Friday, October 5, 2007

Plans for Kobe, Japan


Tomorrow I decided to take a ship's tour and go to Kyoto, Japan. Here is the ship's description:
Kyoto, The Ancient Capital
Duration
Approximately 10 hours
Description
A city of profound history and rich tradition, Kyoto represents the soul of Japan. This must-see tour begins with a ride from Kobe to the ancient capital of Kyoto; then sets out to discover some of Japan's best-known sights. An impressive starting point for the tour is the Kinkaku-ji temple, originally built in 1397 as a retirement dwelling for Shogun Yoshimitsu, then reconstructed in 1955, faithful to the 14th-century design. Elaborate gold foil lends the structure an almost gaudy appearance, as well as being appropriate for its name -- the "Golden Pavilion." Next is the ostentatious 1603 Nijo Castle, complete with "nightingale" floors that were designed to squeak to warn the inhabitants of intruders. Kyoto's 1,100th birthday was celebrated with the construction of the Heian Shinto Shrine. Surrounded by gardens, this two-thirds scale model of the Heian Imperial Palace features a Chinese-style bridge. Finish up your visit to Kyoto with a stop at the Handicraft Center for some souvenir shopping.

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