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After a full day of meetings on Tuesday, my colleague and I decided to travel to Kyoto on Wednesday. Our Tokyo teammates recommended some sites, and off we went on our adventure. Knowing we had a 2.5 hour train ride each way to our destination from Tokyo, we strapped on our PC's and made our way very early down to subway. I had read about Tokyo subway work-morning train rides, but I wasn't quite prepared for this adventure. Although there was nobody with the big "pushers" to squeeze everyone in, it was certainly a very tight, uncomfortable fit. I needed to go to my special place for the 10 stop ride to try and contain my claustrophobic tendancies around so many people. Some had their faces squished right up against the doors. On the morning commutes, some trains have women-only cars, as the tight quarters are often taken as free-license to grope. I could not endure this on a daily basis...
Once at Tokyo station, we took the Shinkansen high-speed "bullet" train to Kyoto. It was great to use the ride to catch up on lots of work in comfort! Once in Kyoto, we took the subway and a public bus to our first stop - the Kinkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Golden Temple. This was built by a rich Shogun in the 1200's, who left this villa to become a Zen temple after his death. It has since been restored, mostly with replacement of the gold leafing which gives it name.
We then took a taxi to another famous temple - the Kiyomizudera Temple. To reach this temple, you need to walk uphill on a street lined with the most beautiful Japanese styles shops, some dedicated to selling just fans, others to roasted chestnuts, or traditional dress. The street was thronged with people heading to the temple.
On the way up, we were lucky to see 2 Maiko girls in full dress. The Maikos are Geisha in training, and the main centre for them is in Kyoto. There are not too many girls entering the apprenticeship program anymore, so it was a real surprise to see these 2 out on the street in the daytime!
The temple itself was spectacular - set high up in the mountainside. There were even a few cherry blossoms in bloom, as you'll see in my pictures. The season was starting early this year. Even in Tokyo, they are feeling the effects of global warming - this year was the first winter without snow in the city.
Within the temple grounds is a shrine called Jishu, which is thought to bring good luck within relationships. There are 2 stones you walk between with your eyes closed - if you get to the other side, you will find true love! Of course I had to try it (and made it!). These temples are full of many ways to bring luck and good fortune, from prayer sticks, to writing down your misfortunes and letting them dissolve in a bucket of water. It was wonderful fun, but all too short. After only 3 hours, we headed back to the train station to finish off more work on our return trip. Kyoto is a wonderful mix of old and new Japan, without quite so many people as Tokyo. I will definately head back there sometime to enjoy this city at a more leisurely pace.
We made it back to Tokyo in time for a traditional dinner as part of business. It was in a private room, served by a woman in a beautiful kimono. It started with a special pink tofu made to represent the cherry blossom season, followed by delicious sushi, and then "shabba shabba". I don't know the proper name, but you have a pot of boiling water in which you swish your slivers of beef into to lightly boil and eat with sesame or teriyaki sauce. From this dipping, a broth is created, to which you add vegetables and tofu. Finally, the udon noodles are added and you have a wonderful soup as one of the final courses.
Overall, business went well, and I was able to see a bit of Japan. Highly recommended as a travel destination, and I hope to travel there again very soon!
More work on Thursday, then the long flight home to pack for my next trip (Friday to Amsterdam). Be well all!
previous travel blog entry
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