First day in Kyoto

So far our first day has been hectic, we took the early Hikari Shinkansen to Shin-Osaka and switched trains to get to Kyoto for 10:30. We then rushed to the kimono rental place to get dressed; that was a whole two hour process right there; then we took the public bus over to kokedera, though we were late so we didn't get to go inside. Instead we went to Susumushi-dera temple and enjoyed listening to the Susumushi (crickets) in their small garden and eating tradiditional sugar sweets for 300¥.

Afterwards we went back to kyoto tower for some shopping; we were complemented quite a bit and an older gentleman asked if he could take our picture with our camera, and we said sure. We have "Nihon no kokoro" or a Japanese heart.

Toronto International Airport

GeoTagged, [N43.68423, E79.61990]

We are currently waiting to board our plane to Tokyo! This picture was taken in the "family fun" area outside our gate. This will be our last post before we take off and we'll post again at Tokyo Ryokan

Montreal

Here we are, in Montreal, waiting for our plane to board. So far the first plane ride was boring and shaky. Hopefully this plane has tvs

Waiting for the plane

Minami and I are now waiting to go through security to get on the plane, and so far excitement has kept us from falling asleep. The rain hasn't stopped since last night.

Confirmation from Saihoji!

This is the first post of a lengthy blog to document our Japan Trip 2010. It is exactly 30 days remaining before we fly out of Bathurst and begin our journey.

I'm very excited! Minami sent me an email that Saihoji temple has sent us a reply postcard with confirmation of entry into Saihoji temple during our stay in Kyoto!

This is the one place I have been DYING to see ever since I did research on moss gardens. Hopefully some story inspiration will come with this visit!