so good here as it is the rainy season and so for every fine day there is a day of rain and it is a full day of rain!!!!!

Friday 22

I was lucky enough to witness a traditional Japanese wedding - absolutely beautiful

The Golden Pavillion
see all photos »

I met up with some people in the hostel and we went to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavillion) and yes it is covered in gold leaf!!!  Beautiful place, even in the rain!!! The next stop was the Ryoanji temple where there was a Zen garden - just sand and rocks, a very peaceful spot.  the Temple was quite good too.  Last stop in the rain was the Nijo Castle, with its squeaking floor - to warn the Shogun of any unwanted guests!!!  Beautiful traditional Japanese wall paintings and everything made of wood gorgeous!!!  (Can you tell I'm getting a bit bored of writing at the moment - only two months till I get home woo hoo).

Really felt at home with the rain!!!!
see all photos »

Saturday 23

A beautiful day with lots of hot sun - hooray.  I had a long walk this morning, starting at the Sanjusangen-do Temple.  Now hope I get this right - it houses 1001statues of the 1000 armed Buddha, together with various other Buddhist Deities and things, all very good, but NO PHOTOGRAPHING - so sorry no pictures!!!!  I continued my walk to the Kiyomizudera Temple, where I was approached by three university students who asked if they could act as my guides around the Temple and so practice their English - it was great company and they were well gend up on the place so I managed to learn quite a lot.  I also ended up with a group of High School Pupils asking me questions so that they could complete a task they had in English - it was like being a teacher again!!!!!  There were some fantastic views of Kyoto from here as well.  After all the excitement and walking around the Temple which was mainly geared to, loving relationships and easy childbirth, I thought I should move on quickly.  I followed the tourist route from the local map and walked down some lovely traditional Japanese streets - a bit touristy with women dressed up as Geisha for the day walking around and having their photos taken, and with the rickshaws being pulled by young men and women!!!  The shops were really interesting with all the fine things that the Japanese love, like sushi and chocolates and ice cream to mention but a few.  On my way back to the hostel, via yet another Temple I was lucky enough to witness a traditional Japanese wedding - absolutely beautiful - I just stood for a while and watched with many other tourists - not often you get the chance to see this apparently!!!

Sanjusangen-do Temple
see all photos »

In the afternoon I decided to get the bus to Ginkakuji Temple (the Silver Pavillion - although not actually covered in silver!!!!)  Never the less it was a lovely place and the gardens were immaculate, there was a wonderful view of Kyoto here too.  I then continued down what is referred to as the Philosophers Pathway, a very tranquil walk along the water side, which is shaded by various trees and was very relaxing.  Back near the hostel and a bit lost when a gentleman helped me out and walked me to where I needed to be and also took me down into the area called Gion and took my picture with a real Geisha girl, not bad eeh!!!!  So altogether quite a busy day don't you think!!!!

Me and the three university student guides
see all photos »

Sunday 24

Well you've probably guessed it - yes it poured with rain all day and apart from venturing out to a Sunday Service I stayed in the hostel ALL day - boring!!!!

Monday 25 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE

Back to sunshine again and so I ventured out!!!!  There was a great flea market at one of the Temples, so I had a lovely wander around and looked at the antique Kimonos and tea ceremony things - I think that will be the closest I get as the prices are a bit much on my tight budget and I've been so used to cheap as chips Asia that it's a bit of a culture shock to actually have to pay more than one pound for something!!!!!  Another wander around a Craft Centre, looking at the Samurai swords and Japanese costume dolls, all very beautiful, but not cheap!!!

The group of High School Pupils that questioned me!!!
see all photos »

Another overnight bus trip, this time to Tokyo.