Exploring Kyoto . . .

We started out early for our trip to Kyoto, a city in the central part of the island of Honshu, Japan. It has a population close to 1.5 million. It was the imperial capital of Japan for more than one thousand years. With temples, parks, bustling business districts, markets, from regal estates to the tightly-packed neighborhoods, Kyoto is one of the oldest and most famous Asian metropolises. 

We traveled via Nozomi Super Express train -- also known as the Bullet ( as in "faster than a speeding bullet") Train -- for our trip.  Before we boarded, an awesome cleaning crew literally ran into the train and thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom.

                                      

                                                        The cleaning crew ready to go 

         

                                            The Bullet Train coming into the station

         

                                                           Mandy is ready to board

       

               Our first class seats were great.  Everyone takes off their shoes and there is a cushy foot rest  which I LOVED! 

 The train averages 200 mph and was quite exciting. The trip took two and a half hours, but it went quickly and I saw many interesting sites along the way. I was most interested in the rice patties that lined the tracks. I was able to see the progression from planting to harvesting.  We also passed Mt. Fuji, but it was too cloudy to see the top.

         

                                                                        Rice patties

         

                                                        Rice plants beginning to grow

        

                                                               Ready for harvest

      When we reached Kyoto, we traveled by cab to see the KIYOMIZU-DERA, a Buddhist temple. This temple enshrines in its main sanctuary an image of Kannon (god of mercy) and Bodhi-Sattva.

The Buddhist god of mercy has a been the object of the ardent faith of Japanese people of all classes through the age. The present structures were rebuilt in 1633 and consist of Romon (two-storied gate), Sanjunoto (three-storied pagoda), Shoro (belfry) and some others.  The temple itself is made from wood with tongue and groove construction and is built into the side of a hill.  It was quite a walk to the top, but well worth it. We could not get inside because they were doing some renovations, but could peek in and get a good idea.  The scenery is so excellent that people come from around the world to view it.

                                 

                                    Cindy and Mandy on the steps going up to the gate.

       

                                                     The temple shrine from the back and side

                                    

                                                       The three-storied pagoda

         

                                           Looking down from the pagoda to the temple

        

These are some of the "gods" around the shrine. If you think it looks like they are wearing bibs, you are right. People bring offerings of food to place near them. Some also have coins around them.

        

                                                    Another interesting bamboo fence.

We continued our journey with a cab ride to Kinkaku also known as "The Golden Pavilion."  The gardens and buildings were said to represent the Pure Land of Buddha in this world. It was very beautiful and the grounds were impeccably maintained.  It is a World Cultural Heritage Site.

        

        

Too soon  it was time to return to the train station. Our cab driver was a real hoot. He was practicing his English on us, and was actually doing pretty well.  He was very proud of his homeland, as he should be.

          

Notice the taxi driver's white gloves. Everything was so clean - I love it!  And yes, they do drive from the right side of the car on the left side of the road.

                                  

                                   He was so happy when we told him to keep the change.

         

We had lunch/dinner at the train station. I ordered Fresh Vegetable Udon, shown above. It was good, but I thought it would be served warm. It was very cold. New things ate:  diakon radish, udon noodles, shredded egg, radish sprouts, and a sauce made from mirin.  Chopsticks? Of course!  By the way, I can say "thank you" in Japanese now.