And this time, it's no exception as well.
We woke up early, around 6.30am because we wanted to try the famous public bath of Japan. And since Matsui Honkan does provide this facility, of course, we won't pass up the opportunity right?
Well.., in our wardrobe, we were given a small pullstring bag with neccessity for the bath, containing shampoo, soap, towels and even toothbrush!
Armed with the bag, we proceed to the public bath which was located at the basement of our hotel. Men and women bath are separated.
I was in my kimono when I entered the vanity room before the bath, where you will need to take off EVERYTHING from your body. I was sooo shy, since there was a Japanese woman on one of the vanity table blowing her hair (apperantly she has finished her bath).
I have read all the neccessary instructions for public bath, but due to shyness, I was hesitant to be naked in front of others (well, who don't?). Tried a little bit chit chatting with the woman, and she told me I need to take off before entering the public bath. Sigh~~~~
I tried, and forgot the one last piece, muahahahhah... (won't tell which piece), used the small towel to cover here and there, and when opening the door to the public bath, there was another Japanese woman coming out from the bath, and MY..., she was so very open about it, which is a booster for me to just abandon everything and be opened as well. :D
I felt at ease after the booster, and washed my hair and showered before dipping into the bath. And, yes, now I can understand, why the Japs love their bath. It is really relaxing, dipping inside warm water, listening to the dripping man built waterfall. Too bad, no camera allowed, hehhe.., if not, I will take a shot or two of the bath (not the women, I do not want to be trashed out).
After the bath, showered again and went to the vanity room for my kimono. Everything is complete in the room, toothbrush, hair brush, hair dryer, lotion, cream, etc. All are individually packed except the hair dryer.
Then we proceed back to our room for our breakfast (arrived exactly at 7.30am as per our request!).
Here's a feast to your eyes for the authentic Japanese breakfast.
Heavy yet healthy, with rice, smoked salmon, tofu soup, miso soup, fruits, etc etc...
After our breakfast, we went to the Nishiki Market for a walk. Nishiki market is one of the famous tourist spot in Kyoto as it has a nick name as "The Kitchen of Kyoto" since it supplies food for the whole Kyoto.
It's just the usual market but with lots of Japanese taste in it.
Shop selling knives.
This one selling Tamago (fried egg, and look at how many chef they hired only to fried eggs)
Stall selling skewers
Vegetables
Next we went back to our hotel and check out. I was told that it is the obligation of the hotel owner's wife to greet and wish us good bye. So I took the opportunity to snap a pic with her.
The banner said "Please come again to Matsui Honkan". She did this to every departing guests!!!
Sigh.., they are really very polite and customer oriented. Malaysia still needs to learn more about this aspect. No wonder Kyoto is the 2nd most visited place in the world.
Utilizing our 2 days Kyoto Pass, we went to Kinkakuji by bus. The Golden Pavilion as it also called, is basically a building that looks like gold. Heard that it was covered with gold papers.
Admission fee were 600Yen per person, and I can assure you, not worth it. Just take a walk, watched the building from a distance under breeze rain, and that's it. Nothing special.
That's how close I can get to the building.., sigh~
But one thing for sure though, Japanese loves nature and their gardens are always well tended.
And everywhere we go (esp temples and shrines), they always sell their own special amulet for any request (education, harmony, safety, etc....etc....)
Now this really beats me, why everybody throwing coins anywhere on the ground but not the bowl?
All in all, Kinkakuji is a boring place to visit, we were there less than 1 hour.
Next destination, Nijo Castle, again by bus. :D
Initially we were planning to go for the Kyoto traditional craft center, but we were lost on how to go. We asked a polite Japanese lady, who tried to tell us which way to go and which bus to take, but due to the language limitation, we decided to scrap it off our itinerary.
This lady was so concerned about us taking the wrong bus, she even ran towards us just to tell us that we need to cross the road to take the other bus. Wow..., such a courtesy!
Nijo castle from outside, it was drizzling and the wind was very strong. Now I understand why the Japs like to use transparent umbrella.
Side note: I like the umbrella so much that I brought it home to Malaysia~ Heheh..
To be continued to Part 2
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