First destination - Bamboo forest. Local train jets us there in 16 minutes.  We stroll through the narrow passageway, the soaring stalks filter the sunlight. Ahead is a seemingly endless forest of towering poles.The magical serene spell is tempered by the throng of tourists.  We walk and walk- at the exit we fortify with a berry ice cream (me) and a stick of caramel covered dough (him). We find Okochi Sandi’s villa perched on the side of Mt Ogua.  Maple, pine and cherry trees dominate the landscape.  We trudge uphill on the rocky path to the vista .Okochi was a famous silent movie star . Matcha tea and a sweet are offered in his private tearoom. 
   We train it to Nijo Castle.  The mammoth Kara- mon gate greets us, its size indicated high status.  This was the home of shogun Takugara-leyasu. Palace comprises 33 rooms in 6 connected buildings, decorative golden panels embellished with tigers,leopards, birds and trees. The 15th shogun(1867) ended the family rule giving the emperor control.  An ingenious alarm “nightingale floors” designed to make bird like squeaking to alert the presence of an intruder.

We explored Kyoto Station on our return- heading to the skylight on the twelfth level.  The upper floors have designer shops- a tranquil experience hovering over the frenzy on the train level below.

Sushi/sashimi dinner. A revolving carousel goes by with selections, you take plates that interest you. When finished your selections( different designs determine price) they add them up, cost for us 3200. Yen =$22. 

Later we return to Gion to tour the streets.  We finally encounter a geisha, her wooden heels echoing her presence on the darkened streets.  A chance encounter with a NZ couple we met the night before- leads us to a small bar- great conversation late into the night.  Beyond exhausted now- we head to the hotel

Q how many tatami mats in the Nijo castle?

A  soft shell crab tempura

Added anecdote- when I was seven I was fascinated by geisha- that year for Halloween my mom made me a costume!