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Photography heaven today with visits to the gorgeous red gates of Fushimi Inari temple and the gold n glitz of Kinkakuji temple - at opposite ends of Kyoto. The weather had finally cleared in the morning, so caught the JR train to Inari station just south of Kyoto. Hordes of other tourists had had the same idea it seemed, though as we let the girls set the pace winding up through the arcade of thousands of red gates towards the summit of Mt Inari, the crowds thinned enough for us to be alone at times and absorb the impressive and memorable sight. The entire Fushimi Inari complex has 5 shrines, and was built in the 8th Century dedicated to the gods of rice and sake, and is the head shrine for tens of thousands of Inari shrines throughout Japan. There were also hundreds of stone foxes, considered the messenger of Inari, many with a key in its mouth for the rice granary. We didn't make the full 4km to the summit, but had morning tea at a picturesque spot and headed down another path to the entrance. The girls were keen to see the dolphins at Kyoto Aquarium, so after lunch at Kyoto station, Paul took the girls there while I caught the bus north to the golden spectacle of Kinkaku-Ji temple (built around 1400 for a shogun and converted to a temple by his son). The main hall is covered in brilliant gold leaf, and it's reflection into the pond below is just incredible. With big crowds every day, the guides are very good at ushering people along some pretty gardens paths behind the temple - with one spot having a great view of the Phoenix on the roof - and out to the exit. Quite good value for ¥400 entry fee (about $5.50). The kids and Paul had a great time at the aquarium, with a cheesy dolphin show reminiscent of a Wiggles song and dance, an active huge octopus, giant salamanders etc. In the evening we met up with some friends who'd just arrived in Kyoto near the Nishiki market - Aosora Osora - with lots of focus on regional produce. A fun night. Back to Tokyo on the Shinkansen tomorrow.
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