On our way to Kyoto and Beyond

Here we are in Tokyo Station at the Shinkansen tracks, where we have been a number of times before.  We're carrying our bento's.  Won't fit into our suitcases (actually, we bought them after we packed them). This is the Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka.



This is mine.  The others ate theirs before I had a chance to snap a pic.  Mine was delicious.  I ate the whole thing, except for the shrimp shell and the plastic sakura.  I also didn't eat the fluted paper wrapping.





At Shin-Osaka Station, we had about 20 minutes, and Em bought a couple of sweet potatoes.  Cooked and wrapped.

We took several transfers this day.  It was stressful for me to plan this day.  It was arguably the most challenging transfer day for me, since I wanted to cram as much into this day as possible.  Shinkansen from Tokyo to Shin-Osaka, then a limited express train to Tennoji, then a commuter train to Shin-Imamiya, then a commuter train to Hashimoto, then a commuter train to Gokurakubashi, then a tram to Koyasan station, then a bus to our next night's bedroom.  Had to purchase a special pass at Shin-Imamiya for travel to/from and around Koyasan, a Buddhist retreat in the mountains south of Kyoto/Osaka.  One of the homes of Shingon Buddhism in Japan.  A number of temples there, with many monks residing there.



Here is the tram from Gokurakubashi Station, that we take to Koyasan.  This is looking downhill, obviously.



This is looking uphill.



So, we arrive and then take a bus to our "ryokan," or actually, a temple, called Ichijoin, in Koyasan, a couple of hours before check-in.  We drop off our luggage (minus a suitcase which was "takyubin-nd" to Kyoto, our next night's abode), and then set out by bus to Okunoin, for Hakamairi. Actually, it isn't hakamairi, since we technically don't know anyone there, unless you count some multinational corporations.  But it is one of the most famous cemeteries in the world. And huge.

Weird too.  This is one of the first graves we see.












Here is the UCC gravesite, the Japan coffee company that makes a bunch of the canned/bottled coffee that is ubiquitous in the vending machines everywhere.




Here is the Panasonic gravesite. I don't think Panasonic is dead, however.  They just bought this gravesite and "sponsor" it so that their dead employees can be honored.

Actually, I don't know.  Don't yell at me if I'm wrong.








It really is a cool place to visit.  Without a doubt, the largest cemetery any of us has been to, and very very pretty, with cedars hundreds of years old, and numerous Pokemons for Connie and Em.



As well as a bunch of these weird characters who put ¥1 coins on the headstones.



Seriously, the founder of Koyasan is buried in a mausoleum which is not visitable by those like us, behind the gates below. He, Kobo Daishi, about 1200 years ago, learned about Buddhism in China, and threw a three pronged stick from China toward Japan, and it landed in the mountains in Koyasan, so he founded his religion here.

This is our temple for the night, Ichijoin.



We get settled in our austere tatami studio, and then eat dinner, a vegan spread.  Beer is allowed, fortunately.



Tempura momiji. With lots of tofu stuff. 



I prefer meat.



The following morning we attend service.  The temple is really beautiful.  They allow pictures before the service.



Here we are, seated for the service.  About twenty of us, or so.



About 45 minutes, and we all went Oshōko.  I did my best, though I didn't have an Ojuzu.



This is our breakfast.  Again, no bacon or ham.



Our return trip, with the tram, this time downhill.



Gokurakubashi Station.



In the mountains with much greenery; here with momiji about to turn color.



On the train towards Kyoto. Emily's neck is rubber.

So, we end up at Kyoto Station, eventually.  Again, we dump drop off our luggage at our hotel, the Granvia (we've been there now three times, including this trip). Very convenient, right in the station, with enough luxury and roominess. Our room isn't yet ready, and I didn't expect it to be. So, we head off on the subway to Nishiki Market.



What a great place! So much neat food!







Here, I find some A5 beef for the first time this trip.  I'm foregoing the trip to Satou this trip.  So, I have to make do.  Please pity me. ¥1000 for this skewer of A5 beef! It looked pretty good, uncooked, and it was very good!





Here, Connie eats a squid skewer.  I had a small taste, and it was great!



The "perennial" baby octopus with a Quail egg inside.



Stuffed squid.



This was the prize of the afternoon.  They take a frozen ball of frozen macha cream, and then press it through this big device into a cone.  I had one (for ¥500) and ate it super quick.  This is our second one. Mmmm



That evening, back at Kyoto Station (with its several large shopping areas), we ate dinner.  Connie and I went to Katsukura for Tonkatsu. I had Rosu, and she had Hire.



Sam and Em ate at Cosme Cafe. "Vegan" food...

Here is an amazing mockup of Kyoto Station.



Made with Lego's



Someone with a bunch of time.

Here is our dessert! More Kakigori!