Kyoto 2

We started the day by viewing the 400 year old bridge Togetsukyo (Moon Crossing Bridge). Named by a famous philosopher. 


We then walked via cherry blossom laden streets to Tenryuji  Temple. Once again the streets were packed with people  and many young couples in traditional costume. 



The main reason for the temple visit was to view the zen garden Hojo and the stunning gardens. The garden design dates from the 14th century and is said to have set the design principles for Japanese gardens ever since with very few changes  it was certainly a spectacular garden, and would be even more so in autumn with the leaf colours. 













A little further on we visited Arashiyama Bamboo Grove listening for the noise they make in the wind. There was a pedestrian level crossing of the JR line in the middle of the bamboo grove which made added interest. Trains passed every few minutes.

Lunch was in a local restaurant near the bus park. Another hot pot but a step up from our previous experience. Not sure what they were but loved the items wrapped and cooked in the leaf- appeared to be Tofu and possibly some sort of grain or seeds . 

Then to another temple for a tea ceremony which was informative - matcha tea . 

The temple seemed scruffier  than usual and it had a very large Buddha.














Later in the afternoon we wandered the streets of the old part of Kyoto - old Edo period houses and narrow lanes. The haunt of Geishas and Mieke. We were filling in time waiting for a cultural experience show and the weather was getting very cool. 

Many locals lined the riverbank in small groups (all the couples sitting slightly separated according to local cultural dictates) enjoying the blossoms. 

The cherries have been at 100 percent bloom and the flowers are now falling. Loved the piled up petals on the river. Also saw the old style flat bottom boat that they once used to transport goods from 

Osaka to Kyoto.










We ended up at a famous bridge for cherry blossom viewing with lots of young couples posing in kimonos then to the show. Once back at our hotel most of us fined over the road at at Kyoto station and finally got to eat Okonomiyaki. Everyone loved it!














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