Day 2 of our adventures in Japan. Part 1
here. We decided the night before that we would take the subway to Kyoto and explore there, and do Osaka Aquarium on Wednesday. So, our morning was get up early, eat breakfast and then head out to Osakako Train station for Kyoto...
Sara photo bombing my shot of the Jr Line ticket machine. By 10am we were at Kyoto Station, and we headed out the station to take in the views of the sights surrounding the area. First stop, Higashi Hoganji Temple. It was beautiful and serene there. We took off our shoes and went inside one of the shrines. Sam and the girls walked around a bit more while I sat outside and waited since we can't take the wheel chair in. Many tourists were inside the buildings too, very busy we could see. But the streets were not so busy and it did start to sprinkle rain a bit, as the skies above were overcast.
Next, we decided to head over to the Shosei-en Garden, but ended up walking completely around it, because the street we came out too, from the temple, had the entrance behind us and we didn't see it. Ugh. But, once inside the garden, you just forget all the troubles you had finding it. LOL Beautiful and peaceful the garden had many little trails to walk through and meditate from. I'm sure when it is spring the cherry blossoms are gorgeous through out the park. A relaxing stream rolls by as you walk over the bridge and to nearby trees and rocks.
Back to the Kyoto Train Station we went and decided to eat lunch first, before our next destination...
We went straight to the top floor, because Taby said we had to see it up there. There was an area for a helicopter pad, and a garden on the roof. We looked down from the steps and all you could see were all the escalators or steps to the bottom! It was a long way down for sure! We went back to the floor we took the elevator to and went to the restaurant floor and found this place called, "Kitchen Gon". I got a shrimp katsue lunch with rice, garnish, and miso soup. When Sara ordered a coke, they brought out a vintage style coke bottle, which she kept from the trip as a souvenir.
We took the Jr Line to Fushimi Ward. Once there when you walk right out of the exit, there is the entrance to the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Whoa!! Those amazing orange colored gates you see often by many of those who also have made the trip to this very shrine... Huge, orange, and amazing... So many tourists every where. We began to make our trek to the top... It was amazing and so surreal to think I made it to the Inari Shrine! But I'm so glad I did, definitely a mark off my bucket list!! Check!
When we made it back to the Kyoto Station, and decided to eat at the Mister Donut we saw there when we first walked through. It was well worth the wait! We rested our tootsies, and sat. Then, ate our fill of creme and chocolate donuts, Churro style donuts, and water to flush down the sweets! It was time for us to call it a day and a long adventurous day at that!! Whew!
When we arrived back at the apartment, we stopped by the larger 7 Eleven store and got dinner and more snacks. We spent dinner in our BnB, eating egg salad sandwiches, cup of noodles, and Udon noodles, while watching whatever was on the Tele. Which was mostly in Japanese, we believe it was the news, anime, and a food channel. Ha! Good night Osaka!!
Part 3!
Thank you for looking! ~ ggsdolls
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