February 13th, 2017 - Osaka, Japan

Today we were picked up by Ken Sakurai, a guide in association with Tours By
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.

February 12th, 2017 - Osaka, Japan

Burrrr it was cold arriving in Japan this morning - especially after our
stops in the Pacific - we even had snow today!

Got bundled up and headed out to find the way to Nara via the subway and
train.

Nara was the first capital of Japan and was modeled on China's mighty
Tang-dynasty city of Chang'an, at one time considered the most cosmopolitan
metropolis of the ancient world. The park here is 1,235 acres (I felt like I
walked each and every acre), and home to 1500+ tame deer. At one point it
seemed the deer were all looking in one direction, but I could not figure
out what had attracted their attention. Besides begging for food, these deer
have figured out how to photo-bomb. Located here are many ancient
treasures, including the world's largest bronze Buddha, Five-story Pagoda,
Eastern Golden Hall, and Kasuga which is bordered by some 2,000 stone
lanterns donated by devotees since the 11th century. A thousand more, made
of bronze, are hanging from the eaves of buildings. These lanterns are light
twice a year - must be something to see.

Everyone wants to get close to the scary looking statue to rub him. Legend
has it, that whatever part of the statue one rubs will take away any pain
you have there.

Next up was Osaka Castle. The views from across the lake were beautiful.

Then it was time to find the way back to the ship and since we had made a
detour, the way back was not the way we came. Finally figured it out and
settled in for the journey "home". Many of the locals were sleeping after
their long Sunday.

Made one last stop at the ferris wheel, located right beside the ship to
take in the night views of the city before calling it a night.

After a long day and twelve miles of walking, my feet needed a rest.