We returned from Hiroshima and had a specialty Japanese pancake for dinner called Okonomiyaki. This was served on a hot skillet and we ate it with a spatula. More interesting than tasty, but a different experience.
The next day started with a trip to the Nijo castle, built in 1603, home of the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. It was a beautiful structure, and is most well know for the nightingale floors, known as uguisubari (鴬張り) with the floors designed to make a chirping sound when walked upon. Dry boards naturally creak under pressure, but these floors were designed so that the flooring nails rubbed against a jacket or clamp, causing chirping noises. The squeaking floors were used as a security device, assuring that none could sneak through the corridors undetected.
We walked around the gardens and then made our way to Kyoto handicraft center to make our own wood block prints. We briefly visited the Kyoto municipal museum of art on our way & saw some interesting robot inspired art.
Then made our way to a traditional tea ceremony in the famous Gion district after running into some geishas (known as geiko in Kyoto).
Then it started to rain.... We attempted to do a night tour of Gion, we lasted about 45 minutes then cut and run for some hot noodles and yakitori.
As we were standing in the rain, learning about the gion district, a Maiko (geisha in training) hurried past us, she was too quick to get a picture, but it was very memorable to witness.
We made our way back to our hotel, stopping by the famous arcades and did some late night shopping. What a full day!!
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