After a speedy ride through the breath taking mountain range of south central Japan while enjoying a yummy Bento box lunch, we arrived in Kyoto and we’re greeted by our guide for the second half of the tour, Shizuka.
We immediately set out to visit the first of several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Kyoto, Sanjūsangendō Temple. Founded in 1164 and measuring 120 meters, this Buddhist temple hall is Japan’s longest wooden structure. In the center of the main hall sits a large, wooden statue of a 1000-armed Kannon (Senju Kannon) that is flanked on each side by 500 statues of human sized 1000-armed Kannon standing in ten rows. Together they make for an awesome sight. Photos are not allowed in the temple so I copied a few from the website to add in the gallery.
Continuing on, we stopped briefly for a taiyaki snack; a popular Japanese street food made from a sweet pancake-like batter poured into a fish-shaped mold. It is filled with sweet red bean paste or other fillings like chocolate, custard, or matcha.
Then we entered the Gion district famous for its Geisha. The buildings are all wooden, modestly decorated and very old. No skyscrapers here as bylaws prevent vertical development. Shizuka told us Geisha sightings are rare because over tourism and disrespectful harrassment has made them cautious and reclusive. We were very lucky when one appeared on her way to work. The street crowd fell suddenly silent while she passed by as testament to how revered these performing artists are. Just moments later, we caught sight of a Maiko, a Geisha apprentice. The difference is in the kimono, the hair and adornments. Whereas once there were nearly 3000 Geisha in Kyoto, now there are only 250 remaining. We hope to see a performance at the Gion Corner theater tomorrow if tickets are available.
Supper was at a tiny second floor restaurant along the Kamo River. Plates of venison, quail and shrimp were washed down with Kyoto beer. And that was a day. We caught the bus back to the hotel and crashed.
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