This is what Shinmachi Street looked like in the morning. Street vendors were still setting up their booths. The tall pointy object far away in the middle of the street is called "Yamaboko." It is one of many floats that move around in Kyoto for this festival, thought to house Kami.
And this is the same street and the same Yamaboko (from a different angle) at around 8:30 PM. As you can see, the street was filled with people.
The next morning, I first ran to Heian Jingu Shrine. It is one of the largest shrines in Japan built in 1895 (so it is relatively new for Japan) for the anniversary of 1,100th year of establishment of Kyoto.
Then I went to Ginkaku-ji Temple, or the Silver Pavilion. Unfortunately, the gate was closed for it was too early in the morning (before 6:00).
This is what I could have visited if it was open - the gate I took the picture of is at the bottom left. I did run on the mountain trail seen on the left side a bit before heading back to the hotel. The famous "Ginkaku" (Silver Pavilion) is the "brown" two-story building at the bottom right. It is said that the Shogun at the time originally had a plan to silver plate it, but ran out of budget.
I hope to return to Kyoto to explore more of the ancient city. It is full of history and culture.
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