Day 2 – Kyoto and Osaka

We flew into Nagoya at around noon and were met by Masako and Koichiro.  We ate lunch and then began the two hour drive to Kyoto.  The drive itself was beautiful, full of greenery and misty hills.  Our first stop was at Kinkaku-ji, aka the Temple of the Golden Pavilion. 

 

It’s a very popular tourist site and there were several groups of junior-high students there.  Scott and I were immediately recognized as Americans and (politely) descended upon by students practicing English.  They would gather around in groups of 5 or so and shyly as questions of us, such as “What is your favorite Japanese food,” “Where are you from,” and “What is your name,” to which I responded “Briony” and when they struggled, “yes, it’s weird in America, too!”  (Click on any photo to enlarge)

A group of student tourists

Among the tourist attractions were these ladies, who happily posed for photos

After talking with several student groups, we made our way around the temple grounds and gardens.  It’s truly breathtaking and a must for anyone visiting Kyoto!

The Golden Pavilion

Who doesn't love a waterfall?

The object of this was to toss coins in the pot for good luck. One yen coins are light and don't fly too far, but I landed a 10 yen coin in it!

 

 

Our next stop was at a traditional Japanese marketplace.  The space seemed rather like an alley, but the booths appeared to be permanent, with all sorts of interesting things for sale.  We had a few snacks and some yuza juice which was wonderfully tasty and refreshing.

 

A good view of the market, with beautiful colored skylights

 

Scott and I posing for a picture

 

Octopus, anyone? (no thanks!)

 

Your favorite food, rendered in a charm for your cell phone! Scott bought a sashimi, I found some tempura but resisted, as iPhones don't have any place to put them (sad face!)

 

Yes, this is really a purse, made from really a frog!

After exploring the marketplace, we drove on to Osaka where we were staying for the night, and where the show was the next morning.  We ate at a buffet that charged more for men than for women (interesting, and quite fair, I think!) then settled into our rooms for the night.  More interesting technology awaited us…

We had to place our keys on a ledge just inside the door to turn on the lights. Very interesting take on energy conservation!

 

 

 

Food of the Day

My lunch, more tempura (yum!) with rice, Japanese pickles, green tea and miso soup.

 

 

 

Sign of the Day

Seen in the domestic terminal of the Tokyo airport. This person looks and acts suspiciously like an American business traveler.

 

 

 

Bathroom of the Day

Instructions for using the traditional Japanese toilet, as found at the temple.

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