We arrived at the Tempozan Wharf, Osaka, around 8am and although we are on the starboard side of the ship we today have the port view and what a great view – an enormous 'big wheel' (thought we were back in London) and a nice looking port terminal.
On disembarking the ship, we found our Goodwill Guide "Yayoko" and she had our 'enlarged picture' and name blazing – yeah, we have the right guide today. We also had the company of another guide and another couple from the ship, so the six of us set off on a short walk to the Osaka train station, and it's unseasonally hot – I have worn the wrong clothes – darn!! (This is what happens when you have a cabin without a balcony – must learn to send my man to check temps. outside in future).
Again… long walkways underground each time we change trains, of which we would have been on at least a dozen during the day. The Express train to Kyoto took around 45 mins. and after a reasonable walk we arrived at the Heian (means peace and stability) Shrine which was very impressive – even more so because it was the day when parents celebrate their children and they bring them to the various shrines – so many littlies were dressed in their national costume – just so cute!! Next we went into the Kyoto Museum of Traditional Crafts which was beautifully presented with various craftsmen demonstrating their skills.
It was around midday and Yayoko suggested we have lunch – sounds good to us, not knowing where we would be going. Just a short stroll to the 7 Eleven and we bought sandwiches, pastries, iced coffee and sat on a seat outside the store…. It was fun though as also that day thousands of university students celebrating a festival of sorts and dressed in national costumes, were traipsing all over the place.
With energy to burn, it was back to the subway for a couple of changes of lines, and upon rising to the surface and sighting daylight again…… right across the road was the awesome Nijo Castle which became a world heritage site in 1994. This Castle was completed in the 17th century and began as a villa for the Shoguns. It has two moats, for extra protection – the first around the entire Castle grounds and another within which houses the Honmaru Palace. Within the Palace are the famous "nightingale floors" which were designed to squeak like singing birds when you walk on them – which was to protect against intruders. The Castle, Palace and gardens were just glorious.
Off again, on a bus this time, to the Kinkaku Golden Pavilion and what a spectacular sight. "Kinkaku" means golden hall and the top two levels are literally adorned in pure gold leaf – and the sun was shining on this magnificent Zen Buddhist temple which made it even more brilliant…. It is surrounded by a beautiful pond and all that we could do was enjoy its beauty, and take photos - I have many!!!
Totally worn out, it was time to head home – bus, train, train and then Express to Osaka – the train was so crowded we had to split to get seats. I remembered that I had a "LOST IN OSAKA" card given to us by the ship in the event that we did get lost!!! – so felt a little easier. The gentleman sitting next to me was interested in what I had seen in Kyoto (he saw my camera) and I was showing him lots of photos when suddenly he jumped up as he nearly missed his stop….
We must have walked 10 miles today!!! But, what a great day and we were so grateful to Yayoko and Iwai for their friendship and goodwill – two really happy seniors, who left us for dead when it came to walking!!!!
Sailaway was bright and colourful and it was a lovely mild night – the colour of the lights on the big wheel change dependent on the weather – red meaning fine, blue meaning rain, etc. It was glowing red and we could see it for miles as we slipped out of Osaka Bay. Too late to go to the dining room so off to Horizons and my first taste of Pumpkin Pie – didn't rate very high!!
PHOTOS: Young family with gorgeous children outside the Heian Shrine; The gates of the Heian Shrine; Having lunch outside 7 Eleven; Yayoko & Iwai getting us around the underground; The Nijo Castle; Honmaru Palace inside the Nijo Castle; Beautiful gardens at Nijo Castle; The magnificent Golden Pavilion; Just Checking!!; Yes, on the right train (again) and happy!; The Big Wheel; Pumpkin Pie.
Beautiful photos - it was freezing cold when we were there
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