The morning of the 22nd we headed out to Kyoto. Nice Shinkansen Hikari train ride – those bullet trains sure are quick. Beautiful scenery often interrupted by tunnels. I watched an episode of Deadwood (thank you, high-speed internet connections in hostels). When we arrived in Kyoto, it was pouring rain. We trudged through the rain (stupid me, I forgot to use my rain cover for my pack), got soaked, and eventually arrived at our hostel (K’s House Kyoto). Checked in, then showered, then tried to go to the costume museum, which was closed for the month. Instead ended up seeing a temple in the center of Kyoto, the Nishi-Honganji temple. Then headed back to Kyoto station to get food. In the Isetan department store there, they have an extensive prepared food area in the basement. We got pork chop on a stick dipped in miso sauce and supermarket sushi. Both were delicious. Back at the hostel, we met a bunch of fellow travelers and ended up going out for several hours of Karaoke. Fun and excitement.
Next day (the 23rd), walking around Kyoto. A beautiful day, thankfully. First, we walked to the Kiyo-mizudera temple, up on the mountain to the east of Kyoto Station. Beautiful, sprawling temple complex, unfortunately filled with hordes of tourists. Probably the most beautiful place I’ve been to so far. On the way up the hill Marina found a perfect Super Lucky Cat to bring home. Afterwards, checked out the Kyoto Craft Center, then a kindly old Japanese man directed us to the correct bus so that we could cross Kyoto to get to the Golden Pavilion. We got there just in time (about 20 minutes before they closed).
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