Tiny has noticed that some of the trees in Japan need tucking in with tiny blankets before they can go to sleep
Being a kind and caring hippo he has taken it upon himself to make sure that they are snugly tucked in
“Yes,” he murmurs “very snug and cozy, perfect for winter”
The next time you see a tree with a wee blanket, you will know that a Tiny Hippo is near
Tiny Hippo heard tell that there is a wonderful temple in Kyoto called Kiyomizu-dera where one must go to truly appreciate the autumn leaves, he hopes he is not too late to see them!
He is in luck! The autumn colors are bright and ready for spectacular show!
He can hardly sit still, there is just so much to look at
Do you see how amazing these bright leaves are? Tiny Hippo wonders how they get so very red and wonders if his fur will ever change to such a fabulous red color
Tiny Hippo has invented a game where he must not step on any of the leaves, it is very slow going
There are many paths to explore around the temple
The ponds are very pretty, but swimming is frowned upon. It took all of Tiny Hippo’s willpower to keep from splashing about!
The views from the temple looking out over Kyoto are quite wonderful
Tiny Hippo had so much fun looking at all the pretty leaves that he lost track of time; the next thing he knew, it was dark out and all the trees were illuminated!
Alas, he was still not allowed to swim in the pond
I have arrived in Kyoto, a lovely city, but it is raining!
At first I found the rain rather depressing
Then I noticed all the bright and cheerful umbrellas that people were carrying!
They were even riding bikes with their smashing umbrellas.
I had to find an umbrella suited to my specific needs, if they make them small enough for these wee children there must be Tiny Hippo sized ‘brellies.
Eureka! I found an umbrella just my size, and it has little elephants on it too! Rain here I come!
On my way to Kyoto, I am so excited!
Not everyone is as thrilled as I am, but surely they will perk up when they see the lovely views
Ah yes, bask in the autumnal hills of Kyoto!
If you are spending the night on Mount Koya, you will need a place to rest your Tiny Hippo
While there aren’t any hotels on the mountain, there are shukubos which are temple lodgings run by monks. This was our shukubo: Koyasan Onsen Fukuchiin
We enjoyed the tradition architecture complete with tatami mats and shoji doors
The meticulously designed gardens were a thing of beauty
Just be careful where you tread, only the leaves are allowed to venture onto the intricate patterns
Koyasan Onsen Fukuchiin was the only lodging on the mountain that had its own hot spring for bathing, as it would be indecent for me to photograph such things, here is the koi pond
As evening falls, you may wish to expand your mind with the teachings of the enlightened one
The vegetarian feast provided by the monks is served in your room. Some of the dishes come with their own fire to keep them toasty warm
Each dish holds new surprises for the adventurous Tiny Hippo
Don’t worry though, it is all delicious!
I left my wonderful temple lodging in Koyason relaxed and rejuvenated. Onward to Kyoto!
Meanderings Abound 