From Tokyo, we took the bullet train (Shinkansen) to Kyoto (about 2 hours and 45 minutes), Japan's ancient capital (with more "charm" than has Tokyo, the current capital. Kyoto was deemed historically important to preserve, and was spared from many WW2 bombings).
Late in the afternoon, we checked into our AirBnB apartment, which included these traditional tatami mats for sleeping (Yes! I was excited to not have to share a bed sleep with a thrashing toddler!).
Wooden rocking/rolling horse!
Our first day of sightseeing included a visit to Fushimi Inari, which is one of the most important Shinto shrines. The shrine, which has hundreds of vermillion torii gates, is dedicated to Inari, the god of rice, whose messengers are the foxes.
Iver hated being in the stroller, and loved playing with rocks or climbing steps on his own.
Ringing a bell
The gates are inscribed with donors' names.
Iver napped in the stroller, and we had a peaceful stroll around the grounds.
The 22-meter tall Sanmon Gate is the oldest Zen gate of its kind, dating back to 1425.
Kelvin's parents rested, but in the evening, K, Iver, and I took a walking tour of Gion (the Geisha district), where we learned about the Geisha (geiko in Kyoto dialect) and maiko (geikos-in-training) trade, lifestyle, and work.
Beautiful wooden houses
Boardinghouse plaque
hair ornament shop
Interesting sign
While we were not guaranteed to see one of the elusive geiko or maiko on this tour, we did see one at the end of the night!
We were informed that the three-leaf clover taxi company is the one that geiko/maiko use. I photographed one such cab, mere minutes before a maiko strolled down the street past it, and another woman got in it (but alas, I had put my camera away for the night and missed it!).
Oh, well. They remain mysterious.
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