Big day today.
We headed to Kyoto today via bullet train which meant another encounter with the madness they call Japan Rail. All was going smoothly until we got to the platform and saw a train that was heading to Kyoto so naturally we got on board. Twenty minutes in the conductor comes checking tickets and advises us that we have caught the wrong line. Our tickets are only good for JR Rail and we were on different line which meant getting off at the next station. After a short wait we managed to board the right train but had to stand for the first leg (30 min) as there were no seats available. We had to change trains at Kobe but we had reserved seats so that made a big difference to the last leg of our journey. We cabbed it to the hotel because I was not going to tangle with the bus lines. I'd had enough of the public transport system for one day.
It turns out our hotel is located smack bang in the middle of busy Shinkyogoku Street. It is a massive eating and shopping district that surrounds our hotel. It's brilliant, there is so much to see. It is also a short walk to Gion, the Geisha district which was the main reason for us coming. Big tick for location.
After unpacking we headed out for some lunch. We ended up in an organic place at the bottom of the hotel. I would love to be able to tell you what we ate but I have no clue. I choose I eat. It all tastes great but have no idea what it is. And this has been the case in pretty much every place we have eaten.
We then walked around Shinkyogoku for a short while (it is too big to do in one day) and then over to Gion, specifically Shjjo Dori and Hanamikoji Street. It was everything I was hoping for. Traditional Japan! I read about Hanamikoji Street before we left the hotel as it was recommended as a good site to see the Geishas and I wasn't disappointed. We were walking down a side street when one of them came out of a big wooden gate and walked past me. It was a "gasp" moment and I looked straight at her gorgeous painted white face. Unfortunately she was the only one we saw as they are usually only visible late at night or early morning. (Reading this back it sounds like I'm bird watching).
Wandering through the streets in Gion there are many old eating houses and shrines and large houses surrounding by high wooden walls. There are also a lot of ladies wandering around the area in traditional dress but I think most were tourists (there are places here that hire Kimonos for a daily rate) but they looked great and the colours and patterns were amazing. There were also boys in traditional dress but not as many. All in all a great first impression.
Tomorrow we have a traditional tea ceremony organised but other than that the day is our own. Again only the one full day here but we are going to cram in as much as we can.
Lorraine
Photos
2018-04-02 - Early morning Hiroshima Peace Park
2018-04-02 - Hiroshima to Kyoto & wanderings
Despite the transport issues it sounds like you are having fun. Glad that you're giving the local menus a try. Enjoy.
ReplyDeleteAndy