Rocks and gravel

This is the kare-sansui (Japanese rock garden) at Ryoan-ji Temple. It is said to be one of the finest examples of such zen gardens and is designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As with all internal temples and shrines, I had to take my shoes off to see it. When we departed my heart sank as I put them back on. I overheard the lady next to me having a kerfuffle as someone had done one with one of her shoes. What's wrong with mine, eh?

Today we visited the Sagano bamboo forest that leads to Tenryu-ji Temple (UNESCO WHS) in Arashiyama (nationally designated Historic Site), then wandered through area to Togetsukyo (Moon Crossing) Bridge. A few stops back down the local train line towards Kyoto we hopped off at Hanazono for a bowl of udon with mountain vegetables. Up at Ninna-ji Temple (UNESCO WHS) we were impressed with the aged, but still solid nature of the sanmon. As we strolled up to the pagoda it became evident that we had arrived as the white blossom was a peak bloom as the temple garden with its signature white blossom trees presented a staggering sight - both in terms of the blossom and the sheer volume of people jostling for the best view/shot. Well if you can't beat them...

After some time spent shooting/reloading/shooting some more (and also taking it all in), we ventured up hill to the above mentioned Ryoan-ji Temple, then later onwards to Kinkaku-ji Temple (UNESCO WHS) in time for a walk around the particularly highly regarded Muromachi period gardens and a view of the Golden Pavilion during the (matching) Golden Hour. This effort was almost thwarted by the ever increasing cloud coverage, however luck shone on me (and the rest of us photographers present) in the form of a small (but perfectly formed) gap in the clouds just right to let the setting sun through and on to the pavilion. There were a few brows being mopped.

Knackered now. Legs giving up. Non-stop walking this past week. Worth it.

Went for some tempura this evening, and sat at the counter while the chef cooked it all up. The shrimp legs were odd to look at, but went down a treat. It's just a pity I had learnt the phrase to ask for a table for two for dinner - confusion arose as she then tried to get us a table arranged rather than sit at the counter. That'll teach me.

I'm really looking forward to getting these rolls of FP4 and Provia 100 from the GA645i processed, exciting.