Kyoto 3

Kyoto, another hot sunny day and first stop was Heian Shrine to explore their gardens. Lots of cherry blossoms mainly the weeping cherries blooming now as the Sakura are dropping.

Then we visited Nijo-Jo Castle former power base of Shogun Tonugawa leyasau. He ended the shogun era by restoring the Emperor to power and giving the castle to him. No photos were allowed inside but it had squeaky floorboards that sound like nightingales chirping when you walk. This was to alert the Shogun to any intruders - an early alarm. The walls were painted a golden colour with different Japanese style paintings in the rooms. Often designed to show the power and status of the Shogun  eg Tigers and leopards, Chrysanthemums, peonies, sukura etc . The entrance gate was very elaborate with painted and gilded woodwork depicting dragons, flowers and herons.

After a Japanese pizza lunch ( one of the best of the tour) we headed to Kinkakuji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion) that started life in 1397, as the retirement home of Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu , then later converted to a Zen temple. It is at its best in Autumn surrounded by Maple trees in their fall colours or in winter with snow on the ground.  

In 1950 a young monk burned it to the ground so it was rebuilt following the original design exactly except the gold -foil covering was extended to the lower floors. 

The stone Jizo figures people make a wish and throw coins. 

Finally we were taken to view the Kyoto railway station which is very futuristic. We went up 11 flights of elevators for great views of the city. Coming down we walked the sky bridge which extends over the 5 storey high atrium above the main concourse. The station serves the Kintetsu line, two JR main lines, the Shinkansen, and the Kyōto underground. There is extensive retail and numerous restaurants in the station itself, and it adjoins an 11 storey high rise (mentioned above) which had 6 floors of restaurants and retail, plus a massive hotel, plus a huge basement level restaurant and food court. The architect was Hara Hitoshi. 

The JR and Kintetsu lines are elevated above the surrounding roads and the Shinkansen above them again, so the high speed trains arrive and leave from the second floor.

Dinner tonight was a chicken hotpot at one of the very many restaurants in the station. 

Once back at the hotel (which is across the road from the station) we did a little shopping at the Aeon Mall very close to our hotel, ie next door - a mere twin 4 storey shopping complex, with even more restaurants amongst the retail shops.