Kyoto

Next stop is the more European flavoured Kyoto. I must say first impressions in the beaming sunlight, are good. Having dumped our bags at the hotel, we headed to Nijo castle. This piece of typically elegant Japanese architecture was built by the fifth Shogun and celebrates the unification and peace of the warring Samurai factions. Again, as I have been throughout, I was impressed with the clean lines of the building and the way it rises out of the beautifully manicured gardens around it. The inside was no less impressive and the night tingle flooring, traditional squeaky wooden floor boards, and ornate sliding paper screens, complete with fantastic artwork, were beautiful.

Strolling in the garden was no less enjoyable and those hard at work to maintain the perfect grass and cherry blossom orchards have done a fantastic job. This was the quintessential Japanese garden. Bonsais, ponds and maples, lovingly tended to and beautiful. The stroll through the grounds gave the perfect chance to unwind and relax from the hectic travelling we have put it. They love their zen gardens here and I am certainly feeling a little more chilled out!

Next we headed to the Fushimi Inari shrine, or the Shrine of 1000 Torii gates. This huge architectural undertaking is a place to ask for successful harvests, Japan was previously reliant on agriculture, and this is where people would come to ask for help to ensure strong yields. We cleansed ourselves traditionally, left hand, right hand, mouth, and asked for luck in something we would like in the future. Watch this space to see if mine comes true!

We then headed to the Gion district, home of the Geisha. We strolled through the traditional streets and some went off for a night tour of the area, spotting two Geishas in the process. The rest of us headed for food and entertainment in the shopping area. After a good feed, slightly different oronyakibuki, we wandered home. It definitely feels more like a European city here, much as Ho Chi Minh did last year. It is a bit surprising, but also quite nice.

Day two saw us using a further mode of transport, the buses. However, the group is a little disjointed this morning as one of us didn't make it back to our hotel last night. A heavy night of drinking ended somewhere and your writer is not sure of the details, needless to say,  she made it back eventually, but missed the two temples, including the stunning Kinkau-ji temple, covered in gold. I do feel a little bit sorry for our guide Masa as he was clearly rattled by losing a group member. He then made a mistake with the bus stop, but I'm sure he'll recover his composure. The first stop was a slightly disappointing Zen garden. It was tranquil and well maintained, but the Japanese woman showing us round rushed us to the gift shop, or so it felt, spoiling the atmosphere a little.

Next was Kinkau-ji. This really was stunning and probably the best of the tour, so far. The sheer size and intricate detail were superb and again the surrounding gardens were great. I was starting to get a little overwhelmed with temples, but this is a fantastic change.

We headed back to Gion and some of us went to a traditional tea ceremony, while others went to dress as Geishas. These two activities, along with the cultural show we went to later on, were a great way to see some of the age old Japanese arts. I finally saw a Geisha in the flesh as well, happy days! The tea ceremony was very tranquil, but I'm not sure how long I can sit cross legged on wooden floors for. The cheap Primark plimsoles that have ripped my feet up and my general lack of flexibility, are making it a bit of a struggle!

More western influences on our food today. Although we did enjoy a cracking food market, octopus tastes pretty good and then a Korean lunch. After though the afternoon and evening brought us a chocolate shop and pizza respectively. There is, after all, only so much rice and fried pork a lad can eat though!

The tour is in its twilight now. Just a ryokan, traditional house complete with hot spring, and Tokyo left. These tours pack a lot in and I'll be sad to say bye to most of this group. A few of us are staying on in Tokyo after the tour ends though, wonder what craziness we can find there...!?