Bullet train and Kyoto

Today we caught the bullet train to Kyoto. It travelled up to nearly 300kph but was so smooth. Tokyo train station was fascinating with heaps of shops and so many people going in all directions. The scenery was interesting- lots of rice fields and greenery but went by very fast! At Kyoto we had lunch in another nice restaurant in a big park. We then saw a bamboo forest and explored some touristy shops. After this we visited a gold leafed temple amongst some beautiful gardens. For dinner we went to a place where they taught us how to make sushi. We all graduated with certificates. We then went to our hotel - Monterey Osaka, which our guide warned us was much smaller and very old. Turned out to be full of character and beautiful with chandeliers and lovely antique furniture. I had an early night but some of the others ended up with a late night in Donsaki.Read more