Kyoto
Trip Start
Apr 02, 2008
1
44
91
Trip End
Ongoing
Kyoto,
Kinki,
Japan
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Decided to tour Kyoto by bike. We got a train to Demachiyanagi station. We had googled that there were bikes to rent for 300yen. We walked out of the station and the 1st shop across the road was the bike shop.
Rented the bikes from a Japanese local who told me he played the didgeridoo!
1st stop was the Silver Pavilion, Ginkakuji Temple followed by a cycle along the small river also know as the path of philosophy - passing the odd temple along the way.
We then visited a temple recommended by our didgeridoo playing friend. In our efforts to find Shinnyodo temple we stumbled on Konkai Komyoji temple. It was lovely and quiet, not a tourist in site. We did the ritual of taking shoes off and praying (bowing) and then walked up to Shinnyodo Temple. Both temples are worth a visit.
From there we headed for the Heian-jingu Shrine. Time for a bite to eat at a nearby cafe/restaurant recommended by the lonely planet. The restaurant, 'ideal for a cheap lunch' was closed for lunch. But, it worked out well, we ended up in a delicious sushi place, with chefs in view. We ate 8 pieces each with sauces and tea for 300 yen, about 2 euro or 3 Aussie dollars. Bargain and yum!
Back on the bikes, we set off to the Higashiyama south area. Recommended by the lonely planet, we arrived at Shoren-in had quick walk around, decided against entering and paying as we would be broke if we paid to enter all temples.
Next was Chion-in Temple.
Kyoto
After being told by 3 police men and one lady that where to go and were we could and could not park we decided not to stay on the bikes. We could have parked them in the 'parking section' although the 400 yen was more then the cost of renting the bikes for the day. We were then told that we could ride them around the area. Which seemed like a way better option.We then rode through the downtown area, before we were stopped by the Japanese police. Must have missed those signs in Japanese! Great fun being stopped and told where we could and could not go.
Attempted to go to the Nijojo Castle, but there were more parking issues so we decided to give it a miss. The day was getting shorter and we had 3 more places to squeeze in.
Another UNESCO site like the other thirteen in Kyoto. Ninnaji Temple was tough enough to cycle up to, but worth it when we reach the impressive gates and temple.
We made it to Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavilion (eh, prob got its name because it was very golden). I (Michael) didn't get a chance to take a nice picture from the front as I was busy taking a picture for a young Japanese family.
Last two places we visited was the Shimogamo-jinja Shrine, well worth a look and the Kyoto Imperial Palace, worth a scoot around on the bikes.
We then found a dodgy cheap place for quick bite. Met one of the locals and on our 9th Day in Japan we learnt how to use chopsticks properly! Fed and watered, we returned the bikes to didgeridoo dude.
