Takayama to Kyoto

Monday,  10/7/19

Moving day again. Today we head for Kyoto. 

After another early morning soak in the soothing waters, we went to breakfast then gathered up to walk to the station. 

While waiting for the group to assemble, I walked a little way down a street we hadn't walked before. There I came upon a small temple with this sign out front. If you click on the photo you should be able enlarge it to readable size. 

If you can't make it large enough to read, the sign tells the story of a local priest who traveled throughout the Pacific islands retrieving remains of military and civilian casualties from both sides of the war. These were unclaimed remains so he brought them here to be interred under the cherry tree to rest in peace.

Back at the ryokan, I joined the group for the short walk to the station. 

Takayama Station is a smaller station in a small city. Japan is upgrading their rail system but this view shows that transition in progress. The first two tracks still have the wooden ties although on the third track they have been replaced with the newer prestressed concrete ties. Also, the locomotives are still diesel. This is a lower passenger volume and mountainous run so is probably low on the priority list to be changed to electric. 

One train section came into the station, stopped, the crew got off and the connecting door opened. The other section (below) came in from the other direction and was joined with the first. Then we could board for out trip to Kyoto.

Below, left, is Misa, editor-in-chief of the North American Post (which sponsored the trip) , organizer of this trip and also guide. Right is Yuki, fellow organizer and guide extraordinaire, whose Seahawk banner leads the way on our expeditions. Both Misa and Yuki have done an excellent job. We have seen lots of sights and they haven't lost anyone yet.

Part of our group at Kyoto Station. We had one person in a wheelchair and some slow walkers so it was important to make sure we were all together before moving on. 

After arrival in Kyoto, we checked in at the Miyako Hotel, just across the street from the station. 

For dinner Ikuko and I went to the hotel restaurant specializing in Japanese food where we had kaiseki. The meal was impeccably served by kimono-clad waitresses and was very tasty.