Over Thanksgiving weekend ( 23-25 Nov 2000), we visited Kyoto, the city which served as Japan's capital from 794 to 1868. It is also the only major Japanese city spared from bombing in world war two. As a result, it is full of very old and very historic places. The gardens were some of the most beautiful ones we have ever seen anyplace, and we arrived just as fall colors were in their brightest.


We visited many castles and shrines including the Nijo Castle, built in 1603 for the first Tokugawa Shogun Ieyasu was impressive for it's massive walls and gates used to defend itself.


The Ginkakuji Temple (Silver Temple) which was established in 1482. The pile of sand behind the tree and in front of the building represents Mt Fuji. It got it's name because the builder was intended to coat the struture with silver, in imitation of his Grandfathers Golden Pavilion, however he died before he could finish it.
Here's a photo of the real Mt Fuji for comparison. (from near the hospital on base.)

Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) Build in 1397.
Kyoto is famous for it's geisha, who perform the traditional tea ceremonies.



Brian and Kristen Marriott

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