Kyoto, Japan Photo Gallery
Ryoanji Rock Garden-One of Kyoto's best zen and rock gardens.
When you observe the garden from a seated position, at least one of the rocks is always hidden from the viewer. The meaning of the garden is not clear, but the traditional interpretation is that it represents infinity or that only through attaining enlightenment one would be able to see the 15 stones. We were not enlightened.
A bell at Ryoanji.
An outer walkway at the head priest’s former residence called Hojo.
The head priest’s former residence called Hojo.
Interesting trees in the garden.
Saying that selfies are the thing in these Asian countries is an understatement. I watched this girl take so many selfies from every angle you can imagine. She is dressed very nice to go with the cherry blossoms. Our patience was tested many times by all these that take way too many photos when many other people are waiting.
A beautiful water view at Ryoanji.
Turtles sunning on a rock with cherry blossom petals in the water.
Okamoto Cafe where we enjoyed our lunch.
Okamoto and Brian communicating through Google translate. We really enjoyed getting to know him!
Okamoto (79 yrs old) and his wife (75 yrs old) run the restaurant. Above his head is a photo of a German castle and we saw another of him standing in front of the Matterhorn. He said that he has traveled many places.
Gwen's fish bento lunch, larger than any back in the US and a better deal at $6-$7.
Brian's steak bento lunch.
Okamoto and Brian with his Harley. He is the 79 yr old owner of the restaurant that we ate at. The Harley photo was also hanging in the restaurant.
The very tall bamboo!
I took a photo here of the walkway. This whole park was VERY crowded, so I'm surprised that I was able to get this shot with not too many people.
At the very crowded Bamboo Forest many were dressed in traditional Japanese fashion. I thought this little girl was so cute!
You could take a rickshaw ride through the bamboo, but it was a LONG wait!
A rickshaw passing by me on the road.
Higashi Ote-mon Gate to the Nijo-jo Castle-This castle was constructed in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasa, the first Shogun of the Edo Shogunate. It's also where the 15th and last Shogun surrendered his authority to rule to the Emperor.
In the gardens of the castle.
On the wall of the castle looking down at the moat. This castle has 2 moats and 2 palaces.
Looking out over the Honmaru-goten Palace that was closed for restoration. We did tour Ninomaru-goten Palace, but no photos were allowed. The floors squeak like a bird chirping, and is nicknamed Nightingale Palace.
Gardens on the castle grounds.
Margaret and Doug in front of the very ornate Kara-Mon Gate.
The gate has has magnificent and brilliantly colored carvings of dragons, tigers, cranes, pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms, symbolizing longevity
The Kara-mon Gate stands at the entrance to the Ninomaru-goten Palace. Gate architecture is used to indicate status, with the Kara-mon gate representing the highest status, indicated by the cusped gable to the front and back of the roof, and the use of cypress bark rather than copper or tile for the roofing.
Brian entering Ikko-yakiniku, a Japanese BBQ. Many Japanese restaurants had curtains like this where you enter.
Margaret and Doug at our Japanese BBQ table.
Brian and Doug were the grill masters here.
Our hotel for the night, Nenrinbo, a Kyoto- style ryokan. This tatami matted room was a neat experience.
The garden of the hotel from the back porch was very peaceful with the sound of a waterfall.
Another photo of our room looking towards the entrance.
Gwen, on the back porch dressed in her Yukata and Haroi.
Gwen now inside the room in the traditional Japanese clothing.
The art in the hallway outside of our room.
We checked out the public baths here at the ryokan, but didn't participate, but at least the men and women are separated.
There are many bathing stations to wash at before soaking in the warm pool.
The dressing room with baskets and lockers. I like the stools in front of the sinks.
At breakfast we watched this young Japanese couple to see how we should eat some of our food.
The four of us at breakfast in regular clothes. We should have worn our Yukata and Maori. It would have been a fun photo, but we didn't think of it.
Part of our breakfast was salmon that we cooked right at our table.
This is the full breakfast-Here's their description on the web-site: Japanese style〟 Fish,Tofu,Rice,Miso-soup,Pickles,etc.
The little tiny white things on top had two little black eyes. Later I found out that they were Shirazu (whitebait/young sardines), but I thought that this tasted good. When traveling you just have to try new things.
Interesting tickets to Kinkaku-Ji Shrine.
Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.
Grey Heron on the pond.
Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu.
I think this is a beautiful view for a retirement villa.
Brian said that he would hang out on the side porch.
A nice waterfall in the garden.
They were making wishes and trying to get their coin in the cup to have their wish come true.
It looks like a lot of waisted money to me.
The final leg of our inland trip is to Tokyo on the Bullet Train, a 2 hour ride.
This was our train sign.
I sat beside this girl on the bullet train. At one point she pulled out these flat figurines of 2 guys and took a photo with that piece of paper. I found it interesting. Also, many Japanese still wear masks all the time.
Now for the flowers of Kyoto-Japanese Andromeda.
Japanese Camellia.
Camellia.
Ipheion Wisley Blue, also called starflower.
Magnolia Liliiflora.
Rhododendron.