Kyoto - Temples, Temples Everywhere!

The Kiyomizu-dera Temple

In the morning, we left for Kyoto from Nara in a JR Rapid train. The system of advanced reservation for trains is not required in Japan, because trains are very frequent. There are trains connecting Nara and Kyoto every 15 minutes. After arriving in Kyoto Station, we went to our Ryoken (Japanese style homestay) by car. 

We went all around Kyoto by bus.  Our first stop was the Kiyomizu-dera, an ancient Buddhist temple. We had to hike a good distance to reach most temples in Kyoto, as most of the famous ones are in the outskirts and out in the hills.  

The magnificent view of Kyoto city and the lush greenery surrounding the temple was a sight for sore eyes.  There was a beautiful idol of Kannon, the goddess of mercy, along with some Japanese deities in the main hall. Outside were many street vendors selling charms of various kinds.  There were even charms for passing examinations.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

After the morning sightseeing, we went to an Israeli restaurant, Falafel Garden, for lunch. We had delicious Falafel sandwiches there.

The most exciting part of the day, however, was the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, which was in an area called Arashiyama in the western part of the city.  We went there by a bus from the eastern part of the city, on the other side of the Kamo River.  The grove was simply beautiful.  We could hear the sounds of chirping birds, and the air was fresh, devoid of pollutants.

After that, we went to downtown Kyoto, and shopped there for a while, before heading back to our Ryoken for the night.

Our room was unlike anything we had seen before.  There were mats all over the floor, floor mattresses and very low tables and chairs.  Traditional Japanese houses are like this.

  

To be continued...