Kyoto to Nagoya

As Robyn and I went down to breakfast we delivered our large bags to the drop-off point to be trucked to Nagoya while the group did more sightseeing before catching the bullet train to Nagoya to meet our bags again.

After breakfast we visited Wendy's room to see her view (stunning), then vice versa (view of railway station). Our next task was to check out and set up in the lounge for internet and diary catch up. Robyn had a fortunate visit to the shop in the basement of the hotel and bought a superb silk coat with some patchwork on it. Unfortunately there was only one so I still retained my cash.

Onto the bus at 10am for a trip to Arashiyama on the river to the west of Kyoto. We walked along the river then up to the serene bamboo forest. We had a short cold wind and shower of rain but by the time we were in the forest the rain had stopped. There was a man making delicate bamboo dragonflies. Of course I succumbed and bought one. I hope I get it back through customs. Back through the streets of traditional buildings and stalls with some very beautiful wares including umbrellas that only show their pattern when wet.

 

 

 

 

The bus then took us back to Daimaru food hall again. I bought the same picnic lunch. However, when we arrived at the indoor picnic spot I was tempted by the green tea ice cream and coffee at the cafe. This meant I had a little too much lunch!

The afternoon stop was the Fureaiken Museum of Traditional Crafts of the Kyoto area. It was amazing, with a great shop where I bought a new scrunchie for myself.

On the bus again for our trip to Kyoto station where Ikuko (our guide) even came up to ensure we got on the train safely. It was a bullet train (Shinkansen) that literally flew through the countryside and almost continues towns making photography very difficult. We arrived in Nagoya 35 minutes later and found the Meitetsu New Grand Hotel with little trouble. What a way to travel! The only issue was that the toilet at our end of the carriage must have been blocked and stank appaulingly.

Eleven of us met at 6:30pm to search for dinner and ended up with Japanese Italian. The stories over dinner abounded and caused much laughter. We wandered slowly back through the mall. We found a great cheap clothing shop where Robyn and I discussed how to knit one of the jumpers on sale. I decided to try it on to see how it looked before trying to knit it. I liked it so much I bought it on the spot!

Off then to the Mini Mart to buy milk and up to our room for a silver tea before bed.