I left a sunny Okoyama and caught the train to Kyoto. Arriving before I could check in I dumped my bags at the hostel (very comfortable) and set off for an initial stroll. I’m in the rather nice Gion district and the hostel is surrounded by antique shops selling beautiful work as well as craft galleries… I shall enjoy looking. As I walked I saw a poster advertising a Shunga exhibition of erotic works by Utamaro, Hiroshige and Hokusai. It’s fascinated me since I saw a big exhibition in London years ago. It was well worth the visit. Really beautiful work … an interesting insight into Japanese culture in the 18th century, the Ukiyo-e or Floating World culture. Since the War and maybe American influences it’s been frowned upon in Japan ( despite its deep cultural background)and it’s only recently it has begun to be appreciated and exhibited again.
After that I wandered a bit after booking in at the hostel and now I’m planning tomorrow’s shenanigans.
Escape to myself 
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