Andre and Wendy

Started off this morning by taking a train to see the early Kawazu cherry blossoms on the Yodo Suiro Waterway. We are still early for the “full” cherry blossoms, but the early blooming Kawazu cherry trees seemed to be at their peak. Lots of people out as the walkway along the canal is a sakura blossom spot. The walkway is about 1.3 km long with 200 Kawazu trees have been planted since 2002. We also had a quick visit at park with the Yodo Castle Ruins, very close to the train station.

Next we took a train to Fushimi Station to visit the Fushimi Sake village. Didn't take us long to realize this is somewhere to go at night, it must be crazy! Lots of drinking establishments and restaurants. At the end of the main road we did come across a large shopping market that lots of locals seemed to be out and about doing their daily things. We did come across a nice bakery, yummy sakura cream puff, Andre had an apple tart, both so good. Would be fun to come here at night, but I'm afraid we are running out of time already!

After our visit here we took a train to the Sanjo station where we would be starting our walking tour in the afternoon. First off was to find some lunch. We had heard about a curry place that we think is a chain restaurant, decided to give it a try, worst meal we have had so far. We will not be going back there.

Met up with our Guruwalk guide at 2:30 and had a full 2.5 hour tour. One family from LA with us and 2 guys from Calgary. Lots and lots of information about all things Japan. Our guide Leslie just finished her Masters degree, graduation is on Saturday. She had live here for 2 years finishing up her schooling. She plans on staying another 2 years in Japan and then not sure where she will go after that.

We met alongside the Kamo River, where you can tell must be very busy when it gets warmer with people just hanging out alongside the river. We heard about how Kyoto became the capital of Japan, and is still considered cultural capital of Japan. We walked through the Geisha District (GION), she teased us a little bit about the Geisha, so much so that we have booked another tour tomorrow night to learn more about these most interesting women. We were very fortunate to see a Guisha on our tour, our guide said this is only the second time she has seen one in the day time on a tour.

A visit to Chion-IN Samon temple, off with our shoes and we carry them around with us in a plastic bag while we visit the temple. Learnt about how you do not step on the wood at the bottom of the door frame, you must step over it. It is the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has millions of followers and is one of the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan.

We finished up the tour by the Yasaka pagoda, wow so many tourists! This may be the busiest we have been anywhere yet. So many tourists, many in rented Kimonos taking tons of pictures. This is a “thing” to do in Kyoto. One thing to wear a kimono, another to wear those shoes all day, ouch.

Huge bus lineup to get back to our hotel, but managed to figure out a route that stopped right in front of our hotel. Another full busy day that we all enjoyed. Picked up some things for supper at 7/11, strawberry, whipped cream and custard sandwich on white bread, who knew there was such a thing? It is here, tried it once, won't be getting that again.

steps 20576 / 12.8 lms

Kawazu cherry blossoms on the Yodo Suiro Waterway.

Shrine near Yodo Station

Sake near Fushimi Sake village

Sake village

Adding filling to the cream puff on demand

Lots of sandals choices here

More of a local shopping place

One of the sake brewery in the area

Lots of train have what to see in the areas

Pub with cheap food, I think

Wagyu burger, need to try

Bird in the cherry tree

Saw of of these near the river where we met out guide for the walking tour. Maybe hawks but not sure

On our walking tour

each fence post is sponsored.

Did not see many modern looking places, this one the exception

Our first Geisha, we are doing a tour tomorrow night to learn more about these amazing women. Our guide told us this is only the second time she has seen one while giving her tour

The Sanmon Gate, Chion in's main entrance gate

The big oval was lent by Ireland for 1 yeat

Chion-IN Samon temple, the head temple of the Jodo sect of Japanese Buddhism, which has millions of followers and is one of the most popular Buddhist sects in Japan.

Amazing doors

One of many buildings here

Chion-IN Samon temple bell, 42 tons. Too big to melt for use during the war

The monument honors Sakamoto Ryōma (1836–1867) and his close associate Nakaoka Shintarō, both pivotal samurai figures in the movement to overthrow the Tokugawa shogunate.