After 3 days of POWER touring in Tokyo, it was definitely time to down shift. So we hopped on a shinkansen (aka bullet train) and shot off to Kyoto. Kyoto was the only city of any size in Japan left untouched during the US bombings in World War II, and is a treasure trove of old world Japanese architecture, temples, traditional japanese gardens and zen gardens. It is said that Kyoto is where Japanese go to remember what it is to be Japanese.... sounded pretty good to us!
The pace is certainly much slower than in Tokyo. We spent our two days in Kyoto visiting several beautiful temples, getting in some shopping, and just strolling the charming back alleys along the river, absorbing ourselves in the culture, and hoping to be lucky enough to see some geishas en route to their evening engagements.
"Shinkansen"
Kinkaku-ji, aka "Golden Pavilion". Our first temple visit in Kyoto. Built in the 14th century, and covered in gold leaf. Burned to the ground by a whacked out monk in 1950 and reconstructed to its exact original state in 1955. Very peaceful!
"Pontocho", back alleys of Kyoto on the river front. Great people watching and dining! No geishas :(
Beautiful gardens at Tofukuji temple, one of our favorites, and the first point of interest on the "philosopher's walk", a beautiful temple lined 2 mile walk along the canal in Northern Higashiyama, in the foothills on the edge of Kyoto. So relaxed and quiet... we had the grounds almost all to ourselves!
Nanzen-ji Temple, with its beautiful zen gardens
Japanese artisan, making cool necklaces out of really old coins.
Kyomizu-dera Temple
Riverside dinner
After our reprieve in Kyoto, we reconvened with Nate and Shelly, who had made their own side trip to Hiroshima. Our next stop on the itinerary was "Manza onsen". An Onsen is a traditional japanese spa and resort, complete with "Ryokken" (guest house) and hot spring baths. Of course all trips must have at least one planning disaster. Ours came when we arrived in Karuizawa via shinkansen, went to buy our bus tickets to Manza, only to discover we had missed the last bus of the day, and were stuck in the middle of nowhere! Fortunately, the travel gods sent us a guardian angel, this nice lady at the train station, who located a rustic little Onsen outside of Karuizawa, which met our needs just fine.
Our short visit to Karuizawa was just what the doctor ordered... a mini vacation from our vacation. We took our communal baths (not at all awkward or anything, but they did keep guys and gals separated) and spent the evening playing spades in our room, listening to tunes on my open faced Bose headphones turned to full volume, and emptying the vending machine of all the Kirins and Sapporos.
The next day was spent wandering the sleepy little town of Karuizawa, shopping, and eating crepes. We left town that afternoon for our return to Tokyo, all charged up for a crazy finale!!!
Guardian Angel
"Kotse Onsen", our little oasis in Karuizawa
"downtown" Karuizawa
Coming soon.. Act III: Banzai Nights!!!
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