Kyoto

March 23, 2025 (Sunday)

Kyoto, Japan’s capital for over 1,000 years full of Temples, Shrines, Gardens was a must see city to explore and very thankful that Nicole, Dean and Jaxton could join and guide us thru this part of Japan.

Glenna and Pat left Tokyo on the 9:45 train to Kyoto, beautiful train ride thru the countryside and as always, arrived on time. Jumped in a taxi to The Chapter Kyoto, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, a Marriott property. Walked into the lobby and there was Nicole, Dean and little Jaxton awaiting our arrival. After many hugs and catching up, we checked in and put our luggage in the room before embarking on our city tour hosted by Nicole and Dean. We took a train to the Arashiyama area to see the Kimono Forest, Bamboo Forest, which was beautiful to walk thru. We ate the Kijurou (Wagyu) Restaurant and it was a fantastic way to kick off our culinary experience in Kyoto. We did manage to catch sight of a Geisha Girl as we strolled thru the Gion District, very fun to see her. Back to the hotel for a glass of wine and planning our the agenda for the next four days together in Kyoto.

Monday morning was Deans birthday and that kicked off a wonderful day together. Hit the gym first (priorty for Dean) then a long walk to the Nishiki Market where we spend several hours strolling thru the narrow aisles sampling traditional foods from the many local vendors. The stop for lunch at the crab and sake shop proved to be a winner. The large snow crab on a stick with a very light tempura batter then deep fried, dressed up with a little chile spice and mayo was the hit of the day. One round then back in line for another. The sake was delicious for only .60 cents each paired perfectley with the crab. A few other stops along the way to sample local cuisine (pictures below).

Next stop was the Samurai Ninja Museum where we took a tour and participated in the Ninja star throwing contest. Pats old frisbee and dart days came to life and he was able to throw many bulls eyes before making it to the finals where he continued to throw two bulls eyes beating out the other finalist. He was awarded a Ninja Star keepsake for his efforts. Off to the Maruyamacho Park to see the Cherry Blossoms but not alot out yet. We did manage to have a glass of champagne overlooking the water to celebrate Deans 39th birthday… Back to the hotel for dinner, presents and wine.

Tuesday morning Dean had to go back to work in Sasebo, Pat, Glenna, Nicole and Jaxton took the local train to Nara to see and feed the deer and the Todai-Ji Buddha Temple. This is a World Heritage Site and is the worlds largest wooden structure with the Buddha alone standing over 52 feet tall. Truly an amazing site to see, a WOW event!!!!!!

Wednesday took us to the Imperial Palace for a self walking tour around these amazing grounds and gardens. Back to the Nishiki Market for more Snow Crab before seeing that the little local Taco stand was open for business. Nicole has frequented this a few times so she knew it was something we would enjoy. Homemade taco’s, margaritas again proved to be a big hit. (see pictures below).

Thursday morning we embarked on an early train to Sasebo by way of Fukuoka viewing the sites of Japan along the way. The bullet trains are amazing and always on time and a fun, stress free way to travel in Japan.

Next stop Sasebo………