I ended up walking all the way into Gion which is an old geisha area where you can see geisha going to & from their jobs. Didn't see any though. Apparently the best time to go is around 2:00 rather than evening when most people go. Even though the aesthetic is nicer with all the old houses and lanterns. Oh well, next time! I've intentionally left some stuff off the itinerary so I can come here during cherry blossom season and see some more stuff in the famous season. I'm clever hehe
All sand
A rock people tried to throw two coins onto from the bridge.
Silver Pavillion and the gardens. The guy intended to get his house gilded in silver but it never happened, thus the name stuck even though it isn't silver.
Interesting tree
Japanese version of a sandcastle :P At one of the smaller temples on the walk
Another temple gate. This thing was huuuge. Those are people up there
It had an aqueduct
Lonely planet guidebooks are meh sometimes, but everynow and then they give you a gem. The big temple (with the aqueduct) LP suggested walking behind everthing, up a tiny little dirt road to stairs & it takes you into a gorge with some cemetary and shrines. Beautiful atmosphere.
Main house building of the big temple. Set up for zen.
Zen courtyard rock garden
Wandering into Geisha town. Even though they weren't geisha (don't have the white face), there are many women walking around in kimonos. The tradition is either stronger here, or some like the attention they get :P
Just a house roof in Geisha-town (Gion)
Gion streets. Definitely higher class area.
