Light my fire

Today got off to a bit of a bumpy start with us opting for a Japanese breakfast. I have to say it wasn't very enjoyable. There were some beans that looked like cocoa pops wrapped in a sticky, Indiana Jones like spider's web, a raw egg, some rice, miso soup and coffee. I decided to add the egg to the miso soup to 'cook' it but this instead ruined the soup.

First and last stops of today's visits were the Ginkaku-ji and Nanzen-ji temples. Below - the amazing gravel gardens in Ginkaku-ji with a Mt Fuji like dome on the right of picture. Also below - the effect of temple overload.



Between temples, we managed our first Japanese ascent, Daimon-ji yama (466m). This hill is the Arthur's Seat of Kyoto with lots of great paths. On the slopes are the fire platforms used to create the great 'dai' for the yaki festival in August.

Below - panorama from the 'dai' site looking towards Kyoto. Also below- the festival 'dai' alight on the hill.


We finished off with an evening meal on the 10th floor of the Kyoto station building. Cheers and thanks for all your messages.