The third and final stop of the day was Kodaiji Temple. It was built in 1606 and was sponsored by a woman named Nene to honor her husband, general Toyotomi Hideyoshi. Its main hall was originally designed with gold and lacquer, but it burned down in 1912. There are contemporary gardens on both sides, one of which is a rock garden with raked gravel that represents the ocean. Behind the temple is a mausoleum for Nene and Hideyoshi, as well as two tea houses.

Since the day was getting on and the sun was lowering, I weaved my way through the crowded street, past the tourist shops, and headed straight up to the temple. I felt rushed to explore the temple grounds, so I focused mainly on the trees and surrounding hills and paths.

After traipsing through the paths behind the pond, there is an entrance into a small bamboo-forested area.

After just coming out of the bamboo area, I heard a loud “squawk!” close by. I looked up into a nearby tree and saw what looked like a crow, trying in earnest to get at some fruit.

Not long after I walked past the first tree and took some more photos, I heard the crow demanding satisfaction after the first fruit fell from the tree.

As I exited onto one of the busy main streets, I saw more of the tourist shops and chariot rides in full swing.

By this point, I knew I had to get back to my hotel as the sun was continuing to set. As I made my way back, I decided that I would at least try to get a snack on the way back (I hadn’t eaten lunch). My snack consisted of some special “local” ice cream (for tourists), and a local matcha (green tea) paste-filled steamed bun, and a regular steamed bun with minced meat filling.

That evening, I looked up some places to go out to eat. I managed to find an “Izakaya,” an informal bar for drinks and snacks. I chose this place because reviews mentioned that they speak some English. Even in such a touristy place as Kyoto, there aren’t as many people who speak English as you might think.

I ordered some dishes that sounded good (and filling), along with my favorite drink here, umeshu (Japanese plum wine).

At this point, half of my itinerary was completed. The next morning, I would have to continue my fast streak of exploring, this time on the other side of Kyoto. Stay tuned.