Kyoto -- Eats

Before we say sayonara to Kyoto, I wanted to share a couple of our eating adventures...

The first of which was at this little place...

We ate here the evening of Rodney's Samurai class and visiting the Pagoda Temple.

I never could find an English translation, so I have no idea the name of it.

Rodney's meat bowl and my sesame-based noodle bowl, both served in piping hot cast iron bowls. Both were super tasty, but I especially enjoyed my noodles! 

You serve from the cast iron bowl into, and then eat from, the small white bowl.

 We also enjoyed these chicken pieces served atop their own little cast iron fire pit!

 On our last evening, after visiting the sword store, we came upon this NINJA restaurant and labyrinth!

A great photo op right inside the door!

The view of the buffet from our table.

Yes, you had to maneuver through the bamboo poles to get over there!

 The really nice thing about Japanese sweets, besides the fact they're not overly sweet, is the size. They're small enough you really don't have to feel guilty about taking one of everything!

Kyoto -- Water Temple II

Three Storied Pagoda, Sutra Hall, and Founder's Hall

Asakura Hall and the Middle Gate

Outside the Middle Gate is this fountain also used to clean the hands before entering the Main Hall.

The Covered Passageway leads from the Middle Gate to the Main Hall.

On the porch of the Main Hall.

The Innermost Temple in the background was under renovation,

so we weren't able to enter.

Looking down at Otowa Falls

Prayer plaques

We chose to follow the sloped path past the Innermost Temple, instead of the stairs!

Views from the walkway along the Innermost Temple--

above: Koyasu Pagoda

below: Main Hall

I wish I knew the meanings behind decorating the little statues!

Looking up to the Main Hall.

Close up of Otowa Falls. These waters are the reason the temple was placed here. According to Kyoto Travel on japan-guide.com, "...its waters are divided into three separate streams, and visitors use cups attached to long poles to drink from them. Each stream's water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. However, drinking from all three streams is considered greedy."

Love the Japanese gardens!

Super excited to now have our very own Japanese cast iron teapot!!

A cutie I couldn't resist...

Now, to begin our trek down that crazy road!!

 Then, it was back to the hotel and prepare for our next day's return to Oki.

Kyoto -- Water Temple

November 2, 2013
Our last day's destination -- Kiyomizudera Temple ("pure water" temple) which was founded in 780. We checked off another UNESCO World Heritage site from our bucket list!

The up-hill walk from the train station was a little crowded...

...but had some hidden gems along the way.

I'm trusting this was a one-way street!

We made our way safely up to the crowded plaza shopping area

just below the temple.

Then began the climb up the stairs through the Gate of the Deva Kings.

The West Gate and Three Storied Pagoda in the background.

Rodney trying his hand at thatching a roof while the craftsman splits the thatches.

Photos with the Bell Tower.

The Three Storied Pagoda

This trio is washing their hands to prepare to enter the worship site.

A few sights along the way to the temple...

Our trek continues...