Sashimi!

Hello again from Kyoto.

Spent the whole day today walking around the East side of Kyoto visiting loads of shrines and temples.

We started early at Nisiki market were you can buy all sorts of weird and wonderful things that go into Japanese cuisine.

Then we headed North East to Ginkakuji Temple which had spectacular zen gardens. Unfortunatly it's famous 'silver' temple was undergoing restoration but the garden was still very impressive.

We then walked down the 'Path of Philosophy' which is jammed full of sakura over hanging a stream (below). It was noticable the damage done by yesterday's rain and how much further along Kyoto's cherry trees are than Osaka's.

The trail lead us to the very impressive Nanzenji Temple were we had Japanese green tea cetemony and saw more zen gardens and temple buildings (1st & 2nd below). Claire then got us lost in the woods trying to find a place Lonely Planet had recommend. They said not many people go there and now we know why. Finally we went to Kiyomizu Temple (3rd below) which was perched high over looking Kyoto and had a great view.

Got back to the hotel just in time for an amazing Japanese dinner (below). The dinner included amazing tempura and sashimi which was sensational. Relaxed my tired legs with another great Japanese bath.

Exploring temples in the North West and South East tomorrow.