Kyoto

 Staying at a little hotel, only 7 rooms, in the Gion district. The breakfast, evening drinks area looks out on to a tributary of the Kamo River that runs through Kyoto. City of 1.5m+ citizens of high density. The river is very clear as are the tributaries, how do they do it?

Our hotel vista

The Kamo River

We spent yesterday walking the city which is set out on a grid pattern. Residential areas are very quiet with children in day care or at school and parents working. A few elderly sweep the streets but otherwise eerily quiet. First stop was the Imperial Palace. Japanese royalty lived there until mid 1800's then decamped to Tokyo. The emperor has kept up the buildings but we found it to be a sterile, souless place. Only one building was free to enter otherwise by tour or booked online and opening at 11am. Not really our style when out and about from 8am.

On of the gates in to the Imperial Palace grounds

They even rake the gravel

The Daitoku Ji temple had very precise Japanese gardens. The moss was being protect from birds by fishing line and each plant trimmed leaf by leaf. Again huge wooden buildings. Got quite excited when we saw a cat on one of the tempke buildings, as noted previously othe than hand bag dogs see no animal life.

Said moggy

In Japan petrol is less than $2 per litre. Instead of bowsers on the forecourt hoses hang down from the ceilings. Most cars are tiny boxy things due to the narrow streets and dearth of parking options. The public transport system is second to none due to population. Bus fare a flat $2.75NZD equivalent anywhere and if you miss one bus will be another in 5 to 10 mins. The trains are numerous and efficient with well dress helpful guards and drivers. Everything is well maintained, clean and works like clock work. Although we love walking and seeing the nooks and crannies when you want respite there is always a bus nearby.

Vertical bowsers

Young entrepreneurial guy with his coffe set up in a corner site, was your own cup

Next stop was the Kyoto Botanic gardens. Just lovely and had labels in both Japanese and English.

Friend Jennie would love all the Bonsai displays

Huge peony displays with local artists doing pencil drawings

Many areas with small ponds, japanese maples and various other plants.

After taking in the sights we got back to the hotel, quick tidy up and out for dinner to a nearby place recommended by the hostess. Classic Japanese cuisine of tiny perfectly presented dishes; white fish omelete was 4 cubes the size of sugar cubes in the bottom of a small dish, tomato salad one tomato sliced, sushumi delicate morsels.Needless to say although tasty,  cheese on toast on return, if possible, appealed!!

Today saw us up away early for 2 x trains and bus some 2 hours north east of Kyoto to an area called Kayabuki no sato; to a village called Kita. Jeff very keen to see the working 200yr old thatched village. Stunning country side travelling there, all bush clad hills, tumbling streams or rice paddies and large vege growing areas. 

Not a sky hook to be seen

This is the stooges used for the thatching

Temps down to zero and " highs" of 6C in the winter. Plenty of wood burning. Japans electricity only 20% renewable...hydro, solar etc. Most is from burnung crude oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear. 

By

Back into Kyoto we swung by Nishiki market area which was heaving with tourists. Made a fast escape.

Individually wrapped carrots. Everything is in plastic or cellophane here. Packaging galore. You want two sticky buns they are each packaged having them in the same bag unknown

Strawberry and orange sandwiches

Scallops used in sushi

Unknown fish

Japan rail have a sense of humour no less ......this is known as the kitty express

In the mornings every bus stop has a gaggle of children in school uniforns, always tidy with shiny shoes. A dad on the bus this morning had his small daughter beside him asleep. Only her 2nd week a school and struggling with the early starts. 

Tomorrow we head to Takayama 3 hours or so by train heading east - known for the woodworking. Weather still perfect.