Kyoto in the rain.

With umbrella  in hand I went out to explore Kyoto. I headed west through the Gion area to maruyama park to wonder through some shrines. The gardens and temple buildings are just beautiful. The rain just meant that it was even nicer to take cover from the rain in the overhang of a temple roof. I didn't go into any as I just feel rude, as Im not sure what I am meant to do. 

I spent the hole day walking around gardens, temples, parks and back streets. When ever the fancy took me I would stop and sit either just listening to the rain and the birds or taking out my water colours and painting. 

I was meant to walk over to the silver pavilion but I got side tracked when I come across the Murinun gardens. The sign said they were a place of exceptional beauty which I scoffed at but when I went inside the walled garden I was pleasantly surprised as it is wonderfully well designed garden. I spent over an hour just wondering through the garden watching the two herons stalk dish. After talking to the lady at the entrance I found out that that it was designed by Aritomo Yamagata in 1894-1896. Aritomo was not only a kick ass minister of the military but was twice    Prime Minister of Japan, oh and in his spare time he dabbled in garden design- as you do. 

I also got to sit in the tea house and have green tea served to me. Absolute wonderful with the rain at this  point poring down outside. 

As it was four in the afternoon by this time I decided to abandon my trip to the silver pavilion to another day as most places close by five. I write this to you while sitting in a cafe  watching people rush about trying to get out of the rain. 

I hope you are all doing well!

With love, Acushla.