Enjoying Kyoto

Two more cold days in Kyoto enjoying the city.  Japan experienced the coldest weather it had seen in a decade.  Definitely more than we had packed for.  Luckily it was dry, and we even had some sunshine for the reflections off Kinkakuji (the golden temple).  More temples on day two.  The boys were relieved that it was castles only on day three.

We met up with Baaba's two sisters on Thursday and enjoyed a stroll through the old streets of Geion.  No geisha sightings, but wonderful narrow twisting streets and old buildings.  Then enjoyed a nice dinner at Mimiu, with Udon cooked at the table.

It was a wonderful and memorable stay in Kyoto.  Lots of train rides commuting from Osaka to Kyoto each day.  The boys are now expert train riders.

Baaba's old house in Osaka

Kinkakuji (gold temple)

Cherry trees at Ryoanji in the afternoon sunlight

Nijojo (Nijo castle) - home of the Shoguns

Garden at Nijojo

Chrysanthemum roof tiles at the Imperial Palace.  Sixteen petals (eight is a lucky number) making up the Imperial family crest.

Imperial Palace

Yet another kind of cherry tree

Eating Udon at Mimiu (off Shijo in Gion)

Baaba and her sisters