The golden pavilion (鹿苑寺 – rokuonji) in Kyoto is a gorgeous temple and grounds and very well maintained. Like all the national landmarks hordes of workers are constantly tending the land: picking up leaves one by one and replacing stones scuffed off walkways. We debate on how many of these tasks are really necessary and which are municipal job creation. But, the trains and busses run nearly 100% on time so it’s hard to argue against it.

Going to a national landmark means seeing hordes of middle school kids which in turn means that you will get asked for an interview. As part of their normal education they need to approach English speakers and ask them questions. Invariably, the girls giggle and feel shy while one boy from the group does the talking. Both Sarah and I were accosted today and have been enshrined in some school kids’ cameras.

Lunch was epic tofu at a traditional style Japanese restaurant on the grounds of another temple (龍安寺- ryoanji). The restaurant looked out over a beautiful garden and we had the whole place to ourselves. The main attraction to the temple itself was a rock garden symbolizing nature.

Since arriving I had not had the opportunity to see a bamboo grove as wonderful as the one we visited today. There was just enough wind to cause the 30 foot stalks to sway and creak now and then. Looking up almost feels like being at the bottom of some strange sea.

Today was truly an epic food day and a huge a la carte Japanese dinner lead to desert and drinks at a French themed bar. Two from our group even hit up late nigh soba after that. Japanese restaurants tend to specialize in one food type or style. Everything at dinner was based around greens onions/leeks.