Our first stop was the Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji Temple. It is a 3 story building where the top 2 stories are gilded in gold leaf. It sits on a reflection pond and was absolutely beautiful.
We then went to the Nishiki Food Market and shopping center to pick up more gifts to take back home. We came across a crepe street car and couldn't resist. The crepes are so yummy and filled with fresh fruit, custard and whipped cream. Not necessarily healthy but something sweet does help balance all of the salty food we've been having.
Our next stop was the Sanjusangendo Temple. This is another Buddhist Temple that has 1001 gold leafed statues inside. Photos aren't allowed inside so here are some outside. The building was constructed in 1266 and remains in tact today. It was pretty amazing.
We then went to the Fushimi Inari Tashi Shrine. This is a shinto shrine where Tori gates span all the way up a hillside and it takes 2 hours to walk through all of them. We only went part way and it was so pretty. Just imagine an entire walkway lined with these gates.
Our drivers then took us around the Gion District of Kyoto and explained the history of the city. The Gion District is where the Gaikos (also known as Geishas) and Maikos live, practice and work in the local tea houses. We later went to dinner on the Pontocho Street, known for it's high-end tea houses, and we spoted a few Gaikos entertaining some businessmen. Here is a photo of the lantern lit street where we ate dinner.
Our drivers made reservations for us since the tea houses restrict access to who can eat there and it was a really nice traditional japanese meal. Included in the meanl was tempura fish - whole fish fried in batter. I ate one whole one and then could only handle eating the bottom halves for the rest. Something about eating a fish head with eyes just didn't sit well with me, but it was surprisingly tasty if you could get over the mind block of what you were eating.
