Kyoto: Silver Pavilion and Kyoto Station

Today was Ben and my first day in Kyoto, and it was a wonderful day. It was rainy, but warm, so it was a lovely day to tour the city. We made today an easy day, as we know tomorrow and the next day will be fairly exhausting.

A Zen Interpretation of Mt. Fuji

Our first destination in Kyoto was the Silver Pavilion. A temple surrounded in a profoundly beautiful zen garden. Wooded grounds have been guided by human hands to form something beyond the capabilities of either man or nature. Stepping into the grounds of the temple washed away all thoughts from the outside world, these grounds were a place to be at peace.

Kyoto as the Back drop to the Silver Pavilion

After wandering the ground for a while, Ben and I headed to Kyoto station. Kyoto station is the perfect combination of modern and classical Japanese asthetics. We spent 4 hours wandering through the station, time well spent. We started in the Porta underground mall, an upbeat mall, with interesting works of art scattered throughout. We were a bit tired from walking all day, so we treated ourselves to some Starbucks coffee. We wandered through a shopping mall called the Cube, which sold amazing looking omiyage (food souvenirs). The artistry Japanese put into their food is such a treat.

Our favorite part of Kyoto were the covered outdoor walk ways. They offered a perfect romantic area to walk and wander on a romantic date. Couples held hands in the station, which made Ben and I giddy, as we are not allowed to hold hands in Uenohara. We held hands, and let the romance of the glittering lights fill our hearts with joy. We talked about the cheesy dates we use to have, and reminded ourselves how lucky we were to be here - in love - in Japan.

A beautiful Japanese interpretation of a Christmas Tree

It was a very romantic evening, and the perfect kickoff for our Kyoto Honeymoon.

*Edit* I thought that beautiful display was a christmas tree, but it is actually a Kadomatsu, (pine gate).