A day of discoveries and temples

(Note:  you can click on the photos for larger versions of the smaller ones.)

The hotel offers a Japanese breakfast, a great opportunity to taste new things while getting a solid food foundation for the day.

Catching a bus

I headed for the Bus station thinking I'd get Kyoto's version of a  hop-on hop off bus to orientate myself. Unfortunately it only runs on weekends and this was Monday. Not a disaster because organisation at the bus station was another example of Japanese efficiency and consideration.  It seems that in Kyoto at least, the Japanese recognise the value of a real person and don't skimp on manpower.  (Yay!!!)  Not only does the bus timetable screen include information in English (and Japanese) on what buses to catch for the main tourist attractions and where to catch them, there are  also English speaking attendants to make sure you understand. I hadn't worked out which sight to visit, but I bought a day's bus pass (500 yen - or about$5.50) and headed off towards Kinkaku-ju Temple. The bus signage was clear so  I followed others on via the back door and scored a seat, which was great as it got very crowded.  Announcements in Japanese and English tell you about the bus and the next stop and the information's also on a screen at the front. When you're getting close, they tell you where you are.  It was great looking out the window and realising there were interesting places other than the station near my hotel.

Kinkaku-ju Temple

On the way I got chatting to a friendly young tourist. Inbal was headed for the same temple.  I had been imagining chilling in a Zen garden.  Instead we joined a long line of Japanese tourists and school parties.  It didn't make for a spiritual atmosphere. I was amazed by the equipment for selfies and Inbal said they were everywhere in Korea. 

 She offered to take a photo of me so I gate-crashed these school children's photo.

Kikaku-ji Temple.  Japanese irises as they should be seen.

We did a quick whizz around and then parted company as I fancied a sit-down and there was a tea garden.  

Getting home again

The bus was a lot less crowded on the way back and I hopped on and off whenever I saw something I thought might be interesting.

There are smokers' areas everywhere.  This was in a park near the aquarium (which I didn't visit).

I hope to make it inside some time!

The mausoleum of Shinran Shonin (1173 - 1262), 

I  spotted a heap of monks heading my way and headed for a construction site to see what it held.

It was open and turned out to be the mausoleum of  the founder of Shin Buddhism and also the the mother temple of one of the largest Buddhist denominations in Japan. Far fewer people and most of them prayed when they got into the main building.  The tatami maps felt like a sprung floor, the wood was redolent of age and all in all it was a much more atmospheric and satisfying experience. Let that be a lesson to me!

Now that's what I call a drum! It was high overhead and had a battering ram to sound it.

Man feeding pigeons.

I decided to walk back to the hotel via the railway area and got lost.

Traditional Japanese guest house (ryokan)?  If I come back, I'll try to stay in one. They're mainly full as far as I can tell.

I was completely knackered when I ended up back at the place where I ate yesterday. I focussed a bit more on the menu.   Squid footware?  Horse hormone salt slack?  The mind boggles.  (I'm told hormones meams intestines.)

The hotel provides a map of recommended eateries. I went to Dining Mison, a two minute walk away, and ate a delicious meal of pork yakiniku, grilled veg and salad.