The Golden Pavilion & Nijo Castle

After getting somewhat displaced on the bus system, we met up with Catherine and Jessica at Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and true to its name, it is indeed a very golden pavilion! Quite impressive, as were the extensive gardens.

The most unbelievable range of sweets and gifts

We also made a stop at Nijo Castle which is a huge complex of historic buildings. Really amazing were the ‘Nightingale Floors’ which were wooden floors that squeaked like Nightingales singing when you walk on them (to warn the Shogun Lord of intruders)!

Catherine, Jessica & Karl at the entrance to Nijo Castle

Women in traditional dress is as normal as modern clothing in Kyoto

The gardens at Nijo Castle

Meet up with some more friends, we had an amazing dinner at an organic restaurant where we were served 18 dishes, all of which were divine – from pickled seaweed to tofu and red bean pate. Totally different and totally delicious.