KYOTO

Blue sky this morning ...we decided to visit the temples and gardens of Kyoto as rain is forecast for tomorrow. Pete and I were waiting at a bus stop when I took this photo...most of the cars that we have seen in Japan look like these cars....

Our first bus ride...I'd say it was more enjoyable than the subway...

Noticing the trees as I walk along the footpath ....

The Rock Garden of the Ryoanji Temple. It is a rectangular Zen garden...only 15 rocks and white gravel. The walls are made of clay boiled in oil. The internationally famous rock garden was said to have been created around 1500 by a highly respected Zen monk, Tokuho Zenketsu.

The Ryoanji Temple....it was registered as a World Heritage  Site in 1994.

Beautiful gardens surround the temple...

Pine trees that have been pruned Japanese style...

Kyoyochi Pond : The pond was made in the late 12th century....

....looking up...

Our next visit was to the Rokuon-ji Temple, commonly known as Kinkaku-ji ....it is a Zen Temple of Buddhist denomination. It was registered as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1994. 

It is often call the Golden Pavilion as the three story pavilion is covered in bright gold leaf and features a bronze phoenix on top of the roof. The pond is called the Kyo-ko pond. 

The grounds around Kinkaku-ji are spacious and include another pond and stunning gardens.

Before jumping on a bus to our next destination we spotted this coffee shop...had a rest and a cup of coffee...the coffee has been pretty good here in Japan.

The entrance to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens ...

A bronze sculpture of a sumo wrestler...

The Kyoto Botanical Gardens is the oldest and most comprehensive biological garden in Japan.  Above is their Conservatory ...

One of the many lilies in the pond..

There were some amazing plants in the Conservatory...

We spent some time walking around the other areas in the gardens..

The final place that we wanted to visit today was Kyoto Imperial Palace (above) and the surrounding buildings and gardens. The Kyoto Imperial Palace was the residence of the Japanese emperors until 1869, when the capital was moved to Tokyo. The history of the Palace can be traced back to the late 8th century.....mind boggling.

The Gonaitei Garden....This elegant garden was exquisitely designed with the meandering stream spanned by earthen and stone bridges as well as lanterns and stones. It was so still, delightful reflections.

So much history...and we only touched the tip of an iceberg today....I really enjoyed seeing these amazing places, especially the gardens...

After eating rather large beautifully prepared meals whilst walking the Nakasendo, Pete and I have been quite happy to pick up a small prepared meal for dinner from the local 7 Eleven or supermarket (highly recommended by my children). 

Our little treat at night....we have discovered these KitKats made of dark chocolate....yummy!