Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion).

Kinkakuji Temple (Golden Pavilion) is a Buddhist temple and is an excellent example of Japanese garden design.

The thatched, pyramidal roofs of each tier are layered in shingles, and the topmost two tiers are covered in the gold leaf that the Kinkakuji Temple name is derived from.

The original structure of the Golden Pavilion was burned down in 1950 but rebuilt in 1955 based on a detailed reconstruction initiative.

Lunch today was in a traditional Japanese restaurant in the Gion area. We sat on the floor with our feet in a sunken area.

There was time for a wander round the shops before attending a fan painting workshop. We each had a plain, paper fan, paints and brushes and could paint whatever we wanted on the fan. I don't think any of us will be able to give up our day jobs.

Tonight our hotel is quite close to a railway station, one stop out from Kyoto. Dinner tonight was in a traditional Japanese restaurant in Kyoto near the main station.

We went by train. Not just any train but an 'ordinary' commuter train jam packed with local commuters. After dinner, we returned to the hotel the same way.Read more