Kyoto is an attractive city with a river that runs through it. Breakfast is on the 17th floor and the view at sunrise is lovely. There is a buffet of Japanese and Western food. Funny thing is, the instructions given to everyone says Japanese breakfast on 6th floor at 7 and Western on floor 17 at 6:30. Actually it is a combined buffet on 17th floor at 7 but I think the Japanese are too polite to tell the front desk their directions are wrong so several people were patiently sitting and waiting for 30 min. everyday.
Since it is such a beautiful day, we are heading west out of town to Arashiya and the Sagano Bamboo Forest. I’m hoping to do some morning photography and bring my tripod. The ride is on the subway then the JR Rail. We are still in awe at the public transportation system, on time, frequent and most of all immaculate and safe. It puts our Bay Area to shame, but then you look at the density of users and we could never match that revenue. Each ride based on distance only costs $1 max.
The bamboo forest is 6 sq miles with a paved path all visitors must follow. It is already getting crowded by the time we arrive at 9, a tidal wave of people. It is beautiful but not tripod friendly!! There are several species of bamboo, most are Moso, and bamboo can grow several feet in just 3 weeks. They do harvest it for various uses, like disposable chopsticks which are found in almost every restaurant.
We follow the crowds to Tenryu-ji Temple, a World Heritage Site. I’m told “no tripods”. We are not about to defy the rules here and I put it away. The temple was built in 1338 and is the finest example of Japanese garden design. Sogen Pool reflects the surrounding colors. We are a bit early for fall colors. Some leaves are starting to turn and I can imagine how splendid it must be in full autumn color.
The grounds are spacious and peaceful. We are delighted to see a ceremony happening and watch as it unfolds. It is their Annual Founders Day Celebration. Women dressed in beautiful kimonos are gathering and join men dressed in suits and robes. We watch quietly as a tea ceremony takes place.
Adjacent to the temple is Okachi Sandi Villa, the former residence of the samurai film actor Ikichi Denjin. The grounds are beautiful and overlooks Kyoto with cherry blossom trees as a foreground to give the illusion of floating in a cloud of cherry blossoms. We can only imagine…
We spent some time just wandering the park before retracing our steps back through the forest and towards the rail station. Exiting the Nijo station, our next stop is Nijo Castle. It is designated as a National Treasure since it is the only surviving example of a fortified palace complex. Built in 1603, it housed the Shogun Tokugawa and 200 years of peace and prosperity until the return of political control to the emperor and the start of the Meiji period and later democratic state. There are 6 connected buildings decorated with magnificent wall paintings and intricately carved transoms. Photography is not allowed inside but what struck me is the simplicity of the interior compared to European castles- only tatamis cover the floors and rooms are void of any furniture. The gardens are simple but elegant. Ray jokes, “in a Marie Kondo” way.
After a brief rest at the hotel, we wander out to Gion, the geisha district. It is an old town area with lanterns and alleys flanked by a busy restaurant filled streets. We ate grilled assorted seafood. More exploring of this area tomorrow night. We logged 9 miles today.
