We visited two famous World Heritage sites: Kinkaku-ji, home of the Golden Pavilion, and Ryoanji Temple, home of a famous rock garden. Both were lovely, but Ryoanji was my favorite. It was less crowded and was very lush, aside from the rock garden. A great place to relax and think.
11:40: Bus to Kyoto Station. Purchased bus passes and explored.
Bus 206 to Kyoto StationBought some bus passes.Kyoto station is insane. Very cool.
Kinkaku-ji, a Zen Buddist temple in Kyoto famous for the Golden Pavilion.
1:15: Bus to Kinkaku-ji.
The Japanese love sweets. Lucky us!Vanilla soft serve parfait with matcha (green tea), mochi (pounded rice dumplings), anko (red bean paste), and corn flakes.We purchased the parfait from this place outside the entrance to Kinkaku-ji.
Kinkaku-ji: The Temple of the Golden Pavilion.The viewing area was packed. We should have tried visiting earlier in the day as it was difficult to take photos.
I missed the cup so I guess my wish doesn’t come true… 🙁
Prayer candles.O-mikuji (Fortunes)Ring the bell to make a wish.
Ryoanji Temple: Famous Rock Garden
iPhone pan of the rock garden.
The gravel represents the ocean, the rocks are mountains, and the grass patches represent islands.Inside the temple. The ink paintings are lovely.
A little model of the rock garden.I’m really digging the ornate window shapes.Another kawaii (cute) path.Funky trees.PagodaLily pond
Back to Kyoto Station
Most stores, especially malls are built up. I think this one has at least 11 levels.Bought a suitcase so we can do a little shopping.
Fun store display.
Dinner in Porta Mall
Sweet and sour pork set. Meals are called sets in Japan.
Ramen with pork cutlet.
gyoaza
Bus from Kyoto Station to Gion
Temple near our apartment. Sadly, we didn’t have time to explore more than the entrance.
