November 8 -- Kyoto

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November 8th - Kyoto
Our hotel in Kyoto is the Rihga Royal Hotel. Today we were off to visit Nizo Castle, the Nishijin Textile Hall, followed by a visit to Kinkakujii Temple (Golden Pavilion). Nijo Castle was originally built in 1603 by the first Tokugawa Shogun, Ieyasu and finally completed in 1626 with some additional structures. It was the meeting place where the Shogun met with different feudal lords and on occasion with the Emperor. It gained its place in Japanese history in 1867 when the Shogun returned sovereignty to the Emperor. One unique feature of the castle is that the original wood floor still exists and that it was constructed to squeak as a person walked. (Makes it impossible to sneak-up on the Shogun).

After visiting Nizo Castle we were off to visit the Nishijin Textile Hall. Not that long ago the primary industry in Kyoto were the textile mills and the spinning of kimonos. A kimono will cost generally several thousand dollars. After our visit it was off to have a typical Japanese lunch. Okey for me, but Mare went on sudden diet when she discovered that it was primarily different fish dishes and that the fish was raw. Onward to Kinkaku (Golden Temple). The temple derives its name since the 2nd and 3rd floors are covered with gold leaf on Japanese Lacquer. We had ourselves dropped off downtown; the difference between Western and Japanese service was never more evident in the number of people in the store there to serve you and in the display particulary the food displays. Dinner was in the revolving restaurant the Top of Kyoto; excellent meal except for the couple we sat with. The wife complained about everything, oh well we have been warned to stay away from them. No one wants to be with someone who only knows how to complain about everything.

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Photos

Kyoto
The gate to Nizo Castle

Nizo Castle
The inner gate to the castle where the Shogun conducted business

Nizo Castle
The detail and work in the internal gate really cannot be captured in a photo.

Nishijin Textile Hall
One of the models showing kimonas made at the Hall

Golden Pavilion
The setting for the Temple is beautiful

Golden Pavilion
This heron was in the pond at the Golden Pavilion. It had just a few minutes missed spearing a fish.

Golden Pavilion
The inside if a smaller temple. Outside incense was being burnt and water springled on the ground in front of the container with the incese sticks.

Comments

[Jan Doyle]

I'm jealous!
Hi, Morgan (and Mare), It will be fun to keep up with your trip through your blog--I'm still wishing I could have talked Leo into going this year. Please say "hello" to Bob Koo and anyone else from last year's trip who's on the trip. --Jan (and Leo) Doyle

[Victor]

Nice shot
Morgan, the picture of the Golden Pavilion is very nice. Love the composition and the reflection. Enjoy your big trip around the world. I wish I have time to visit Japan too. Victor

[kelly]

Gorgeous Pics
Hey I just wanted to say you've taken some gorgeous pictures. The one of the heron is amazing.