Kyoto has proven to be a huge sucess in our eyes - we have had loads of fun and got to see a side of Japan Tokyo can not even begin to show! The day started with the realisation that it was snowing outside - we haven't seen snow since Denver - and having heard all about the snowpacked December you got in the UK, we were very excited.
Firstly we hiked up the windey snowcovered alleyways to the Kiymizudera temple which sits on top of a hill overlooking Gion. Not only is the Temple very pretty the walk up was astonishing esp the parts of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka - rated as Japans most beautiful streets (the snow setting also helped). As we were strolling back down we were waiting at a crossing and all of a sudden another Geisha appeared at the other side and was waiting to cross - Tidey got the most amazing picture (we wont load it onto here becuase its that good!). If you didn't read the last blog about our Geisha spotting - its well worth it - so cool.
We have visited the Nishiki food Market - that was full of wonderful culanary delights - some of which we had never seen before - like puffer fish. Walked the Pontocho lanes, which are, again, small oldy worldy lanes with restaurant and bars inhabiting even the smallest of spaces. We also caught the bus (an experience in itself as nothing is in English) to the Kinkakuji Temple - a beautiful "famous" temple, painted entirely gold and set in gorgeous Japanese gardens. This was a pleasant suprise as we have never heard of this place, although it is very famous if you Google "Golden Temple Japan" - it will come up. From the temple we headed to the Bamboo forest in far west Kyoto which was again superb. This place springs out of now-where - set in the lovely little town of Arashiyama. It was like going back in time to the 16th or so century. You could just picture Samurais hiding out in the forests years back. Very cool.
We have also dined at some local restaurants - again using the point and smile technique :-). We are also developing quite a taste for Sushi - although it can be rather pricey!
We are off to a little town just south of here tomorrow called Nara tomorrow so will update as soon as we can.