Granvia Hotel, Kyoto
After a cereal, omelet and ice cream breakfast, we checked out of the hotel and walked to the station to catch the 9AM train to Kyoto. Arrived in Kyoto about 11:15 AM. After dropping carry on bags in the hotel, we went into the adjoining shopping plaza to find a restaurant for lunch. We ended up at Boulangerie Pattisserie. After lunch we went to Kinkaku to see the Golden Pavilion and grounds. The building is wrapped in gold leaf which only weighs a total of 40 pounds. Ryoanji Temple was next on the agenda. This was another shoes off area, but since the weather has improved, we didn't need two pairs of socks today. We went to the Zen meditation garden which consists of 15 rocks and white gravel. The garden was designed so that you can only see 14 rocks at a time no matter where you sit or stand . Too noisy to meditate. We then had time to walk around the small lake to admire the cherry blossoms and views. The group ate at the hotel buffet for dinner. Our room looks out on a building wall so we are changing tomorrow to a room with a view tomorrow.
2025-02-17