The plan was to set the alarm for 8.30 and aim to be out by 9. That didn't happen, made it out after 11 and I was concerned that I wasn't going to get to see all i wanted today. Quick breakfast of two finger toast and coffee. Down to the desk and buy a day ticket for the bus, ¥500 pretty good considering I'll be using at least 6 buses today, one trip costs ¥220, so I'm on to a winner. Bit of red pen on the map, stations circled and I'm ready to go.
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So the guy sends me to a bus stop and tells me to get the 100 bus. Now I sit there for 20mins and see 3 cruise past, I check my bus route map and the 100 doesn't stop at my stop so I have to walk to the next one. Not too far, though my confidence in the intel has been called in to question. It's more a bus network here than the train/metro network of Tokyo, takes longer and not as efficient. Though still significantly better than buses back home.
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First stop, Gibkakuji Temple or Silver Pavilion. I wanted to come here because it is different to a normal temple in that it is set in gardens with walk ways. Pretty nice setting, the actual two story pagoda is the stand out piece here and it's the first thing you come to. The usual build up of people all looking for the same shot, obviously I have to wait in line for there to be a space for me. Hey, I'm used to the queues. You can't go in to any if the buildings which is a bit disappointing, but there is a trail that you can follow which has nice bamboo railings. It takes you through the gardens and ponds and eventually winds up to a high point where you can see the whole complex in foreground and the mountains and Kyoto in the distance. Very nice.
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Next it was on to Shimogamo-jinja Shrine. Now for some reason I found this quite hard to find. I knew it was going to be a bit of a walk from the bus stop, but I was walking for an eternity. Along side a river so it wasn't too bad, though the sun was beating down on me. Draining my energy. Dropped in to a Lawson and assessed my map. They had tables outside so I sat there eating my sushi trying I work out where I was. As luck would have it I was across the road, not to far from where I was. Walked though a forest section around the shrine as it had a nice setting. I wasn't really feeling like spending any money to go in to view the place, so I just walked around the grounds having a look at the buildings, then left through the forested walkway. It was much cooler under the canopy of the trees. Upon exiting the forest I come out at a fork in the road, earlier I had taken the wrong route! Good move! Back down the street and on to a bus.
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Third stop, Golden Pavilion or Kinkakuji Temple. This is your postcard place right here! As I'm walking up the path I notice a policed bell to the left, with a sign for ¥200, perhaps you can give it a whack for that. I move on and consider it, maybe I'll drop over on my way back. Can't beat ringing a bell. Not as big as the one from the other day, but still a fair size. As you enter the grounds you are ushered to the left where there is an excellent chance to take a photo across the lake to the golden temple, of course everyone else is thinking the same thing and so there is a bit of a delay before I can get my shot. It's a bit cloudy today and I'm not happy with the lighting, but I get a few shots. There is a garden that you can walk through after the viewing spot. Again a beautifully laid out path curving round the lake and up the hillside. The place is pretty busy and with the walk way being narrow it's a slow pace. I'm fine with this because my new technique is to slow down in an attempt to keep Mr Chaff at bay. It's been working today and I don't feel too uncomfortable. At various points throughout the walk there are stalls set up so you can buy over priced souvenirs. As I had done throughout, I don't even stop to look for fear I may be tempted by the tat! At the end you can pay some money to run the bell and make a wish. Again I'm not getting involved. If I'd prayed at every temple and shrine I've been to I'd be broke already. Doesn't stop the throngs of other people doing it though. Lighting incense, inscribing wooden plaques, the works. Time check, I have time for one more thing. Back to the bus. I came out a different way to how I came in and so there was not an opportunity to ring the bell, and to be honest, I'd completely forgotten about it!
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On to a zen garden, Ryoanji Temple. Exquisite garden, with a lake complete with lilies and all. Had a good we dander. Very relaxing, then you walk up in to a building, shoes off. It opens up to reveal a well raked zen garden. Plenty of people just sitting here looking at it. I give it a go, it holds my attention for 5mins then I get up and move on. The building is nice and simple inside with various rooms with sliding doors and tatami mats. Not much furniture, apparently the way to inner peace. Not sure I could live with so little. After this it's back on the bus and home. Packed day, will be pleased to get to bed!