Kyoto Sightseeing
I booked myself onto a walking tour in the morning...
14 May 2026 - 10:13
14 May 2026 - 10:50
14 May 2026 - 11:04
14 May 2026 - 11:30
14 May 2026 - 11:43
14 May 2026 - 12:26
14 May 2026 - 13:14
Ninja
Rokuonji or Kinkaku-ji Temple
Formerly an aristocratic country estate called Kitiyama-dono (1185-1332), it became a temple in 1422. After a decline, things were restored in the Edo period. The Kinkaku, or Golden Pavilion, is it's big draw, but, as ever, it's not original; it last burned down in 1950 and was rebuilt by 1955.
Kinkaku-ji
Kinkaku-ji
14 May 2026 - 16:37
Tenryuji Sogenchi Garden...I decided not to go in as they were closing in 15 minutes, but apparently the gardens are very nice.
14 May 2026 - 16:48
By Hogon-in Temple
14 May 2026 - 16:59
Kimono Forest
Kimono Forest
14 May 2026 - 17:40
15 May 2026 - 10:07
Aoi Matsuri - Hollyhock Festival
Today is the day of the Aoi Matsuri, or Hollyhock Festival in Kyoto. It's a tradition of two of the city shrines that a procession takes place from the Imperial Palace site to each of the shrines in turn, with horses, carriages and people all fitted out in Heian era finery (the 794 to 1195), written Kyoto a the capital. People line the streets to get a good view!
I had intended on a guided tour of the Imperial Palace while in Kyoto, but the main palace is actually closed over this period, probably due to the festival. I can still wander around the grounds though - they are a huge park area - Kyoto Gyoen National Garden.
I may also be be able to go into the Sendo imperial palace...
Aoi Matsuri - Hollyhock Festival
The gathered observers were several layers thick in the park, but you can get a front row spot out on the road.
Actually, there may have been a bit of walking from the first carriage, but mostly the procession was silent.
Aoi Matsuri - Hollyhock Festival
Aoi Matsuri - Hollyhock Festival
Aoi Matsuri - Hollyhock Festival
There was a nice, older Japanese man from Osaka next to me also watching the procession. We had a friendly chat - he's never been to the UK, but likes Liverpool for the Beatles, and he gave me a matcha biscuit as a gift before heading off to the first temple the procession was heading to.
15 May 2026 - 12:14
I missed out on the Sendo Imperial Palace gardens too - fully booked by the time I wandered back after the procession!
Weeping cherry trees
Apparently these are pretty spectacular in early spring when in blossom!
15 May 2026 - 12:29
Kan-in-no-miya Residence
15 May 2026 - 15:01
Nijo-jo Castle
Nijo-jo Castle is a work of art than a fortress (although apparently the gates have boulder-dropping holes), with art used to accentuate the power of the Shogun and intimidate or denote the lower stairs of others. Tatami mats and wall panels are the main decor, with paintings on the and the ceilings, mainly of plants, but also some animals such as heron, tigers, leopards and hawks (Japan had no tigers or leopards, so these were copied from imported art... including that the third-born of any tiger would be a leopard!).
Nijo-jo Castle
The Honmaru-Goten Palace is much more defended with high stone walls and a moat! It to has nice gardens inside though.
Nijo-jo Castle
I entered the grounds just before 4pm, with a floating time of 5pm. After I'd seen the at in the main castle, about 4:30pm, a tannoy started announcing that everyone should make their way to the main gate to leave as it would be closed soon. They then continuously played auld lang syne!
Nijo-jo Castle
15 May 2026 - 17:06
Found a gig!
At Live House Nano. Indie music £12.50 entry including a drink. 4 bands 🙂
Unfortunately Pebbls lost the photo and video of Mizuki - Full Moon, but she was really good - likely to feature on my end of year mix! Azure and Jackals were very good too.
It was a bit of a small audience unfortunately - band members outnumbered the rest of the audience.
I had a couple of plum wines with ice and cold water - quite refreshing after a hot day!