Kyoto day 1

We started the day with two firsts for both of us - waking up on futons in a traditional Japanese room, and a delicious Japanese breakfast. So yum!

In fact, food has been a highlight thanks to the Minister for Culinary Exploration - Hamish McGregor. 

Today we had Teppanyaki (balls with octopus) for lunch

and okonomiyaki for dinner, kept warm on our own hotplate. 

First stop Kenkaku-ji (better known as the 'golden temple', though it was originally built as a aristocratic residence). A stunning building on a beautiful lake. We were thankful for the tip to get there just before opening to beat the crowds. 

We hadn't planned on visiting the (former) imperial palace, but it was on our way so we slotted it in. A massive area with impressive buildings which were the scene for the enthronement of key emperors, as well as the promulgation of Japan's original 'constitution.' History brought to life.

Just a small entrance which they built because the emperor was going to arrive for his enthronement with a horse for the first time. 

The whole place gave us a sense of what a controlled and sheltered life the emperor lived. We also loved the Japanese garden.

 and I enjoyed connecting with Elijah on WhatsApp about early Japanese football. 

So glad we dropped in. 

Next, Nishiki food markets for lunch and culinary sightseeing. 

Then Chion-in temple. A massive entrance and staircase.

But the most striking experience was inside the main hall. Different again to the other temples we've seen, with its ornate beauty and dignity. Unfortunately I can't show you because photos were allowed. 

We walked around quickly for our next highlight - a Japanese Tea Ceremony. Not being a tea drinker myself I might not have picked this, but I had heard of this historical artefact, and Hamish is a big matcha tea fan. 

The woman explained the history and the ceremony, demonstrated and then taught us to make our own matcha - which was very nice. Hamish volunteered to drink the results of her demonstration, so he got two serves. 

We both loved the experience. 

Then - let's go shopping. I can't remember the last time I took Hamish shopping - unless you count buying glasses the other day - but there are two particular preserved old streets full of shops for tourists.

We had a great time and bought some goodies too. 

Then another temple, Kiyomizu-dera, famous for its large verandah supported by giant wooden pillars,

and its mizu (water - I learnt that word on Duolingo, and I just noticed it's in the temple's name) for cleansing. All the temples have this, but this temple has turned into a game. 

Finally, after dinner another highlight - a free walking tour focusing on geishas in the Gion district. Taking photos of geishas in Kyoto is now banned - thanks to the popularity of getting that special shot - but we did spot 5 or 6 on our geisha safari, as well geisha houses and tea houses (where they entertain their clients). The Spanish guide was very informative and we got to visit some beautiful areas of Kyoto, which we would have otherwise missed. Having recently read 'Memoirs of a Geisha' I found it particularly interesting, and I think Hamish found it interesting too. 

31000 steps and so many interesting places. What a day!