A few pictures, as it's been quite a few days since the last entry... firstly, our Christmas day - opening presents in our hotel room in Kyoto, then out to the golden pavilion. Christmas day lunch was as much sushi as we could eat - which turned out to be a stack of 24 plates. A bargain at 137Yen per plate - approx 60p!

We've also visited Himeji castle, and are now in Nikko, which has been an experience - as we are staying in a Japanase style room, so tatami mats and beds on the floor. The good news however was that there is a 'Hello Kitty' shop in Nikko, so Ruth has been able to feed her growing obsession with 'Hello Kitty' merchandise some more!

An early start today to view some beautiful scenery - the Kaegon Falls - we got there 1st thing, and were the only people there. Then back to Nikko, to see the shrines and temples that the town is famous for. We didn't see many real monkeys up in the mountains, only 2, but we did see the famous 'See no evil, Hear no evil, Speak no evil' monkeys at the Toshugu shrine.

Off out shortly for our last mean in Nikko - most likely Korean cuisine. Last night was noodles in a tiny Japanese restaurant with 3 tables. Back to Tokyo tomorrow to enjoy the cosmopolitan faster pace of life for the remainder of our holiday.