To avoid this never ending cycle of intimidation I have chosen to just start at yesterday and then back track from there.
At 7am we made way for Kyoto on a charter bus. We were going on the expressway so we had to strap in with seat belts yet a on a previous trip to Hiroshima we had no such requirement. Perhaps only bus rides to the Imperial city need be safe.
Our first stop was the Golden Pavilion. The park is not that large with the loop around the pavilion only being about a 10 minute walk. The Golden temple itself is oddly surreal, almost plasticy from a distant. It kind of looks like someone supersized a Japanese charm bracelet charm and stuck it in some nice gardens. Though I suppose I shouldn't diminish the awe of a gold leafed building. Apparently, I outpaced the rest of the group making it to the end much quicker than everyone else.
The next stop was Toei Uzumasa Eigamura (Kyoto Studio Theme Park). Supposedly a movie studio that produced many of Japan's most famous titles prior to the predominance of American cinema. Though perhaps a somewhat kitschy attraction, the events were entertaining nonetheless. Including a ninja sword fighting demonstration and a Ninja drama. I also found a family of face cuts outs to use for me Facebook profile.
Next stop was the Imperial Palace. Occupied until the Meiji Restoration in 1868 when the Emperor was moved to Tokyo the palace was the home of the Emperor for the previous 350 years during the Tokugawa period. Apparently visiting the palace is a big deal as we required a security check to get in. This was a nice bonus as the palace was empty except our tour group and it made the experience feel a little more unique.
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