G Photography Tips

This was the day that I was depleted...

All those rushing and non-stop plans of mine were backfired on me. Today I felt very very tired and depleted and I could hear someone in my head saying "I told you so" (you know who you are). I think it might be a little too much for me not to have something relax between this intense trip plan. So, note to self, put something easy half way of your trip!

Today I cut down a lot of stuffs that I was supposed to be doing and picked to only the highlight ones. First stop is Nijo Castle (pronounce Nee-Jo). To get there, it's recommended that you use the Subway Train and stop at Nijojo-Mae station. (don't forget to buy day ticket unlimited rides from the information centre).





The first thing you'll notice is that the castle is quite tiny. However, all the exquisite decorations on the door will wow you.







Inside the castle, you'll see even more beautiful unusually ornate interiors, however, there's no camera allow. So, I didn't have any thing to show you here. :(

Even though it looks tiny from the outside, you'll spend a good 20 minutes walking around it, longer if you really read the story. The floors in this castle make noises. They're called the Nightingale Floors as they make noise as you step on them. No matter how hard I try to be very soft and slow on the floors, they still make noise. It's the notification system to detect intruders. Clever them. :)

I came out and walk around a bit more. The areas are quite large actually, and filled with trees and nice Japanese Garden.



There are a few more mansions around as well, but they're not open.





As I walked around, I noticed the a sign for "Tea Ceremony" plus all the tiredness start to take over, I thought it might be a good idea to rest for a while. I paid the fee to go in I think it's around 840 Yen.



Just past thru the gate, there are more nice Japanese garden. Looks very peaceful and relaxing. Sighhhhhhhh





After I walked in, there's a lady with full kimono came out to collect the ticket and asked whether I want my tea hot or cold. I choose cold for this time. And a few moments after they're served to me.



There's way to drink tea properly. First hold the bowl with your right hand and place it in the palm of your left. Turn it clockwise about 90 degrees, raise it with both hands, then empty it in THREE gulps. It's too hard? heheheh To my surprise, it tasted quite good and the desert that come with it blend in with the tea very well.

It's now time to continue my journey. Next stop is the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-Ji). Best way to get there is by bus. Check your Bus map (it'll come with the Day pass) for bus stop location. It'll only take 10-15 minutes to get there.






Walked thru the gate and the tree-shaded path, there it was... the wow factor.





It looks stunning and peaceful. It's three-story building that covered in gold that surrounded with water and garden. I also heard that it will look even more stunning in winter with snow fall.

After strolling around a little bit, it's time to move to the next destination, Nanzen-Ji Temple. Best way to get there is by Train and stop at Keage station. After the station you you need to walk about 10 minutes more to reach the Nanzen-Ji. However.... my stomach started to cry out loud. So, I had to make a detour at the restaurant along the way. :P

I picked the restaurant on the left hand side, I simply had no idea what it's called as I was very very hungry. I crawed my way in expected to just fill in my stomach.



However, as I walked in, it's kinda look fancy. With beautiful garden.



The waiter was so polite and invite me in. I looked at the set menu and picked one in a hury without much thoughts. It was the Hana set 3,000 yen with 5 different dishes.



I know the star of the show would be the "Yudofu". It's one of the famous dish in Kyoto that my friend Leslie forced me to eat.



Yodofu came in the pot. And had be be boil for awhile. The Tofu was very soft and tender. It's very refreshing even though it's only tofu. A few more dishes kept coming including Tempura and Dengaku.



Once my stomach was happy, it's time to continue my turture travelling plan. The first thing you'll notice once you step into Nanzen-Ji area is the gigantic gateway (Sanmon)



It was very very big. it also allow people to got up by stair at the back side.





I walked around the area a little bit more but I knew that my body could not take it much longer and I need to rest very soon. So, it's time to call it a day.... sadly.