2geonomads

Day 3 – 29th March 2017
Kyoto
Another clear day with an expected top temperature of 18 degrees and at our usual starting time of 9.00 am we are off on the train to the Shinto Shrine of Fushimi-Inari -Taisha south-east of Kyoto. This vast shrine complex is famous for its thousands of vermilion torii ( gates ) which are spread across the wooded mountain-side. Fushimi-Inari was dedicated to the gods of rice and sake by the Hata family in the 8th century and remains one of the most impressive and visited sites in Kyoto. One unusual feature of the shrine is the hundreds of stone foxes. The fox is considered the messenger of Inari, the god of cereals, and the stone foxes are often called Inari.
In common with other shrines and temples in Japan we are certainly not ‘ Far from the madding crowd’ but I finally manage to put the Go-Pro and extension stick to good use over the top of the hordes.

After returning to the city centre by train we head off on foot to the Nishiki Market to see the huge array of foods that go into Kyoto cuisine. Chiaki is on hand to give us some guidance as we try to select some dishes to keep the pangs of hunger at bay. We end up with something which we find out later is octopus. Definitely an acquired taste!

The group now breaks up and Gail and I are joined by Keith from Sydney as we head north-east out of the centre by taxi to visit the Ginkaku-ji Buddhist temple which started its life in 1482 as a retirement villa for shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa but after his death the villa was converted into a temple. ‘Ginkaku-ji’ literally means’ Silver Pavilion but the shogun failed in his ambition to cover the building with silver.

Ginkaku-Ji also marks the start of the very pleasant Path of Philosophy walk which follows a canal lined with cherry trees which usually come into spectacular bloom in late March/ early April. However, Murphy’s Law rears its ugly head again and the blossom is steadfastly refusing to appear so far this year.

We will no doubt be reminding Chiaki that our tour is called ‘Japan Cherry Blossom Dreams 2017’ over the coming days!
Our walk finishes at the Nansen-Ji Buddhist temple, one of the most impressive in Kyoto with its expansive grounds and the massive Sanmon structure which stands at the entrance.

Another taxi ride back to the hotel and it’s time for a short period of relaxation before we meet up with Chiaki and Keith in the hotel lobby.
Chiaki had previously asked the group whether anyone would be interested in going to a small restaurant offering traditional Japanese family food but there had been no takers. We had decided that we would probably go with Keith to a restaurant near the Daimaru dept store but with the prospect of Chiaki dining alone we agreed to join her at Taroya restaurant that she had already lined up pre the group’s apathy to the idea.
We were rewarded with a delightful evening of great food and good company which included a Japanese business owner at the adjoining table as he celebrated his 67th birthday with family members and an employee! In common with most Japanese restaurants of this type smoking is allowed but the ‘birthday boy’ is real gentleman and politely asks us whether we would mind if he has a cigarette. We haven’t the heart to deprive the ‘old’ guy of  this moment of pleasure on his birthday and he goes out of his way to make sure that what little smoke there is doesn’t head towards our table.
A perfect end to another thoroughly rewarding day.
Cheers

The Obese Ferret