More Kyoto

We had 4 nights in Kyoto and it was a good thing we had to leave when we did as we just could not seem to stop shopping. The first morning we headed off to the Post Office to send ourselves some things back. We posted a parcel of 3.2KG but managed to gain half that back in purchases by the time we got back to the hotel. The only good thing for our wallet is that the clothes just do not fit. Even if they fitted, the long sleeves, would be too short.

However, there were so many great shops (even in all the cute little laneways) that we just had to make outselves not go into them after a while.

On our last day there we did the Philosophers Walk. It was a bit busy as it was a Saturday but not too bad at all. There were many temples we could visit along the 1.5km canal side walk but we only ended up going into the last one. It was Nanzenji and had a reknowned moss garden besides a large complex of amazing buildings.

(There are actually many temple complexes in Kyoto and often you only have to walk 100m from one to the next.)

This and the first shot show a little of some of the many mosses they are growing here. There are also workers squatting over the moss gentle brushing it to remove any leaves or alike.


There was a tea shop in the garden serving tea and sweet refreshments. Besides our green tea we were given hot green tea broth which was little sharp and grassy tasting but went very well with the over sweet `cakes` which were like thin pikelets made in a small jaffle type cooker with red bean paste inside. We didnt like them last time we were here but with the green tea broth they were edible.

The only seating was about 6 benches like the one I am sitting on. It was very relaxed with most benches being used by families. We found this a lovely relaxing place and hung out there for quite a while.

This was the gate for the messengers to come and go through. Though it hasnt come out well there was a very interesting mound of white gravel with a pattern raked into it. Throughout the gardens there were workers pruning and trimming the trees ready for the crowds that would come to see the autumn leaves which unfortunately we are a bit early for here.

There was a kindergarten over the side fence of the complex. Amazingly kitted out with equipment but what stood out to the daughter of a `bussy family` was the bus with the doll with wings permanently attached to the front. There were several dedicated buses like this to carry their little angels!

Hope all are well.
xD&M