Our fifth adventure of Saturday: We visit Daigo-ji Temple and Garden founded in 874. It was expanded during the 15th century for the same Toyotomi Hideyoshi ("Toyota Hide and Seek" guy) about 1598 for his viewing of the cherry blossoms. It's really touristy, crawling with young and old Japanese dressed in traditional garb and folks like us taking their pictures.
The five story pagoda, built in 931, still stands and is considered the oldest of its kind in Japan and the oldest existing building in Kyoto. Five stories, five periods of Buddha teaching, five kinds of milk? The daigo name means 'ghee' or the best part of milk... a metaphor for the most profound part of Buddhist thoughts. The surrounding gardens are indeed special, too.
Lots of shops along the streets leading up the hill to the two levels of temples. Great view from up at the top. Steve and I came down a different side and I lost faith that we would ever find out way back to the bus. We made it, obviously. 
Steve bought a typical Japanese hand painted tie for Dick since today is his birthday in some time zone. Our guide, Mirei, came to the back of the bus with a gift for him (personalized his and hers chop sticks) and the entire coach crew sang to him. Let me say again that we have a great bunch of fellow travelers.
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