Kyoto Kumono and more * Sixtyexpress

Japan

Rain this morning so culture and textiles at the Nishijin textile centre and then the handicraft centre. I have to admit, I indulged in a little retail therapy. Kimono’s are still worn for formal occasions and celebrations. Cheap versions can be hired ,so you too can “be Japanese” for the day ,but a true kimono like the ones below are made and lined with silk consequently, they are extremely expensive. If they are used in a photo shoot for an advertisement , they are sold off for ¥5000-6000 which is approximately $70 -$80. Normal prices start at 5 times that. Guess who bought 3 and a coat? The silk alone is worth more than that and you know how I love a bargain. The handicraft centre was over 6 floors and two buildings. The diversity of crafts and materials were amazing.

Young girls wear this long sleeved style

Now you will have a quick mad trip fighting through the Nishijin markets. If you can handle the crowds, there are bargains to had and foods to sample. Crowds are not my thing to deal with , so I escaped to a quiet restaurant.

You are missing the temples and gardens? Well here’s today’s dose.

Impressive isn’t? This is a Buddhist temple. It holds a beautiful Buddha as well as painted walls patterned with pictures of heaven as the Emperor imagined it to be plus sculptures of helpers to take you there. Fire from a disgruntled monk damaged some of the temple. It has been restored and replicas of some materials used. The originals are in a museum near the temple.

Garden fix time! The pictures are of Haradani-en Garden. This is a garden only visited by locals and not tour groups. Colour riots through the plantings and you can just meander through it.

You think you’re done don’t you? Well sorry, we are off to check out the Gion or geisha district. This area is filled with shops, restaurants, tea houses and people.

All too expensive for me and anyway I am off to a park that is for after dark in cherry blossoms time .Maruyama Park is near Yasaka Shrine.That is it, you are done for today.Tomorrow it is an early start to see the bamboo forests and another temple before the train and ferry. Sleep well.