6. Kyoto

Kyoto is maybe mostly known because of the last climate law or climate agreement, but for me it is like a large bowl full of traditional soup and japanese tofu. Like a wonderful place where you can inhale and taste all the different flavours of japanese culture.

I have never been to so many nice castles and temples, like the Golden Pavillion, where the reflection of the gold made such a nice mirroring effect in the little pond that surrounded it. And all the goodlooking bonsai trees that were so tightly roped and fixed in development, that the only place they could possibly move on their own was in their water reflections. Back and forth, back and forth just as the wind blew over the nice little lake.

Not to forget the great Nijo-jo, or Nijo castle, which had two main temples and alot of green gardens. The japanse tend to give more space for nature that human shelter such as buildnings and stuff, a thing I really like, because it means that you can walk around and see the beauty of nature instead of always going inside. But I have to tell you, so much fresh air also make you sleepy! The last day in Kyoto I went to the hotel around 4 pm and sat in my bed reading, watching japanese cartoons , taking small naps, because I had experienced so much that I really needed some rest. But, when ou have a great book such as one by Murakami Haruki, there I no need to feel bad about sitting inside reading:)

Kyoto made me think. Kyoto made me smile. Kyoto is a great city. Just in the beginning I thought it was too big, because we were taking bus everywhere we went, but the secnd day, when we had no bus pass, I walked by foot and found out it was not that large at all. Although, it is the largest of the cities we have visited (exept Tokyo).

One of the best things that happened here was my first experience of a tea ceremony. The relaxed atmosphere, the details of serving tea properly and the tasty tea really made me feel wondrous and good. But, I am a little tired of all those sweets. We get sweets served everywhere we go, and I have understood that it is a bad thing to say “no”, so I feel like I am eating sweets all the time. They are a little too sweet for me, but I must say that I have some favourites, despite the overwhelming sweetieness. That is roasted black beans, even also rolled in rice flour or cocoa! Yum! And of course; the Fuji apples. They are huge, waterish and tasty.

I have to go here again. I found out they have a seven year long education in doing the tea ceremony which tempted me alot to try to get some more experience with traditional culture of Japan. I also want to check out the Geisha area a little more in detail becuase I only got to see two beautiful geishas (one of the on film!) and I really want to know more about what they do, and speak to one and ask some of my questions. I have alot of them… I feel so curious and I do believe I ask too many questions on our trip. I hope I am not bothering our sweet guide…

I write this post while sitting in our hotel room, on a tatami mat, with one of the most famous toursit attractions right outside my window. Yes, I am looking directly at Mt. Fuji. Too bad it is not climbing season, but don’t worry Fuji-san, I will come back and do some mountain-massage with my Norwegian feet. One day. Oh, how I look forward to that day:)

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