Temple-tastic

Tuesday 22nd January

It was bitterly cold this morning and despite being wrapped up in many layers with scarf, gloves and hat I was still freezing. First stop of the day was the Imperial Palace (you can only look round the palace as part of an organised tour and there are only a few a day). I was hoping as a result that I might meet some fellow travellers, but no such luck, as was joined by a handful of Japanese, a couple of American couples and a German couple neither of whom wanted to engage in any conversation.

The palace itself (built in the mid 19th century was interesting, especially the history behind it and the gardens were stunning. Funny enough the palace is no longer used due to it having no source of power and on a day like today I`m not surprised.

Next stop was the Heian Shrine, similar in size to Tokyo`s key shrine (Meiji Jingu) however it is set in much nicer surroundings. The stepping stones across the lake were used as a backdrop to the film Memoirs of a Geisha apparently.

I then spent the next couple of hours on a walking tour of the eastern part of the city (along the Philosphers Path) stopping off at the Nanzenji Temple, Eikan-do Temple, and Ottoyo Shrine before finally winding up at the Ginkaku-ji Temple. Set at the top of the hill this was the far the most impressive of them all. Known as the silver pavillion for obvious reasons.

I spent the evening exploring the Gion district famous for its Geishas and Maikos ( trainee geishas) However due to the weather I only spotted one on the street inviting people inside and too shy to venture in any other establishments on my own I gave it miss and stuck to the covered market stalls with the pretty lanterns instead. Much safer..