Kyoto, Japan (2005)

The peaceful shrines and scenic gardens of Kyoto provided a sharp contrast to the energetic hustle and neon signs of Tokyo. Kyoto is probably one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. We also did a short side-trip to Nara, which was home to a giant Buddha (that we decided not to pay to see) and many deer, which are considered messengers from Heaven and have thus multiplied extensively.

At a yummy hole-in-the-wall restaurant.

Along the Kamo River walk.

Biking through the Kyoto Imperial Palace.

Japanese tea ceremony at the Tea Research Institute.

Our hostess and a ceremonial sign that says something like, "Pure air."

Josh takes a picture with Holai the Spoon, which amused the tea women to no end.

It was right about now that we started eating non-Asian food, like these delicious crepes.

Entrance to the Kiyomizu Temple.

The gentle rain kept tourist numbers down, and provided a calm and peaceful atmosphere to the shrines.

View from Kiyomizu.

Wet bird perched on bridge.

Cemetary for mini-people?

Typical scene along the street.

Meditation fountain.

Giant Buddha.

Buddha makes everyone smile.

Even the parking lots in Kyoto are beautiful.

Yasaka Shrine or possibly Nanzenji Temple, I forgot.

Prayer inside the shrines.

Nanzenji Aqueduct.

Top of the aqueduct.

Heian Shrine.

In the Heian gardens.

Lillies.

Flower among lillies.

Some of the pathways among the garden were not handicap accessible.

Heian bridge.

Tree on pond.

A Heian wedding.

Map outside of Ginkakuji Temple.

Rock garden.

The rock gardens put my sand castles to shame.

Ginkakuji house.

Foliage.

Rock garden from above.

In the hills.

Enchanted forest.

Mossy pathway.

Nara, which is a side-trip outside of Kyoto.

Deer!

We pet the deer.

Mother cleans her fawn.

Nara gate.

Home of Nara's giant Buddha.

Gerry & Carmel sit near the resting deer.   Josh later scared it away.

The end.