Day fourteen

10th of April. Our second last day in Kyoto. I tried not to think about my sad depart tomorrow and concentrated on enjoying today to its maximum.

I strongly believe that the best way to experience a country is to explore it by foot. It is great how centralised Kemmy’s house is. We could always start our day with destinations within walking distance.

This morning. We are going to visit the Imperial Palace – Free Admission

Like the many temples and shrines we visited. The Imperial Palace has been struck down with a series of fire destructions. The one standing now was built in 1855. Though similar to its re-successors, this Palace is much smaller than the original. And the grandeur had perhaps been somewhat lost in the move.

Opened only twice yearly during Spring and Autumn. This Palace is adorned with priceless sliding screens, Ko Cosho [small palace], Tsune Cosho [regular palace] and Shinshin-den [ceremonial halls].

Surrounding the Palace are spacious parks with a welcoming landscape of Plum and Cherry Blossom trees. A wonderful place to take a stroll and have a picnic.

We walked through the hall ways and chambers of the Palace with the stream of patriotic Japanese. In awe of the lifestyle the Emperors of past used to live.

After browsing through the mini market camped outside the palace. We made our way through Gion District to Heian-jingu – free admission.

Passed though lots of old alleyways.

The sight of the Path of Philosophy was breathtaking. Lining the sidewalk to a huge canal river was a parade of weeping cherry blossom trees. No wonder it was given such a peculiar name. I wonder if Confucius has ever walked down that path before…

Heian-jingu - Thought the grounds of this red shrine is free. Entry to the renown garden will set you back 600Yen.

Built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of the founding of Koto. This temple is a replica of the [2/3 scale] Imperial Palace.

I took a picture of Mel standing under a HUGE bright red Torii. Seemingly a separate architect to Heian-jingu [as it is distance a far way from the temple], it is actually the entrance to the temple.

We had visited dozens of temples and shrines in the past couple of weeks. And I have to admit. We were reaching a point where we could almost say enough is enough.

However, there was just one last one we have got to see. Kiyomizudera – Beautifully located by the mountainside. With narrow winding streets filled with traditional stores leading up to it. This is definitely a must see.

On the way up. I spotted a pretty pink bunny in the window of a stuff toy store and took a picture of it. Bought ourselves a stuffed toy cat with golden trimmings. It is now sitting proudly on our lounge, much to the dislike of Salem

If you truly want to experience how Old Japan feels like. I strongly recommend coming here.

Before reaching the temple at the top of the hill. You will get the see old traditional Japanese teahouses. Stores selling wooden art and craft. Sake bottles stores with millions of little cups and jars stacked into old wooden shelves. Appealing to unsuspecting curious tourist of its exorbitant prices. Udon noodle stores, and sweet cakes makers. Wooden Japanese clog slippers and kimono boutiques. It will be a feast to the eye and a feast to your tastebuds for sure.

You may even ran into a Geisha or two rushing off after her afternoon window shopping.
A group of young men dressed in samurai costumes getting ready for a performance.

The experience is priceless.

We were hoping to visit the temple after night falls. So we huge around the narrow street and waited over a large bowl of hot piping Udon.