Shrines, Temples and Sukiyaki

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Despite the cold overcast day I decided to go for a walk, so I grabbed the bus up to the Ginkakuji Temple, or silver pavilion. The temple was beautiful as were its gardens, but there were a ton of Japanese school children around so I quickly left down the Path of Philosophy - a riverside path literally surrounded by temples. Many of these temples were smaller and less impressive than the first but they were that much nicer for it. Many of them I had completely to myself, and when the sun eventually shone I was rewarded with some truly beautiful moments. I hiked up the hill behind one of the temples which eventually afforded me with views over the whole of Kyoto, and another city beyond which may have been Osaka.

Lunch was a curious affair - Tashimi mats and shoes left by the table I was used to - Cold noodles in a spicy broth was something else. It was okay, but I far prefered the accompanyments of Sashimi and Tempura.

I visited another few sites around the city including the fantastically huge Imperial Palace Garden, and eventually settled back downtown for dinner. I had a meal known as Sukiyaki which is served as follows:
1) A pan is heated at the table and sugar is added.
2) Finely sliced beef, Onions, Oriental Cabbage and some other things I dont know are added, along with a soy/mirin mix.
3) When cooked the food is dipped in raw egg before being eaten.

Sukiyaki was fantastic but expensive - largely due to the quality of the beef. I would recommend it to anyone, washed down with a bottle of hot Sake as I did. Fantastic!

I headed back to Gion to soak up the atmosphere after dinner, before retiring to my Ryokan.

Japanese Curiosities:

• Some train doors play tunes before opening. Where they do they play a different tune according to direction.
  
• Kyoto pedestrian crossings play different sorts of birdsong
  
• A wooden chopstick which is coated with 100 layers of laquer will last 10 years
  

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Photos

Gion Temple
All the temples seem much more beautiful at night

Sukiyaki
I feel very touristy taking photos of my dinner...

Comments

[Annie]

You're making my mouth water. I have just come home from work to a frozen pie in the oven and the suggestion that we have some spaghetti hoops with it. Ugh! Is it possible to send food parcels?

[Andrew]

Food glorious food
Why do I feel hungry every time I read your journal ?

[Mum Brown]

Miss your cooking
really enjoying your travelblog. But we always get hungry reading it, I think Dad wishes you were home cooking your great meals becuse I have reverted to salads. Keep writing love mum