Tim: OK, I’m not crazy about temples, but since Kyoto is known for them, I think I’ll go to just one of them while I’m here, the most famous one, Kinkaku-ji Temple. How do I get there today?

Google Maps: This is easy – Bus 205 will take you right there & the stop is a 5 min walk from your guesthouse

Tim: Great! I haven’t taken the bus yet here in Kyoto, but this seems simple & perfect. Bus 205 it is!

<Walk to bus stop, and as I’m arriving, so is Bus 73, whose sign says it’s going to “Ginkaku-ji Temple”>

Tim: Well look at that! I don’t know what this Bus 73 is, and this is all happening so fast, but it’s going to where I’m going, and this means I don’t have to wait at all in the freezing coldl! I’m such a lucky fella.

<Hop on Bus 73>

Old Japanese Lady on Bus: “You tour?”

Tim: “Yes. I’m going to a Temple! Kinkaku-ji. This bus goes there right?”

Old Japanese Lady on Bus: “Ginkaku-ji? Yes!”

Tim: “Great! Arrigato! Thank you!”

Tim: I’m such a good traveler

<Bus takes a right to go East on a major road>

Tim: Hmmm, I’m supposed to be going West. Welp, good ol’ Bus 73 said it would end up where I need to go, so let’s just enjoy the ride. I’m might even take a picture from this great seat I got!

<Bus proceeds East for 10 more min>

Old Japanese Lady on Bus: “Enjoy your time at Ginkaku-ji!”

Tim: “Arrigato! Thank you! Sayonara! Bye bye!”

Tim: What a nice old lady. And I’m so glad she confirmed what a great traveler I am.

<Bus proceeds East for another 10 min>

Electronic Sign on Bus: “Ginkaku-ji Temple” – FINAL STOP

Tim: Wait, does that sign say “Ginkaku-ji Temple”?

Bus Driver in Japanese: ‘Everybody off!’

————————–

And that’s how I unintentionally ended up here, at Ginkaku-ji (Temple of the Silver Pavilion).

A 52 minute bus ride then got me to my originally intended destination, Kinkaku-ji (Temple of the Golden Pavilion)