Himeji and Kyoto...Goodbye Japan!

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Well, my time in Japan has ended with three glorious days in Kyoto (with a quick stop in Himeji to visit the country's most famous castle). I was sad to see the month go so fast and leave the incredibly nice people of Japan.

The weekend in Kyoto was spent visiting the many temples and shrines, eating good food with friends and walking....lots of walking....and running up stairs! Also got to visit a Monkey park and feed them. I would go into more details but I just got to Hong Kong and I am tired... but I wanted to post the photos for everyone to view.

To Kirsty, Samuel and Angie....thanks for a great weekend in Kyoto and I hope your travels go well. And remember: what is brown and sticky? A stick!

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Photos

Himeji Castle
This famous castle is about an hour south of Kyoto. It is listed as the most beautiful in the country.

Himeji Castle
Another view

Kyoto Tower
The tower reflected in the glass of the Kyoto Train Station

Vising Temples
As with most of my time in Japan, as I visited temples and shrines, so did many school kids who always were looking for photos with Geijin (whites!!).

Luxury accomodations
On Thursday night, I stayed at a Ryokan and was given the attic room which as you can see, was quite small and had a slanted ceiling with I kept banging my head on.

Gold Temple of Kinkakuji
Famous gold temple in Kyoto

Kyoto Garden
One of the gardens we visited in Kyoto

Sam enjoys the garden
One of the NZ group (sam of large bowl of curry fame) enjoys a quite moment of reflection at the garden

Kyoto Garden restaurant
A japanesse lady in traditional clothing waits on customers at the garden

Group ventures out for dinner
Our group met a japanesse couple during dinner friday night. The girl's nickname was Ping Pong Ball because her face is roundish.

Kyoto's Mizomiya Temple
The only statue I saw in Japan featuring a black icon.

Kyoto's Arashiyama Mountain
Top of the moutain is a monkey park where you can feed them and sit as the play around you.

Posing with Monkey
Can you tell who is the monkey?

Monkey Business
A monkey parks himself under the group's bench

Monkey and the City
A monkey posed with the backdrop of Kyoto.

Japanesse Signage
At Ginkakuji temple, there was a small showcase of moss and I had to snap a photo of this.

Waiting for Dinner
The group waits patiently for the Japanesse Pizzeria to let us in.

Japanesse Pizza
Not exactly like back home, but very tasty