We set off this morning for our last day in Kyoto. Tomorrow its back to good old Tokyo which is a bit of a shame but its been a fun ride along the way!!
Today we set off for Northern Higashiyama, another area nestled into the surrounding hills and woods and full of character and age. Our first stop was the Honen-in, a lovely temple that is hidden up into the hills, has raked sand and divine gardens again. The Japanese are the masters of the garden without doubt. We wandered around there, walked up hill and down dale through the gardens and loved it. When we left there we walked back down a little shopping street and we shared the best cream bun of all time…so delicious. Then we embarked along the Path of Philosophy, a beautiful walk along a little walled stream. The walls are a mass of plants and greenery and hydrangeas… just beautiful. We then headed back into the bustling real world. We wanted to find the Kyoto Craft Shop which we eventually did. Then we went for lunch and that was another of life’s treats. It was a beautiful old Japanese house with Tatami floors so we had to take the shoes off but fortunately we didn’t have to sit on the floor (although pretty bloody close!!). We had gorgeous traditional and beautifully presented Japanese food and I had sake and Rose a beer (in the smallest glass she’s ever drunk beer from). The setting was amidst a beautiful garden so it was a most pleasant lunch. We then jumped on a bus and were home around 3. Now everyday there is more to do and every day we plan to embark again. But once home we wilt a bit and then decide we’ve done enough until we go out for dinner!! Today was no exception.
We decided against Japanese for dinner and Rose found a great Indian place not too far away so we set off there and had a most delicious meal. The place was very popular and totally full. Then home!! A nightcap, a bit of preliminary packing and then its off to bed for a good night’s sleep before we have to be up and onto the train for Tokyo in the morning.
Another observation of Japanese life…where are the rubbish bins…there aren’t any!!! never anywhere to put your rubbish. And yet, no litter anywhere. Where does the rubbish go?? Its hard to understand that one!!
That’s it for today, we’re really starting to look forward to seeing you all again…can’t wait actually