Get myself up and go for a dander in to Kyoto, using google maps on my phone I am able to trace a route back to the station, which is where the tourist information centre is. About a 40min walk along the river, it was nice, quiet. I get in and grab some maps of the area including a train and bus map. That way I'll be able to plan things properly. Got the chance to take a good look round Kyoto station, a lovely building with a striking steel lattice ceiling, and at the top, a sky garden with views I've Kyoto. I had seen it last night on my way through but was far too tired to take check and enjoy.
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There are literally 100s of temples and shrines here, so it's going to be a case of trying to pick some of the ones I want to see and go with that. No way I'll be seeing them all. Maybe have a look at that this afternoon. Started raining today, first rain I've seen since I left, I can safely say I didn't miss it. It has ruined my temple plans, as there is a fair distance to cover, and I don't fancy getting wet.
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Stopped in for lunch at the station. Again a massive shopping complex within the station. I pick a wee sushi joint as I haven't had some of that good stuff in a while. As usual, superb, some miso soup and a beer, perfect. I may find it had to adjust to not having a beer with lunch. Ha ha ha, I quite like it.
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Rain stopped so off to some temples. Nishi-Hongwanji. I got to go inside this temple, unlike the ones in Tokyo, fairly ornate. Covered in gold. Took a good wander around and got my bearings. Saw a couple of quite unbelievable sights. First, a woman feeding a dog some bottled water with a wee pipet end. What the?! The second incident I don't think I will every erase from my mind. So, a dog takes a s*** on the street, the owner reaches in to her pocket gets some tissues, I thought to pick up the s***, you know being responsible. No.............. What actually happened was she then lifted the dogs tail and started cleaning its ass. I just kept walking, looked straight ahead. I questioned if I had actually just seen that!
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Supposed to be going out for a couple of beers with some guys from the hostel tonight. We'll see If that materialises. I find that people have the best of intentions, then when they are out for the day they forget or come back and are too tired. Normally I make myself available for such exploits, but always have a back up in case they fall through.