I was motivated to come back to Kyoto and visit after reading Deep Kyoto Walks (which was edited by a couple of friends) in which I realized there was so much more for me to explore. I also reviewed it for The Japan Times. This time I decided to stay in a machiya (traditional wooden townhouses found throughout Japan and typified in the historical capital of Kyoto), which is like a boutique hotel or furnished apartment in an old house. The one I'm staying in is Nodoka-An, which is located centrally in the Higashiyama area not far from the bustling Sanjo area. This is the small garden that can be viewed from the living room and shower/bath.
The bedroom.
The kitchen.
On my way to Nanzen-ji temple.
The Lake Biwa Canal Museum.
The main gate at Nanzen-ji temple. It was raining fairly heavily a this point that it detered me form exploring more fully had it been sunny-it looks as though I missed some interesting sights from the link above...I may have to go back since it's about a 15 minute walk from where I am staying.
The main temple.
On the Philosopher's Path.
I was planning on visiting Junichiro Tanizaki's grave (author of The Makioka Sisters), which is one the grounds of Honen in, but didn't linger or check any notes due to the incessant rain.
On the Philospher's Path again.
It's been at least 13 years since my last visit to Ginkakuji (I also went there on my first visit to Kyoto in October of 1997), I didn't really feel the need to see it again, but since I was already there at the start (end of my journey) of the Philosopher's Path I made a brief visit.
The main temple.
Another perspective.
The pond at Ginkakuji.
The gate and monk's office for Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Pontocho near Sanjo in the center of the city.
I learned recently that nishin soba is a Kyoto staple, so I sampled it for my first Kyoto meal, not bad.
Kiyamatchi street at night.
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