Once we disembarked from our “sailing hotel”, we took the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Yokohama to Kyoto – a fast, comfortable way to travel. We looked for Mt. Fuji, but only caught a glimpse. Once settled in to our hotel, we explored our centrally located neighbourhood and enjoyed a picnic dinner in the hotel. The next day we had another Goodwill Guide to show us around Kyoto. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a rainy day, but we did as much as we could despite the weather.
We started with an old electric tram ride to the Arashiyama area for a visit to the bamboo forest around the Tenryuji Temple. From there, it was a bus ride to the Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion). Yes, it’s actually covered in gold leaf. After a stop for lunch at a small local eatery (where we had a great Japanese meal), we then headed off to visit the Gion area – an older area of Kyoto where “geiko” (Kyoto dialect for geisha) entertain. It’s popular to spend the day in the area dressed in the traditional clothing. Back on the (VERY) crowded buses again to visit the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. This is an important Shinto shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates. It was incredibly busy, and very wet, but we saw as much as we could short of the doing the entire 4 kilometers of the trails. We returned to our hotel wet but happy to have seen so much of what Kyoto has to offer.
One of the Shinkansen bullet trains coming through the Yokohama station. There were 4 tracks, going in both directions being used by these trains every 2-3 minutes.
As the train enters and leaves the station, a conductor (carefully) sticks their head out to ensure the platform is clear. And yes, they all dressed that formally.
We THINK that’s Mt. Fuji in the background. (If it isn’t – then we missed it entirely.)
Our tour of Kyoto started at Arashiyama Station, with it’s display of “kimono art” – lit pillars of kimono fabric. A nice touch.
Walking through the bamboo forest – along with many other umbrella’d visitors.
Part of the dense Bamboo Forest.
A typical Japanese cemetery. It’s seems traditional to have this type of headstone.
You could take a traditional rickshaw ride through the forest.
A river flowed next to the forest, and offered boat rides in this beautiful setting.
The Golden Pavilion. (Doing it’s best to shine despite the rain.)
Another aspect of the Golden Pavilion.
A peaceful and picturesque spot on the ground of the Pavilion.
Our lunch. Apart from the rice and a few of the vegetables – I’m not sure what anything is, but it was a delicious respite from our rainy touring.
In the Gion area, along a canal street.
This kind of overhead congestion wasn’t typical, but we did see it in areas with older houses and buildings.
Many small restaurants and shops. A great place for a stroll on a warm (dry) evening.
They may not look like much from the outside – but these are some expensive, upscale restaurants.
So… No Smoking. No eating burgers. No dropping wrapped condoms. No selfie sticks. No "just hangin’ out". And definitely NO TOUCHING THE GEISHAS!
We came across this group of quaint women in traditional dress, scurrying through the rain, on their way to… presumably some kind of ceremony.
The first of the torii gates leading into the Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine. Those are foxes on either side of the gate holding keys in their mouths.
The first of the covered pathways.
This is the densest of the covered pathways, and the only way to access the rest of the paths.
A lucky shot on this day - 'cause the place was packed with people. At times you had to just stop and wait for people to take their posed pictures.
We only went as far as this area, with it’s lanterns and small shrines.
And – if you’d like one of your own torii gates installed – here’s the price list.
NEXT: (Day 3) Kyoto, Japan - Tour of Nara
Japan On Land