A Golden Day

Today (Sunday) my host and I were up and off, after an American breakfast of eggs, bacon, toast (with blueberry jam -- a favorite of both Noriko and me), fruit and yoghurt. I was delighted to be anticipating a trip to Kyoto. On our way to the Hankyu train line we walked through the nearby residential neighborhood and then down the length of the Ishibashi shopping street, a typical colorful, varied pedestrian avenue of small local shops carrying every imaginable product -- seaweed, rice crackers, clothing, sandals... My kind of heaven, such fun to look. I often take a long walk on Sunday mornings at home, and the pleasure was the same here today: watching the world wake, with some people heading for work but most seeming to feel the weekend leisure. (Be warned: I plan to do a separate reflection soon on shopping in Japan; it is a major activity, at least in the cities where I have been.)

Our travels today took us to major notable sites in Kyoto. There are more shrines and temples per square foot than you can possibly imagine. The torii gate near the Heian Jingu was brilliant in the sunlight. I took a moment to record the translation at the entrance to the Buddhist temple, perhaps the most zen moment of my trip (which was overall more active than reflective): (This) "Is the road to respectable affability toward Chionin temple; Is the road to encounter Master Honen; It is also the route to obtain the way of Buddhism. For the old, the weak, women, children are lead to brightness, peaceful, and the meaning of life by collecting wisdom from the Buddha. To free tiresome beings, to let them gain dignity, and to accept the true happiness ingenuously. This is, Buddhism." Tiresome beings, we surmised, means people fatigued by life's cares. I felt renewed and hopeful.

I don't have time to tell you about the Golden Pavilion (nickname for Rokuon-ji Temple), former home of a shogun ("big boss of many warriors"). I will just say that it was shining brightly in the late afternoon sun, capturing the dignified splendor of much that is Japan. I need to return to Kyoto and linger longer.

As I left to return to Hotel Crevette, Noriko shook my hand and said "Kiwo tsukete" (take care). I felt very welcomed by her and by her husband. I resolved to look into the home stay program in our community, a wonderful way to welcome international visitors.

Tonight we will spend at a ryokan, a traditional inn, before returning to Tokyo tomorrow. Another adventure in store!