2/28 - Kyoto
Today we hopped onto the Shinkansen for the 7:29 am train to Kyoto.
We were the only ones in the car! If feels odd after all the other busy transportation. I had to double check we were on the right train! This is one of the super express trains, though it stops at quite a few places along the way to Tokyo.
Some of the beautiful countryside near Aioi.
We had our luggage forwarded to our ryokan in Gion from Kyoto station, which made exploring much easier. (I am really looking forward to the ryokan stay. It’s the one big overnight splurge for us on the trip.)
I had hoped to do a book making class tomorrow. Alas, they don’t have the class in March. But this is Kyoto, we will find something!
The bus to Gion was standing room only. So we had to say “sumimasen” (sorry/excuse me) a ton to get off from the back of the bus. Luckily a few ladies got off at the same place so we followed them.
On the way to the sweets shop, we found a flea market at Toyokuni Jinja. We wanted to stop at one. So Dr. Yellow and Mt. Fuji continue to grant us luck.
We found lovely things, including a handmade bag (which was on my shopping list) and inlaid woodwork. I believe this market was a fundraiser.
There was also a wedding going on. But that was a private affair, so I won’t post a picture.
Then we zipped over to a wagashi tea sweets making class.
It really was fun and even though the instructions were in Japanese, our instructor had an overhead camera so we could see what he was doing. My sweets are not a pretty as his. But for a first attempt, I think they’re ok!
Here is our teacher and a pretty wagashi he made.
Then we walked down the road to an udon shop. It was good. (But not as good as Nakamoto’s udon.) I was hungry and forgot to take a picture - so not all the toppings are there. (oops!) I am not yet a “slurp master”. But I think the slurping is to help cool down the piping hot noodles and broth.
Then we meandered until we could check in at the ryokan. A combini had these adorable yummy snacks.
Yasaka Jinja (Shrine) was close to the ryokan and a good place to visit while we waited.
It had a few plum trees in bloom.
I got my goshuincho stamped too. (I was sad that they wouldn’t allow photos of the people doing the stamps. But I did get to watch the lady doing the calligraphy! This was a first for me.)
We found a lovely park just east of the shrine. And there were warnings about not interacting with the monkeys. But we saw none of the creatures.
Finally, we made our way to the ryokan (traditional inn)—Gion Oyado Kikutani. Our room has a delightful little garden with traditional houses just beyond the garden wall. The tatami smells fresh - not quite like pine, but it’s the closest thing I can think of. The sasa reeds give off the delicate scent.
Mike and I are looking forward to the awesome bath!
We’ll find dinner at Pontocho.