Thought it time to return to my Blog. It has been a while, but considering the sadness in my last entry, it has been difficult to return to it.
But it is time to do so.
Last weekend, I spent a day in Kyoto, and I thought I'd share some photos.
Kyoto was the old capital of Japan. For hundreds of years it served as the home of the Emporer, and then changed venue to Tokyo not so long ago. Kyoto remains a city home to many temples and gardens, home to the Geisha's in the famous Gion district, and a main venue for Cherry Blossoms in April every year.
I only spent one afternoon there, so my first visit there was very quick. Nevertheless, it was fun and showed me there were many worthwhile things to return to in Kyoto.
The station itself boasts a modern complex reaching high into the air. Impressive just walking around and enjoying a cafe or ramen shop while watching travellers come and go from the station.
I soon found a temple about 10 minutes from the station. The signs were clear...statues, old buildings,
and then, huge grandiose architecture...
I ventured in and took some photos of worshippers. It was strange being a tourist in a sacred place, snapping away at people being pious, but I wasn't the only one.
Outside the temple itself, was a water fountain where you could wash your hands in act of purity. Very nice, but what go to me was the magnificent dragon used for a fountain water spout. A kind Japanese local helped me imortalise this scene. She told me to grab the dragon as if I had tamed it. Fine by me. I always thought I had a bit of the DragonSlayer in me.
The temple doors were impressive, too. Thick doors which looked able to withstand a horde of people. Strange for a temple I thought.
Next was a visit to a garden. It was a small place, surrounded by old walls, separating it from the modern bustle. Inside, it was so tranquil and beautiful. A great place to visit for some meditation.
Here is an old gatehouse, where guards would check who enters the inner gardens.
Then the gardens...
A house for the tea ceremony overlooks the ponds, accessible by the bridges pictured.
And if you clap your hands at the pond edge, fish come to you begging for food!!
Speaking of which, you can even relax and have lunch in their garden rest area, complete with vending machines.
After, I ventured to the Imperial Palace, in the middle of a huge park about the size of about 10 city blocks.... BUT I COULD NOT GET IN. You need to pre-book with the office early in the morning, showing your passport and resident details, before they allow you onto a tour.
Oh, well, next time.
Instead, I wondered the Palace outskirts and enjoyed some of the gardens.
......I definitely have to return here. Enjoy the pics. See ya later!!
