Japan Trip - Kyoto Day One
The Nijo-Jo Castle
We started our day by visiting the Nijo-Jo Castle. The grounds were filled with tourists but we managed a couple pictures without too many others. The courtyard and architecture was impressive and so different from what we’ve seen before.
It’s hot. Fans around our necks the entire day!
No pictures allowed inside the palace but the rooms were pretty incredible… especially the Peony room and the beautiful cherry blossoms. The floor plan was so interesting and it looked like all the walls could be opened up to the courtyard. Such a different style.
After our walk around the grounds we entered the indoor air conditioned gift shop and cafeteria and picked up a gold leaf ice cream cone. Just sitting inside and resting from the heat was lovely.
Monkey Mountain
Iwatayama Monkey Park is located atop Mount Arashiyama. We put followed the pathways up and around the hill to the very top.
Monkey Mountain is inhabited by a troop of over 120 Japanese macaque monkeys. We were particularly amused by the monkey above on the right who was so excited or worked up that all he could do was bite his arm. We followed suite and bit our arms the rest of the day.
Our view over Kyoto from Monkey Mountain.
Walking through Kyoto trying to find a place to eat. Em and I resting while Dad went to find some cash …and a little mirror photo of me hot, hair up, and sweating in the summer humidity. We will perpetually have cold towels around our necks!
Our first Japanese Lunch
One of our favorite meals in Japan was at a restaurant that felt like an experience as well. We were seated in our own little train car–like compartment, and each time our Japanese host entered, she carefully opened and closed the door behind her to keep the cool air inside.
Dressed in a beautiful Kimono, she brought out dish after dish—small bowls, sauces, and beautifully prepared food—until our table was filled with things to try. We had ordered a full meal with a variety of dishes, and everything was great. I think my favorite was the tempura vegetables but the hot pot was fantastic as well! Loved the little hand-painted square dishes.
The Bamboo Forest
And then out of nowhere we turned the corner in one of the Kyoto streets and entered the Bamboo Forest — a complete shift and break from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets. Even though the trail through the forest was packed with walkers, we were able to get a few pictures. Glad we could enjoy this iconic part of the country.
Kinkaku-ji… The "Golden Pavilion"
The "Golden Pavilion" is a renowned Zen Buddhist temple overlooking a mirror pond in northern Kyoto, famous for its top two floors being completely covered in gold leaf. It’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site… a spectacular example of Muromachi-period design. It was so fun to wander around this golden temple and the surrounding pond and unique green trees. Every view was stunning.
Nishiki Market
Tired and hungry we took the bus back over to Nishiki Market — often referred to as Kyoto’s Kitchen — a marketplace known for all things food in downtown Kyoto. It was fun to wander around and see all kinds of interesting food options, all with inflated prices for tourists. We were especially amused by the ‘no walking and eating’ signs throughout the market. So interesting. I think we ended up with a mango smoothie as we headed back to our hotel. Not sure if I have a picture of it, but we loved our hotel, and the convenience store a block away where we stalked up on grapefruit water. So good!
Fun to be in Japan with you, Emily!!
