Fushimi Inari and Fushimi Town’s Sake

We are using the time change to our advantage by having early starts so we can get to the sights before they get crazy crowded. We packed up our bags and headed to the train station to take us to Kyoto. The first ride on the subway, taking us to the Keihan line, was uneventful.

Waiting on the platform, after we got out of the women-only car line.

It wasn't until we tried to get on the Keihan train that things started unraveling. Buying our 1-day sightseeing pass, the guy struck my funny bone as he told us they are cheaper at the airport - if only he knew how hard we tried to do that!

The train guy pointing to our train. Got it, crystal clear!

The Keihan Line's platform at Yodoyabashi in Osaka overwhelmed me. We hopped in a saloon car of a beautiful train and settled down in its comfortable seats for our 1-hour ride, but it was short-lived. We got off at the next stop because I didn't hear our end destination announced (we were on a limited train that doesn't stop at each station).

Patiently a lovely child of ours suggested, "Why don't we ask somebody." And Greg, taking the heat off me, honestly replied, "My Japanese is a little rusty; I haven't had enough to drink yet." We got on the next train passing through, which this time not only didn't have comphy seats - it was standing room only. That was our only loss and no one voiced the disappointment we all were feeling.

Getting off the train we stashed our luggage in a locker (all the stations have them) and headed to our destination: the Fushimi Inari Shrine, one of Kyoto's most popular attractions. Creating a tunnel effect, thousands of torii gates intermixed with small shrines wind their way 4 kilometers up an entire mountain.

Fushimi Inari shrine

Students hoping to pass an exam fold 1,000 crane so their wish will be granted

Cherry tree at Fushimi Inari - in full bloom

Beautiful sakura!

There was a massive crowd at the start of the gates, yet it didn't stop me from trying to take a picture like we are the only ones there.

It was a crowded sea of heads

For me, tunneling through all the torii gates was one of the most magical experiences in the world.

All of the gates are donated. Impress the god of rice and fortune by donating one. Prices start at 400,000 yen and go upwards to 1,300,000 yen ($13,000)

For those on smaller budgets, these are $45-$120.

Our torii says our family name and our hopes: safe travel and family safety

Along the way are many small shrines

Apparently I exceeded my picture taking quantity ... "You've taken like 5,000 pictures, like one for each step," a slight exaggeration from Jeremy. I backlashed, "You came for food, I came for pictures!"

The reward of continuing up the mountain is MUCH fewer people

View over Kyoto after 30-45 minutes of climbing

The sea of people back at the bottom

After a delicious Chinese food lunch, we went to the town of Fushimi to see the sake brewing district. It's not on the beaten path, which made it a perfect escape from all the crowds at the shrine. We "toured" Gekkeikan, the most famous of Fushimi's breweries, and one of the oldest companies in the world. Its allure to me was the fact that its sister plant is across the world and right down the street from our house - because our Folsom water most resembles the water of Fushimi.

Gekkeikan Okura Sake Museum where you can taste sake and learn about traditional sake making methods

Fushimi was very peaceful

Jikkobune boats along the canal

For the next 5 nights we are staying in Gion. Located in the heart of Kyoto, the historical district is famous for its geisha and tea houses (highlighted in Memoirs of a Geisha).

I chose this place to stay for its traditional Japanese style home. The upstairs is remodeled and modern.

Again the toilets are a fascination. "Is yours as high tech as ours? Oh what the hell!" Chris exclaimed as he opened the bathroom door and watched the toilet automatically lift its lid, pre-flush, and turn on a spotlight.

For dinner we had coveted reservations at Teppanyaki Manryu, #14 on TripAdvisor for all Kyoto. As we walked in, the tiny place was empty and the people ahead of us turned away...which repeatedly happened for the next hour. We felt like honored guests!

Our table offered front row seats of the chef preparing food on the teppanaki grill

The okonomiyaki was delicious!

My yakisoba fried noodles

After dinner we went for a little walk through the park next to our apartment to see its brilliant display. (We are staying right next to Yasaka Shrine and Maruyama Park.)