Day 6 - Big day out in Kyoto

Started the day with the traditional Japanese Breakfast which was included in the stay

There was also warm tofu, rice, green tea and miso soup.  It was super delicious

Then we got going for our big day out with the walk to Kiyomizu-dera which is about 1/2 an hour from the Ryokan, uphill. The main temple is currently undergoing some major work but that didn't distract from the beautiful autumn colours.

 

We figured that it was so busy (buses everywhere) due to those autumn colours and despite visiting Kyoto several times (I think this is the 4th), I have never seen it so busy, even during cherry blossom season. 

We then spent some time looking in all the tourist shops which required some extra stamina providing assistance....

to get past all the people

I don't recall so many people dressed in Kimonos either but it appears the rent-for-a-day thing is bit of a thing at the moment and it made for plenty of colour

We followed my usual walk which is about a 7 km walk.

Some things along the way

We stopped for lunch to eat a totally delicious Okinomiyaki at a restaurant near the Yasaka Shrine and also importantly to rehydrate

Then it was onwards through the throngs towards Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion)

Whereupon we encountered more tourists and practised the art of taking photos without anyone in it - where possible...

By this time it was getting on 4.30, the light was failing and we had sore legs so we thought it best to head back to the Ryokan, after a cream (vanilla) puff - Caity had a matcha (green tea) flavoured one

We caught the bus back which was a bit of squishy fun and guess work re where it would drop us off but we got there all ok.

After some chillax time it was beef bowl for dinner for me and pork katsu for Caity

 

I then went off to try the Ryokans guest public bath which is about as 'onsen' as I am going to get on this trip.  I nuded up and did all the right things and had a polite conversation with the ladies who arrived after myself until I nearly cooked. Unlike your bath at home, these baths do not cool down so sitting for even a short time in a giant bento box up to your neck means one gets a little hot!  

Then it was to bed...to recover before seeing more temples and deer at Nara tomorrow.