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It’s the city near Osaka that has beautiful temples and castle and at one point was the capital of Japan where the emperor lived.
Kyoto is also where Nintendo headquarters is located .
The day started by a visit to the Nintendo museum. Don’t get taken by its name, its not a
museum with the display of Nintendo games and consoles. Its actually a very well made Interactive media museum showcasing traditional Japanese poems(Waka) and artifacts. It has an interactive huge floor display that you can navigate using the DS they give you. You also get to play a game of matching the traditional cards(Karuta game) on the floor.
When you move closer towards one of the softly lit panels of the one hundred poems, holding the "Shigure-den Navi"(DS), the explanation and recitation of the poem on the panel will be played.
Tenryu-ji Temple –
Next we went to the Tenryu-ji Temple, a world cultural heritage site ,which is very beautiful and so is its surrounding parts.No photographing the main temple allowed of course.
Sensei Masako teaching me how to clean my hands before entering the temple.
Sogenchi Garden, behind the temple.
Zen Lunch-
Next we went to have lunch. No ordinary lunch –It was a totally vegetarian zen lunch prepared by monks.It was served in the traditional way and very delicious and yummy. Thanks to Michelle and Kayo for taking us all there !
P.S Seeza position hurts(the Japanese style of sitting) and my chopsticks using skills are getting pretty good !
Sagano Romantic train –
Went on this picturesque train ride in Kyoto. To get to the station first we had to cross a very lovely bamboo forest.
The beauty of the bamboo forest blinded me :) .
It was raining too much after that so I decided not to brave out and use my precious camera in the rain henceforth.
Next we hopped on to the train. I did'nt take a snap of the train but here is a good one from novia
The train ride took us via the hills and Hozu River into rural Japan.
We were to then go take a boat ride but it was raining too much to take it so we head back. Next time I guess.
Lastly we ended our day at Kyoto by doing some traditional crafts. I did some gold(real gold) leaf dragon painting.
All in all awesome day, will look forward to my next trip to Kyoto.