Kyoto Day 1

Kanazawa Train Station Courtyard covered in Glass

Wooden tub in our Bathroom

Eel with Matsutake Mushroom Consommé 

 

Flatfish and Sea Urchin with Pumpkin Soup

Cold Pasta with Octopus and Salmon Roe

Curry Rice

We left our hotel in Kanawaza and headed to the train Station. It has an absolutely amazing covered courtyard made up of thousands of pieces of glass. It would obviously keep the people dry as they alighted from the train. It is a fabulous piece of architecture. The train ride to Kyoto took about 2-1/2 hours and when we arrived at Kyoto station the weather was fine.

Our hotel the Hyatt Regency is brand new and is beautiful. It is located directly across from the National Museum and is filled with art. Our room wasn’t ready so we left our luggage and taxied back to Central Kyoto to do some shopping. We had a Chinese lunch at Takashimaya a major department store then walked into the maze of streets behind the store where we found one of my favorite stores: Sou-Sou. After a few hours shopping we took a taxi ride back to the hotel. Our room still wasn’t ready. I raised a fuss and they decided to upgrade us into their best room. It is truly beautiful and all is forgiven. The bathroom has a wooden tub. We have never had one before. Hopefully it is well sanded and doesn’t give splinters.

Scott arrived from Taiwan and we will see him for a few days in Kyoto. He came to the hotel and joined us for cocktails. After drinks we went out to eat at Yonemura, a one star Michelin restaurant. We had discovered on a previously trip. It serves Kaiseki dinners were are composed of 12 courses of food. Most portions are small and very elaborate. It was an delicious dinner. We were stuffed by the end. The restaurant is beautiful, the Japanese use wood in the most artistic way. This restaurant (and our hotel) are great examples of the way wood can be decoratively used.  An auspicious first day in Kyoto.