Bike Riding around Kyoto

Bike riding!!! What is Shaun getting us into. We have hired bikes for our second day. At first we were abit dubious of the traffic but got the hang of the of it. Some cyclists were even driving into the traffic.

First stop was an art & craft market at Chionji Temple. It was PACKED! So many people in such a small place. There was a good variety of different items as well as food,some of it scary looking. Unfortunatley most of it was wood products which Border Patrol would not like. When then rode thru the Kyoto Imperial Place area. We went to get tickets to visit the palace but it was lunchtime so we didnt hang around.

We rode to Nijo Castle. The castle is surrounded by a tall wall and a moat. There are the biggest koi we have seen in there. The building was typical of japanese old skool architecture but it had "Nightingale Floorings". The floors around the rooms were wood decking but were designed so that the flooring nails rubbed against a jacket or clamp, causing chirping noises. It was used as a secruity device. The castle had beautiful gardens as well. Small waterfalls with large ponds and sculptured trees.

Cycling down the Kamo River towards Kyoto Station was an easy way to escape the traffic. It was just like the Swan River, lots of people out walking, riding except there were a few shanty homes. Skillfully made of tarps and wood. Some were even padlocked.

We parked in an area that we were not too sure if it was the right spot but other bikes we there. Did our business inside and come out to a shock. Our bikes were gone, all the bikes in our area had gone. Then I noticed the official looking man just moving the bicycles to another location. Phew! Would have cost a few pennies getting them back. Back up the river and home.

Megan