Locals (guide_3958-113@toursbylocals.com) to begin the journey to Kyoto.
The first stop was Nijo-jo Castle. Originally built in 1603 as the official
residence of the first Tokagawa Shogun, Iemitsu. It makes use of early Edo
period designs. The castle was donated to the city of Kyoto in 1939.
Next was Kinkaku, the Golden Pavilion. A Zen-Buddhist temple. The gardens
and buildings here were said to represent the pure land of Buddha in the
world.
Stopped for a lovely lunch in a local residential area. The building was
originally a merchants shop and residence and had been converted to the
restaurant. The setting and food was very authentic Japanese. A lovely
experience.
Then it was on to Ginkakuji Temple, the Silver Pavilion. This Zen temple was
established in 1482 by the grandson of the builder of the Golden Pavilion.
We drove through Gion and a traditional "Old Town", and were very lucky to
see an authentic Geisha, even though it was not yet evening. Throughout the
day we saw numerous young ladies all dressed up in rented Geisha costumes,
quite enjoying themselves.
Last stop was Fushimi Inari Shrine, said to have been founded in the early
eighth-century and considered to be the most important of the more than
40,000 Shinto shrines dedicated to the deity Inari in Japan. The trails on
the slopes of Inari-yama are covered with countless red tori gates. If you
turn back, one can see the names of famous people and firms and the date of
their donations. The smallest gates can be purchase for about $1,500.
Another long day, and thankfully for my feet, only five miles today.
Returned to Osaka to board the ship and bid farewell to Ken - he is flying
to Rome to begin a cruise in Europe.
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