27 Sept 2023

 Imperial Palace - big stately gravely paths, nice park-like surrounds, walls and beautiful gates. 

I thought this was the place with the beautiful screens but when we got to Nijo-jo we found them there. Nijo-jo is wonderful. The screens are reproductions but they are still beautiful. Gold-leaf, peacocks, hawks, trees through clouds, splashing brooks, birds (geese and bin-chickens for the advisers rooms), chrysanthemums, fans etc. Waves and squares patterns which look quite modern. Nightingale floors. Great moat and spectacular gates.

We found a random little garden with a lovely pond and bridge that had lots of large carp and also some turtles. Violet had never seen turtles in person before, so it was pretty special.

Walked to the Gion District and down the really touristy road. Beautiful, but almost Disney-like buildings. Another lovely garden around a temple at the end in the dark.

Train home, Wilson dinner again - I had bananas and yogurt. The bananas were so cute and small and were delicious. Accidentally bought low-fat yogurt, but it was ok.

Had a bath before bed.

23,898 steps

16.05 klms

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