Japan - Kyoto

/Oh Japan, beautiful and expensive Japan. Don't tell any Japanese or Korean this, but their two countries/peoples are very similar in many ways. Quick history lesson - much of Japanese culture was funneled from China through Korea to Japan when the Bekjae dynasty collapsed in Korea thousands of years ago. I spent 4 night/5 days in Japan and I definitely want to go back. Most of my time was spent in Kyoto (the ancient capital). Luckily the city was not targeted during WWII so all the historical building were still intact. I stayed in the Gojo district at a hostel which was a close walk to many different tourist attractions, shops, restaurants and bakeries. Unfortunately, I was in Kyoto during a busy Japanese holiday, so their were a lot of people (too many) around. Ok here are some pictures.

Dusk in Kyoto - Yasaka Pagoda

Gojo Guest House (Kyoto Hostel) - Male dorm room

Just your average run-of-the-mill geisha in Kyoto. Actually, there are less than 50 professional geishas in Kyoto. They are highly trained and very sought-after.

Jishu Shrine

View of Kyoto through archway at Kiyomizudera Temple Complex

Kiyomizudera Temple. The bright orange colour is common amoung the temples and shrines in Kyoto. Unfortunately it clashed with my outfit... whoa really bad joke.

More of the Kiyomizudera Temple complex

Kiyomizu Temple entrance. Most of the temples were set back in the surrounding forests and hills.

Big Buddha at Kiyomizu Temple

View of Seikanji Pagoda in the forest (seen from Kiyomizu Temple).

Kiyomizu Temple

Stairwell from Kiyomizu Temple to Jishu Shrine

Kiyomizu Temple

I found this sacred stones hidden behind one of the temples. I was completely alone back here, it was a lucky discovery. I found out later that the if you dress one of the statues you can make a wish.

Very beautiful walkway up to Kodaiji Temple


Yasaka Pagoda



Maruyama Park surrounding Yasaka Shrine


Monk sweeping at Yasaka Shrine


Entrance to Heian Jingu Shrine complex. This was one of my favourite sites in Kyoto.

The many sights at Heian Complex.

A traditional wedding at Heian Shrine. Hiding behind a tree, what a creep am I.



The white 'leaves' on these cherry blossom trees are actually fortune papers that people tied on to the branches. You get a fortune from a monk at the complex then you tie it to the tree. This is my favourite picture taken in Kyoto.


Kenninji Temple. I arrived too late at this temple to go inside. Temples close at 5 or 6pm.


Gion, a really nice district just west of Yasaka Shine. There were many swanky shops and restaurants in Gion.

The party area of Kyoto seen at night. Here you can find tonnes of clubs, bars and gambling arenas.