Kyoto

Monday night at 11:20pm, Shota and I boarded the best bus I have ever stepped foot on. It was the bus that was to take us to Kyoto… overnight, a six hour journey. The curtains on the windows were already drawn for us, all seats were in rows of three and there was enough room to walk between them. They reclined so far… I was pretty much lying down, we had individual curtains… and a pair of slippers, a neck cushion (the one that goes around your neck) and an eye mask. What more could you ask from a bus that was only $45 each? A platform for your skippered feet to rest upon… had one!! So it was a wonderful sleep… until the bus stopped at 3am for a “toilet” stop…. But that was my only complaint.

We arrived in Kyoto at 6:20am at the train station, so we navigated ourselves to the closest stop to our Hostel, which opened at 8am… and went and found caffeine at the nearest Starbucks. Ok now I am not a fan of Starbucks, but this morning it was a godsend! The staff were wonderful, very helpful with directions and provided us both with a complimentary sample of their “special” Christmas blend (too strong for me).

After our coffees we found our Hostel… well after asking directions a few times. Seriously Japan is hard to navigate… even if you have a Japanese boyfriend who is good with maps (or so he keeps telling me). The Hostel is lovely, Khasosan Guest House, I choose it as the reviews on hostel world were great! We left our baggage, used the toilets (after removing our shoes to enter the toilet block… a little strange I thought) and loaded up on Kyoto maps.

As were both feeling so “awake” must’ve been the coffee (cos it sure as hell wasn’t the four hours sleep we got) and set off on foot to our first stop. Nijo Castle.

Nijo Castle – built in 1603 – And was the home of the first Tokugawa Shogun, Leyasu. We were not permitted to take photos once inside and we had to remove our shoes when enter the castle. This did not bother us, as it was an amazing attraction. The building was fitted with “Nightingale” floors… that would creak when walked upon to alert staff someone was entering the building. It also had concealed chambers where bodyguards would sit and keep watch over the Shogun…

The artwork throughout the rooms were amazing, lots of gold and teal greens… I bought a couple of postcards featuring the artwork, for myself as souvenirs J

After checking out the inside of the Castle we enjoyed a walk around it… the gardens were lovely.

The Emperors Drive way :p

 The wall to the Imperial Palace

Imperial Palace photos above...

Next we decided to visit The Imperial Palace, although as we are not allowed in the Palace we had to make do with the HUGE gardens surrounding it. Photo-shoot of the gardens complete we quickly ducked into the toilets… now I haven’t told anyone this, but I have had a couple of issues with the “flush” button in the toilets… as they generally aren’t any signs in English and not in the “normal” toilet flushing locations. Today was no exception. I used the disabled toilet, as the others were all squat toilets feel like using them and the sign on the disabled toilet said “you may use if not occupied” (cos when else would you use it??) Anyway after I finished I looked for the flush, it wasn’t on the outside of the cistern, not the leaver next to the handrail (not sure what that was) and it definitely wasn’t the orange button I pressed that set of an alarm…. Running out of the toilet yelling for Shota… I was quickly instructed by him to press the silver button, that had a metal cover, with Japanese writing in red on it… Ummm what!! How the hell was I ever supposed to find that??   

Another awkward toilet situation in Japan…

Third stop for the day was Ginkaku-Ji Temple, a Zen temple, established in 1482. We could not go inside the temple, but instead enjoyed the amazing garden surrounding it. I honestly felt a huge sense of “calm” as I wondered around the garden… There was the sensational sand garden, perfectly sculptured with many shapes and textures.

Sadly after the Zen temple, it was time to begin our journey home… and gosh were we a lot slower than we had been first thing this morning. The walk seemed to take hours and we had to stop for one last photo shoot at the Orange Gate… a shrine gate, so obtrusive but wonderful…

We can never resist a Kimino shot... I love these outfits!

We eventually arrived back at the hostel where we continued to be impressed. There was a lottery and we both won… Shota a packet of noodles (he’ll eat that for breaky) and me a “fruit juice”…   we were happy J We were even more happy when we saw the common room, its new, big and clean! There’s a fully equipped Kitchen, a Dining table, couches and bean bags… nice. Also free wi-fi, where we are now using to upload this blog. Oh and on the third floor there are showers and toilets, just for females… so I don’t have to worry about walking in on random Hostel guests… yes that has also happened L

Ok Its 7:00pm, Shota and I are both starved so are heding out for “Mos Burger”, they have normal buns and also ones made from rice. Apparently the chain is about to hit Oz soon… look out :p I will report back later with the taste verdict.