Kyoto-Saturday-04.05.25

Today we will visit Kyoto. At 07:00, we go for breakfast on the ground floor. Here, we first have to wait in line. After about 5 minutes, we are assigned a table and head to the buffet. There is a 'mass influx' here, and we try to stand in line. The atmosphere is, contrary to Japanese customs, quite hectic and disordered. This is certainly due to the various nationalities. There is a wide selection, but due to the hectic atmosphere, it's not enjoyable to savor breakfast. However, the coffee is good. Around 08:00, we take the bus to the Kodai Temple. Here we spend about 1 hour learning the art of Zen meditation. Guided by a nun, we try to assume the right sitting position in a quiet room and then relax with the correct breathing technique. Not so easy, but I think that with regular practice, it helps to slow down. To conclude, we take photos with the nun, who appears incredibly joyful and free. When she sees a picture of herself, she can't stop laughing. Her laughter is contagious.

Then we continue to the Royan Temple. This temple, founded in 1499, is dedicated to the tranquil dragon and is a Zen temple located in the northwest of Kyoto. We take a tour to the golden temple, which is completely covered in gold leaf. Next, we go to a Zen rock garden, where we have to search for 15 stones in a vast area. On the way back to the parking lot, we enjoy the cherry trees in the spacious park.

For lunch, we drive to the city center to stroll through a shopping arcade where everyone can find something for their needs. It was also very crowded here. Kyoto is a hotspot for tourists. After lunch, we head to the Fushimi Inari-Taisha. It is dedicated to the Kami Inari and is the main shrine for about one-third of all Inari shrines in Japan. It is one of the oldest and best-known Shinto shrines in Kyoto. However, it is also the most visited, as it is listed as number 1 on TripAdvisor. It is famous for the many vermilion gates that you can walk through. The approach is already challenging due to massive traffic to the parking lot. Then we push through the crowds along the road to the shrine, which is lined with stalls on both sides. Everything is commercialized. It already makes you feel disenchanted. At the entrance gate, we set a time to meet. Then we are pushed through with the masses. After about 15 minutes, we exit the gates and continue alongside them. The area is actually quite large and would surely be very worthwhile without the many visitors. But as it stands, it is not very enjoyable. The best time to come is probably very early.

Back at the bus, we head to the Gion district, an area filled with traditional Japanese houses. This is also where the Geisha district is located. First, we visit the cherry blossom park, where we experience a cherry blossom festival in pleasant weather, with many people picnicking and enjoying the spring atmosphere. The flowers were in full bloom and shining brightly. It was an incredible sight. We took many photos. When it gets dark, we visit the Geisha district and admire the old houses. We learn much about the rigorous training and lives of Geishas. However, the future of this profession does not look so bright, as the economic conditions in Japan increasingly allow fewer such services due to the high prices for an evening.

We then walk along the river, among the cherry trees back to the hotel, but with hundreds of others. We try to find a place at a restaurant on the way, but everything is fully booked. Near the train station, Anne and I find a ramen restaurant, where we succeed and enjoy delicious ramen and salad. Then we return to the hotel. Unfortunately, I caught a cold in the past few days, and with a sore throat and headache, I collapse into bed exhausted.