Kyoto to Kanazawa

We are now experts on the Kyoto subway. But we also know how to use buses and found ourselves at the Kinkaku-ji Temple complex where we strolled the beautiful gardens and saw the most amazing golden pavilion, the Rokuon-ji.

We also spent some time wandering through the Daitoku-ji Temple complex. Jim's feet were crying out for new walking shoes so we later shoe-shopped at the enormous Daimaru store downtown. Happily able to procure an appropriate pair of ASICS, we continued on. The Museum of Kyoto is one of many in the city, but as it specialises in history we headed there. What we didn't realise was that an Egyptian exhibition was currently touring the museum with over 100 ancient artefacts from the Cairo Museum on show. What a bonus! On the way, we couldn't walk past a hobby shop without going in...

 

Daitoku-ji Temple complex

 

 

The Imperial Palace in Kyoto is unfortunately not open to the public, but the impressive castle walls enclose lovely parkland and it was a relaxing walk. That night we found a Japanese beer hall named for their famous beer, Asahi, and dined whilst chatting to a couple from San Francisco.

It was time to leave Kyoto, a delightful city, and head to Kanazawa. The Nikko Hotel is stunning - fabulous foyer, 10 restaurants and bars, friendly staff and a small but modern and comfortable room on the 21st floor with incredible views of the city and out to the ocean. Our first night there we enjoyed a pre-dinner drink at a cosy bar on the 29th floor (where smoking is still allowed!) and marvelled at the city lights.

 

 

In Kanazawa we visited the Castle Park, by name only, as the castle was destroyed in the war and the university now stands on the site - but it is still a very impressive building. The beautiful Kenrokuen Gardens, all 11.4 hectares of them, are well worth a stroll. Full of magnificent trees, ponds. statues and stone bridges, they are the quintessential Japanese garden.

 

 

Interesting statue this one...

The Omi Cho market downtown has the usual display of interesting seafood and fresh fruit and vegetables, and significant queues outside each and every restaurant. Opposite is a deli, the likes of which we have never seen - it just goes on and on. And the Forus building is part shopping centre, part food hall and part office tower. What an amazing array of shops!

 

Omi Cho market

 

Deli

 

Onwards to Takayama!