I accept there might be a bit of a nagging theme about my reporting on mode of transport and travel hubs but getting around here is something that must be given some considerable thought. As with most things in life, once you know, you know, and it becomes easier. The thing is, the transportation infrastructure here is on a different scale and, it has to be said, mightily impressive. Today we negotiated Kyoto Station for the first time. Take a look…
The above is one thing, quite literally, for it is the subterranean world (as was the case for Tokyo station) that is baffling, often many layered. You could be forgiven for thinking you had made your way into a large department store, e.g. Selfridges.
Plus, more places to eat than you can shake a stick at!
This fellah is keeping someone out of a job mind.
An upgraded version of his comrade, who we met in Bangkok airport, last year.
We made today’s first stop Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion), a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, and according to his will it became a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect after his death in 1408.
A truly beautiful setting
Next stop, Ryoanji Temple (龍安寺, Ryōanji), the site of Japan’s ‘most famous’ rock garden. Originally an aristocrat’s villa during the Heian Period, the site was converted into a Zen temple in 1450 and belongs to the Myoshinji school of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. A bit more off the beaten track, and all the more peaceful for it. Shaking off those pesky tourists is an acquired skill!
How about this for a retirement home (bungalow)?
Google maps really is incredibly accurate and useful; relying upon a dependable e-sim, of course, and good connectivity. As yet, we have not experienced anything other than excellent connectivity, wherever we have been, and that includes underground.
We used the local bus for the second leg of our journey to Kinkakuji – that is, Kitaoji station, onwards to the temple. Again, well signposted, it just needs a little bit of attention.
We chose to walk back to the station. The walking option never fails to throw up experiences and opportunities that are missed when motoring on by. We had the buying of coffee in mind, as we travel nowhere without our trusty stainless steel cafetière. Proving the point made, check this little gem out.
The gentleman’s English was limited, although it put our pitiful attempts at Japanese to shame. This is where the wonder of Google (translate) stepped in again.
This evening we felt obliged to try out the Belgian Beer festival that we stumbled upon last night.
All a bit bizarre – not saying we didn’t enjoy the beer – given the backdrop.
There does appear to be something of a beer culture over here, something we are happy to go along with, make no mistake.
Which all makes this cyber hacking business very relevant and no joke whatsoever: How hackers forced brewing giant Asahi back to pen and paper
The award winning beer, for us, tonight, was the Westmalle Dubbel. Those Trappist monks knew their stuff didn’t they!
Cheers!
Sailing off to Sparta 
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