Day 32: November 18, Kate in Kyoto

I arrived in Kyoto with a similar list of things to do as Joe. My first stop, though, was Ginkaku-ji, a temple known as the Silver Pavilion. The main pavilion was supposed to be coated in silver as an homage to the Golden Pavilion that we wrote about earlier. However, the silver was never applied. Even if it had been, it wouldn't have mattered much as the whole thing was enshrouded by scaffolding. Bummer. The grounds of the temple were quite lovely, though, and there were some interesting sand gardens to view.

In the garden at Ginkaku-ji

Then I took the Philosopher's Walk as well, stopping at Honen-In temple which was hidden up in the woods.

The thatched roof entrance to Honen-in

For lunch I wanted to have something that I wouldn't do WITH the boys. So I stopped at a nice restaurant attached to a hotel for their "Daily Lunch Special." This might conjure up images of meatloaf or macaroni and cheese, but no, it was a hot pot of broth that I could cook my own meat, tofu and veggies in. Fire on the table is always exciting, and best enjoyed while without children, I've decided.

Then I went to the Heiain Shrine, one of Kyoto's "new" shrines, built in 1895. It was quite colorful and there was a huge steel torii gate several meters away from the shrine proper. The gate is so large that cars can drive under it. One of those sights where you could safely say "only in Japan..."


I visited Sangusenjen-do next to see the 1,001 statues of Kannon and I can say it was the best thing I've seen so far this trip. The giant statue of Buddha in Nara was my favorite before this, but this was amazing. I had goosebumps upon entering the hall. The sight of all those serene faces aligned with one another perfectly was both calming and chilling. The large Kannon in the center had the power to make everyone around just stop. talking. and look. I will never forget it.

Also memorable was the fountain in the garden outside whose water was rumored to "cure babies from crying in the night." I poured it all over my arms and when I got home, gave Malcolm a big hug!