The food market was fascinating. It is housed within an arcade of shops and runs in a straight line for about half a mile. It is crammed with all sorts of stalls selling lots of food stuffs, vegetables, meat, spices, tea, take away snacks, but above all fish - some still alive!
We slowly walked through, stopping to gap at all the different types of sea creature on offer and how professionally it was displayed. It looked amazing and being so fresh there was no actual fish smell.
The vegetables we scrubbed clean and again displayed with precision and care. It was noticeable that there was only two or three butcher shops and many dozen fishmongers, a real sign of what the Japanese like to eat!
After an interesting hour and a half we made our way by public bus to Ginkakuji Temple - better known as the Silver Pavilion. This was a revelation and had the most beautiful garden. On the lower level was an amazing sand garden. Hard to describe, but beautiful to behold. This was bordered by two small ponds leading to the pavilion itself. You then had a walk to the upper moss garden which gave wonderful views over the lower garden. It was peaceful and an excellent place to sit in the sun and contemplate life!
Close by was the start of the Path of Philosophy. This was a tranquil stream side path lined with private dwellings and a few shops and cafes. It was a great place to stroll and while away an hour or so. Clare had brought some figs from the market which she, Richard and George ate as a fruit lunch as we strolled. They were apparently the best they have ever tasted!
We the visited the Kyoto Craft Centre, which houses on four floors all of the various souvenirs that you could ever hope to buy. From Samurai Swords at many thousands of pounds to Geisha dolls and post cards, you can find it all here. We did succumb to a nice sake flask and cups, as we have really developed a taste for it during our travels!
It was time for another bus now back to Gion, where as we jumped off the bus we saw many kimono dressed girls and yukata dressed boys heading for the Gion Temple. We joined them and found out that it was some sort of dance event. I think the equivalent might be some sort of teenage prom? Whatever it was it made for a great colourful spectacle. There were many different colours of kimono and obi (the bow detail on the back of the kimono). The girls looked stunning and were positively glowing with pride and were really pleased to have their photograph taken. They were very happy to be dressed up and off to their dance!
Time was rushing by now and it was almost dusk by the time we made our way back to the Gion Geisha district a short walk from the temple. We were hoping to see a real Geisha making her way to an appointment - and we did, just! Clare spotted two shuffling their way across the road we were on and disappearing up an alleyway. I got to the alley as they we disappearing around the corner and only got a hurried shot or two. As much as we waited we didn't see anymore, so we headed towards our chosen dinner spot - only to see a Maiko waiting at a road crossing! She was patient for a short time as a few people took pictures then hurried off across the road.
From there we headed to the Yak and Yeti Nepalese Restaurant for a well earned meal. A lovely girl served us who was from a town in Nepal we went to on one of our trips - Pokhara. We had a great meal with momo's, curry and garlic nann bread - a real change to sushi!!!
We then took a stroll along the neon streets to our hotel for a well earned rest and a sake! Tomorrow is another free day left for us to explore more of the sights of Kyoto - lets hope it's as good as today!
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