We're currently in Kyoto where we are staying for four days. On our first day, having been sitting around at the airport and then on a bus journey from Osaka Airport, we felt the need to stretch our legs so we walked to the Imperial Palace which took about 40 minutes. The grounds were extensive and due to the warmer weather, the cherry trees were in blossom. We spent a couple of hours ambling around the grounds and then visited the Palace complex itself.
The photo below right is a magnolia, not cherry blossom, but included here as it was magnificent.
We should mention here something that is commonplace in Japan: many people own tiny dogs which are often dressed in coats, dresses and hats and are pushed around in small doggy prams. Paul asked an owner if he could take a photo and she proudly agreed.
On our second day we opted for the hop-on-hop-off bus as there were places en route that we wanted to visit. The first was Ginkaku-ji Temple (called the Silver Pavillion but it isn't silver at all). From the entrance there was a marked out route that you had to follow and it took us past, not only the Temple buildings but up steps to a fine viewpoint and also past beautifully landscaped gardens which included a perfectly raked sand garden (the pale area in photo).
The second place that we stopped was Gion, a traditional area of old Kyoto with many of the original wooden houses. We walked through the streets to visit Kodaji Temple.
Our final stop of the day was Kinkaku-ji Temple (the Golden Temple, which it is!). Again we followed a prescribed route, but unfortunately it was so busy that it was more of a procession with little chance to stop and look. We became separated in the heaving throng of people and took some time to reunite. It was probably very serene and beautiful without the crowds but it wasn't a particularly pleasant experience.
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Beautiful photos. The blossom trees, gardens and scenery look stunning.
What a shame you couldn’t enjoy the Golden Temple due to the number of visitors. Love and hugs xx
Stunning photos and an amazing cultural experience. 9/10 (1 point docked as we are still waiting on the Japanese toilet story haha).
Lots of love to you Paul and Sue. Laura xxx