Kyoto Japan... one of my favorite places to visit! I took a Holland America tour which was really nice, here is the description: "From Kobe's pier, you'll begin exploring Kyoto by coach,stopping at the Kinkaku-ji Temple. This elaborate building began life a villa built by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa in 1397, during the Muromachi Period. Later, the house was converted into a temple. It is three stories tall with the second and third stories completely covered in pure gold foil. Next you will visit Nishiki Market where you will see local food and products. Lunch will be served at local restaurant, and in the afternoon you will continue sightseeing by coach. Visit the Heian Shrine—a famous structure dedicated to Emperor Kammu, the founder of Kyoto, and to the Emperor Komei—the last Emperor in Kyoto. Finally, you'll stop at the Kiyomizu Temple, which is designated a National Treasure. The main hall was constructed in the 17th century and is famous for its spectacular location, hanging over a cliff! After a sightseeing drive through Kyoto, the motor coach will take you to Kyoto station. Take an exciting high-speed train ride on the Shinkansen Bullet Train to Shin-Kobe station; then transfer back to the pier." This was the way the tour went except the order was changed, Kiyomizu Temple was first, then Heian Shrine, followed by lunch, Kinkaku-ji, shopping and finally the bullet train back... What a magnificent day!!!!
I love Kyoto, too!! I was there for 2 weeks in May, 2010 and loved every minute. WOW, this HAL excursion was excellent. You covered a lot of ground and saw some marvelous sites.
ReplyDeleteI'm going on my first HAL cruise in November to South America and am now encouraged that the excursions might be good.
Thank you so much for sharing your trip!