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Kyoto
Ginkakuji (Silver Pavillion) We took the bus up to Ginkakuji temple (the Silver Pavillion). It was really pretty - it was up in the hills a bit - very lush and calm. We then walked down the Path of Philosophy to the other temples. The path was charming - very quaint, and there were still some cherry blossoms out. They are so pretty. We philosophized a bit. We passed by Eikando Temple, and stopped in quickly at Nanzenji temple. We went to Konchi-in temple, a much smaller one - so it was less crowded and quiter. There were nice garden's there - one was a rock garden. But part of it was under construction as well.
We stopped in a little place to have lunch - we had to point to the plastic food to order. I got pork katsu in a curry sauce. It was really good. I hope to find something like it at home! Dad got tempura shrimp.
Afterwards we went to Heian Shrine. There is a Giant Torii (gate) and then a walk up to the Shrine. It's a huge place. They had the most beautiful gardens though. There are three of them you walk through - with
Kyoto
View of Ginkakuji and Kyoto ponds, cherry blossoms, and a lovely bridge across one of the large ponds. I could've stayed forever. It was incredibly relaxing and gorgeous.
In the afternoon we headed to Gion, which really is an exciting part of Kyoto. On the way to find the theatre, I spotted a geisha across the street. Just cool. It was very exciting to see. We got to the theatre and went into a room where we were served Matcha (a frothy green tea) and a sweet. There were some Geisha up at the front preparing tea. The tea was bitter, but tasted much better after a bite of the sweet. At the end we got to keep the little plates the sweet was served on!
We went into the theatre, and were in the FIRST ROW! Luckily it didn't strain the neck too much, and we could see detail up close. There were women on one side of the stage that sung and played the shamisen. On the otherside of the stage were geisha/maiko playing other instruments.
The show started with maiko coming in on both the side stages. They were all wearing the same beautiful blue kimono, and all their
Kyoto
Cherry Blossoms on the Path of Philosophy hair was done in the same way - with the same ornaments in them. Very striking.
The way they moved was just mesmerizing - they really glide when they walk, and their hand movements are just captivating and lovely.
There were different scenes and stories (we bought a program afterwards that told us a little bit about them) and at the end all the performers were on the stage. There was easily 30-50 geisha and maiko. Even though the whole thing was in Japanese, it was just a beautiful show. It lasted about an hour, and was just amazing. I am SO happy that we got to go. It was really special. It was packed too, since the Miyako Odori (Cherry Blossom dance) only happens during April.
Afterwards we had dinner in Gion at a place that served Shabu-Shabu (dad was really happy to get some). We ate Japanese style on the floor -- only no foot wells. The food was delicious and fun to cook. You place thinly sliced beef into boiling water (also vegetables), then dip them in a tasty sauce 😊 it was good.
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