On Saturday we visited Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine. To get there we had to take the subway and a train; there are several railway lines but they're all separate so you need to buy separate tickets. We were a bit confused trying to work out how to use the ticket machine; an elderly Japanese man leant across and showed us what do; it was much easier after he pointed out the English button.
Fushimi is one of the most visited sites in Kyoto which was evident by the crowds, many of which were tour groups. The Shrine has 10,000 vermillion Torii gates which wind up and around a large hill behind the main Shrine. What started off as a slow moving procession, soon thinned out once we started climbing up the hill. It's a good two hour walk to complete the loop up to the summit and back and, of course, the tour groups don't have sufficient time before they need to board their coaches. It was hard work and some steep climbs with many small shrines along the way.
In the landscape view from the summit photo, if you look to the left side, about one third of the way up, you can just make out the vermillion entrance gates - in the portrait photo the entrance gates are in the middle. The circuit took us quite a bit longer because we followed a path steeply downhill which petered out and we had to retrace our steps. But it was a fantastic experience and all the gates were a sight to behold, and a good walk as well.
Yesterday we walked to Maruyama Park on the edge of the town. Once past the many food stalls, which seemed to sell all manner of stuff on sticks, the Park behind was lovely and will look even better in a week or two when the cherry blossom is completely out.
This morning we opted to use the subway (confidently using the ticket machine like a local) to go to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. The weather has been cool but sunny and we took our time strolling around the site.
We even spotted a little turtle in the lotus pond.
Now for those of you who have been wondering about the toilet reference. Sue visited her first Japanese public toilet back on one of the shore excursions and found the toilet seat disconcertingly warm, and a panel at the side full of lights and buttons (see photo). It took awhile to discover how to flush it! One of the buttons plays the sound of running water to disguise any natural sounds made by the occupant. Another 3 buttons will wash whatever you wish to aim the water jet at. Paul, who favours the Eastern method, uses the hand held spray when in Asia; he was pleasantly surprised to find the automatic water jet was warm water. Of course if the local people don't want a cold toilet seat, they wouldn't put up with a cold water jet in their delicate places (in other parts of Asia it can make your eyes water).
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It all looks stunningly beautiful!
Who would have thought flushing a toilet could be so complicated. Well done for working it out. Love and hugs from both of us. xxxx