Our last night in Kyoto — we walked under the cherry trees at night. They are lighted with lanterns, and here and there people were eating under the trees, particularly near the shrines. I spent some time in the big open air market gathering souvenirs, walking through the geisha district, and mostly relaxing. We’ve been going non-stop while here, taking side trips to Nara and Osaka and Himeji Castle. Feudal Japan is very well-preserved here. We’ve had a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, kissed madly in the corners of castles, and humped wildly in a secluded spot in Nara Park. My lover always gets this wary expression when he sees that I am dressed in skirts for the day’s adventure — he knows it means inappropriate acts in semi-public places.
Tomorrow we are off to Hakone to enjoy the hot springs resorts, as well as the gardens and a view of the Great Boiling Valley. From there it is on to Nikko for the Yayoi Festival.
