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Japan October 2004

Japan October 2004 Day 10 Kyoto

Today we set back off on the Shinkansen south to the city of Kyoto. Kyoto was another place we had really wanted to visit so we were glad we got to it this trip. Kyoto was an hour closer to Tokyo on the train so the trip went by really fast. No Mt Fuji today as the weather has clouded up and it looks like it might rain today. 

One thing we did not realize when we got to Kyoto was just how big of a city it is. We did some homework on how to get to the two main tourist attractions we wanted to visit – unofficially: the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) and the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji). Unlike Himeji where we were able to walk everywhere we wanted to visit, we were going to need to use public transportation in Kyoto. When we arrived at the train station in Kyoto we headed for the information desk where we were able to get a map and the bus numbers we would need to get to navigate the city. 

Riding busses is a bit more scary in Japan because you really have no idea where you are going. Thankfully, the bus stops are clearly labeled in their english equivalents so you can essentially figure out where you are. It took almost an hour for us to reach the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji), but once we arrived I felt very accomplished that we made it!

Kinkaku-ji
Little pond next to Kinkaku-ji (on the left)

The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) did not disappoint either, it was very scenic and we took a lot of photos of the gardens and paths as well as the iconic pavilion itself. A light rain just added to the magic of the area. The numerous buildings were nice, but what I enjoyed the most were the trails that led up and around the pavilion into the woods. Just nice and serene compared to the hustle and bustle with the many tourists walking around the site.

The white snake pagoda of Kinkaku-ji
Looking back at The Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji) from one of the paths around the site
Fudo-do – a small temple on the grounds of the Golden Pavilion site (Kinkaku-ji)

After we got our fill of the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ju) we now had to figure out how to get to the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) which was on the other side of town. Luckily we had the instructions from the info desk so we were able to find the bus 102 which took us to the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) area in about 30 minutes. I am certainly glad we got the instructions as it made things much easier. 

Walking down the road in Kyoto to the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)

After getting off the bus, we walked towards the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) – it was about a 10 minute walk, but it was pretty obvious from the instructions where we needed to go. We paid our entrance fee and then headed into the grounds. Like the Golden Pavilion, this pavilion was very tranquil and beautiful with a path that took you up into the hills to get a vantage point above the pavilion and looking out over Kyoto. I am not sure why this is called the Silver Pavilion as the building was just white like a normal historical building (ed note: I discovered later that Silver Pavilion is a nickname picked up after they found plans to cover the building in Silver that never happened.). 

The Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)
Anyone have a rake?
Part of the tranquil gardens of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji)
From one of the trails on the grounds of the Silver Pavilion (Ginkaku-ji) – looking down on the Zen garden and the Silver Pavilion

It was getting dark now and we had to head back to Kyoto Station to catch our late train back to Tokyo. We decided instead of getting the bus where we were dropped off before, we would wander down the Philosopher’s Trail and enjoy the scenery and then catch the bus at the next stop. It was raining again, but I really enjoyed this path along a little creek. There were signs along the way so we knew we were on the right track and eventually we found the bus stop again. It was farther than I thought it was going to be so I was marginally concerned we were going to have to wait for a bus for a long time, but eventually the bus did show up. 

Signage along the Philosopher’s Trail in Kyoto

We took the bus back to one of the major streets as this bus was heading in the loop back to the Golden Temple so we got off at one of the major streets and then headed south towards Kyoto Station. We walked for about 30 minutes back to Kyoto Tower and Kyoto station with enough time to take a quick photo of the tower before getting to the train back to Tokyo. 

One last look at Kyoto and the Kyoto Tower before getting on the train back to Tokyo

There is so much to see and do in Kyoto and these two pavilions were just a small selection. I hope to come back, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom and the weather is bright and sunny instead of drizzle and rain. It was a great day altogether and well worth the trip.