After an Japanese breakfast in Osaka, we departed by bus for Kyoto. Kyoto is an historic city, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan. Our first stop was Fushimi Inari Taisha, an impressive Shinto shrine that sits at the foot of Mount Inari. We hiked through some of the ten thousand vermilion torii gates that line the paths up the mountain. Afterward,we enjoyed a traditional tea ceremony. In the afternoon, we visited the celebrated gold-gilded Kinkaku-ji Temple. In the evening, we walked the old entertainment center of Kyoto.
Traditional Tea Ceremony
Our group participated in the ritualized art of preparing, serving and drinking green tea.
Kinkaku-ji Temple
This Zen Buddhist temple is surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond. The temple is nicknamed after its reliquary, the Golden Pavilion, whose top two floors are coated in 0.5 um gold leaf.
Pontocho
An evening tour of the old entertainment district in Kyoto with traditional restaurants, bars and home to Geisha tea houses.
A tradtional Japanese breakfast buffet before leaving Osaka
Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine, Kyoto
A few of the more physically fit members of our group ran up to the next level before we had to leave.
