Day trip into the Shiga countryside to visit the Miho. A space-age jewel of a museum in the forests.
Arashiyama
Kyoto was hot, the hostel dorm was hot and busy; I needed mountains, trees, rain.
Kyoto
It took a while to appreciate Kyoto, and time was something I had there. Wandering quiet neighbourhoods, local cafes and restaurants, yoga self-practice on the hostel terrace in the mornings in the rain. Less amazed by the temples and sights because of the stillness in the temples and shrines I’d already experienced in the countryside, on the islands, in the mountains and forests. Kyoto was a modern metropolis.
Nara
Came down from the mountain and had a shock from the 30c heat and all the people everywhere. Spent the day wandering Naramachi and only visited Tora-ji in the dying daylight. Glimpses of daily life down alleys and through open doorways.
Koyasan
Escaping the humidity in a temple on a mountain. Early mornings, robes to breakfast, silence. A cemetery in light and in darkness.
