Date: 23rd October 2024
Travelled: Walking around Kyoto
Visited: Kyoto Tower, Higashi Hongan-ji Teemple, Toji Gardens and Pagoda
Stayed: Vessel Hotel, Kyoto
Budget: 21 days @ $XX per day
After our first day in Kyoto yesterday we noted itโs a smaller city than many we have visited so far in Japan. Kyoto has a population of 1.4 million people. Once Japanโs Imperial Capital City all the interesting places are relatively close to the city centre, so within walking distance.
The days we spend two nights in the same hotel are a bonus. The packing and unpacking daily are a grind compared to our motorhome travels. We have a relaxed start this morning with breakfast then go out to find a coffee before setting off on a dayโs walking.
Our first stop this morning is Kyoto Tower, we pay our A$9 pp to find ourselves in the first of two lifts with a group of school children.
From the top level the views of Kyoto are excellent especially as the visibility is so good today. Note the Shinkansen or bullet train slowing toward Kyoto Station in the bottom photo.
From the tower we can see Nishi Hongan-ji Temple its only another 500 metres walk.
Nishi Hongan-jiTemple is a huge complex of halls and gardens. Apparently the base and school of Jลdo Shinshลซ Buddhism. We have slowly worked out Buddhism has many sects.
Once you take a step up to the Founders Hall itโs shoes off to walk the verandahs and halls until itโs time to go.
Back on the footpath once againโฆ
Wandering along with purpose for another 1.5 kms to To-ji Temple. We did stop for a quick look an another temple, one temple a day is enough.
Our last stop is To-ji Temple but weโve come for the gardens and pagoda rather than the halls. Sounds good except for the A$5 pp entry fee. The temple itself dates to 796 but the 5 story pagoda was built in 1643. The pagoda makes a fabulous backdrop for the gardens.
Enough walking for today we make our way back to the hotel via a huge shopping complex for a very late lunch, then an afternoon nap back at the hotel.
A day at our own pace was just want we needed.
Michael + Pam
