Kyoto is Japan's ancient imperial capital and was spared bombing during World War II so is rich in ancient architecture. From what we learned, it sounds like the speed of life is set just a notch lower than it is in Tokyo or even Osaka and we enjoyed the very friendly people, very incredible sights and most delicious food.
Our hotel room! This is where we started from and came back to every day. A 7 minute walk from the Main Kyoto Train Station (with a complimentary shuttle bus in case the walk was too long), the "Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto" was our home away from home.
Our first view of women dressed as Geisha (these are either Geisha or Maiko, trainee Geishas) came in the Ponto-Cho district - an area of tea houses and other entertainments which sounds like the seat of Geisha culture. We would frequently see these women walking around and while walking in front of tea houses could see Geisha and parties through the window, serving tea and engaged in conversation. It was stunning to see this element of their culture so readily and alone was worth the ticket to Kyoto.
A view of the Ponto-Cho district from the river (as opposed to the street where the last picture was taken). Many of them face the river and offer delicious views of the water with an al fresco option.
I got one photo that made carrying around my very heavy 200 mm lens worth it. It is this one of a heron (or some other type of bird) in the Nijo Castle garden catching its lunch.
Detail of the eaves of the Shrine for the Protection of Pregnant Ladies and Their Babies (or whatever its title is). This was my favorite shrine because of its quietude and care-worn state.
View of the entrance of the Kiyomizu-Dera temple/shrine complex of which the "Shrine for the Protection of Pregnant Ladies and Their Babies" is a part.
Altar offerings at Kiyomizu-Dera
Sam and I on the front steps of Kiyomizu-Dera.
My girl sitting on a bench at Kiyomizu-Dera.
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