Ise to Kyoto

We got to sleep in today since our train to Kyoto was not leaving until 10:49 am.  Last evening, we went out for a stroll up to the big shrine, came back down the shopping street and found a nice, small restaurant that had identifiable items.  We chose a salad, shamshima (raw tuna) and seafood pizza.  We were happy to not have twenty different little plates.  We got lost walking back to the hotel and had to do some back tracking.  Since it was early, we watched the latest Mad Max movie on the iPad.  It was not great, but the special effects were amazing.  In fact, the entire movie was special effects and large weird, gas guzzling vehicles in a world without oil or much else.

Our trip to Kyoto on the train went smoothly.  We even saw lots of kudzu.

We arrived at an intermidiate station where we had to change trains at 12:02 pm and caught the outbound train at 12:06 pm.  All trains in this country are on-time.  We arrived in Kyoto at 12:54 pm.  Our hotel for tonight only is across the street from the station.  The train station is huge with lots of shops on multiple levels.  

After checking in, we got our package for the Nakasendo trail and checked it over.  We now have a detailed map and instructions.  We then journeyed out for some lunch and walk around our area.  We bought pastries at a bakery in the train station, two savory and two sweet ones.  The system they use at bakeries is neat - your take a tray and tongs, next, you make selections from large trays using the tongs and placing them on the tray, and then, you pay while they put each item in a small plastic bag.  We made a quick stop at Visitor Information before finding a spot outside to eat.  The Japanese frown on eating or drinking while walking. We got a chance to study the map and decide where to walk. 

We mostly followed a "recommended walk" on the map which took us by a garden (Shosei-en Garden, established in the 1600's), by two temples (Higashi-Honghanji, the largest wooden structure in the world and Nishi-Honghanji, slightly older, smaller and the original one), and the Shimabara Gate (which leads into the former "entertainment area," known for geshas).  The Shimabara is now a residential area because the entertaining area has been moved twice, farther out of city center.  We returned to the hotel for a brief rest and tea, before going out for dinner.

A heron in downtown Kyoto next to a busy street

The garden pond

A mostly black butterfly

The largest wooden structure

Prespective

A rare Gingko tree that growes horizontially instead of upward

The smaller but older temple

We had dinner at "Pastamore" inside the train station mall.  Here was there offerings on display.

We ended the day walking arond the train station to see the shops.  Nearly all cater to women.  Given that men all wear black suits with whte shrts, there aren't many fashion choices or needs for men. 

We returned to our closet size room at the Ibis Styles Hotel.  With the luggage laid on the floor there is only a narrow path to the bathrom in which to stand.  We move to the Hyatt tomorow and begin the "self-guided" Nakasendo Tour, by Oku Japan.