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Kyoto

I just got back from a 2 day trip to Kyoto (Japan, of course). For only 2 days, it was a great trip, but I'm sure that you could spend a few more, if you don't get burned out on temples and Japanese history. I was in Kyoto on November 1st and 2nd. Unfortunately this was, as it turned out, about 2 weeks too early. The leaves were just beginning to turn, and soon it will be ablaze with color (and dead leaves). No matter! I took plenty of pictures and I will post them posthaste!

The first day started early with a 7 a.m. train out of Jiyugaoka. From there, it was a 30 minute ride to Shin-Yokohama, where we caught the Shinkansen (or "bullet train"). This was about a 2 hour trip. From Kyoto station, we were able to send our luggage on to the hotel, saving a trip. first stop, Gion [history - photos]. Obviously Gion is all about the nightlife, as it was virtually deserted. It wasn't until we headed back to the main tourist street that we saw actual signs of life. Next was one of the highlights of the trip, the Gion odori, or dance [photos]. This was an amazingly interesting dance where geisha perform their trade. In its current incarnation, it only runs for 10 days. If you plan to visit Kyoto, check ahead to see if there is one scheduled. It'll be well worth the price. Following the dance, we visited few of the many surrounding temples. Most notable was the Kiyomizu temple [history - photos]. This is an impressive temple that looks out over Kyoto. After that, back to the hotel for a quick break before dinner, and then off to Pontocho for dinner. Pontocho is a narrow (about two people wide, comfortably) street/ally lined with restaurants and bars. Some of them are frequented by Geisha and their guests, but these are all by invite only. and the invite should be on top of a stack of cash. As we had neither, we opted for the concierges recommendation, Hasunba [ Hasunba review]. This was a great little restaurant off of the main Pontocho... um... ally. The approach to the restaurant was a little daunting as you turn off one dark ally, onto another, smaller, darker ally. But there was a light meal at the end of this tunnel. The meal consisted of tomato salad, fish-in-a-blanket, pork stew and Kyoto style eel. All of these were infinitely tastier than they sound. After dinner we headed back to the hotel to get some sleep for the next day of fun.

The second day started, a little later than planned, with a buffet breakfast at the hotel. After a nice stroll along the river, it was time to be off to Kinkakuji [history - photos] or "Temple of the Golden Pavilion." This truly impressive temple is, as advertised, golden, and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Kyoto. The temple sits on a reflecting pool/pond. Behind the temple is a beautiful, traditional garden that you can slowly stroll and admire before you get to less-serene, yet just as traditional, gift shop. From here it was off to the Kyoto Imperial Palace [history]. Two important things to note about the Kyoto Palace: one, it's only open to the public a few days a month. two, you need reservations. I missed on both counts, so the palace was essentially, a big park [photos], with some walls in the middle. The final stop on this tour was Nijo Castle [history - photos]. Although the castle and the gardens around it are impressive, without the history behind them, they would be much less interesting.

Although the trip lasted only a few days, we managed to visit some of the most popular destinations, and see some truly interesting things, culturally and artistically. If you visit Japan, a few days visit to Kyoto would be well worth your time, and I highly recommend it