Kyoto

I walked several miles - started out from Ryokan and walked across the river and up into the hills where the temples are located. I was trying to get to Kyomizudera, but was only able to locate outbuildings. Signage was everywhere, but not always helpful. Of course the journey was lovely and I got plenty of exercise climbing steep steps on wild good chases. There were many picturesque blocks with traditional Japanese style housing. Very lovely. Pictures are difficult because of narrow roads.

I saw one house where there were piles of what looked like salt on each side of the doorway. I must look that up. And little collections of statues -- shrines.

I did manage to locate Chion-in Temple and Shoren-in. Inside Shoren-in (the signage not in English, the temples close by) there was beautiful chanting in the Temple -- hard to leave after hearing that.

I finally had a meal at 2:00 pm at a lovely restaurant overlooking a garden with a Koi pond (note: all koi ponds have wire strung over them, I am sure to discourage maurauding birds.. Lunch was a tofu noodle stew -- broth tasted slightly smoky, had a very different flavor. Also had a bowl of rice with mushrooms and carrots. Delicious.

After that I was gont to take the train into downtown, but the trains were closed (again, signage an issue). So I walked some more. Went to a Daimaru department store and the Nishiki Market, which is right n the middle of town and extends seeral blocks, but only one level deep - think Italian Market, 9th street, without the cars. Saw some wonderful sights and now regret not buying a few things -- perhaps I go back today.

Today I want to see the Higashi-Hongani Temple which is across the street from my Ryokan as well as a selection of world heritage temples. I think you need several days in Kyoto to do it any kind of justice because everything is so dense.