pictures from Kyoto (day 2 of 3)

Our second day in Kyoto included a walking tour of the old city.
It is impossible to visit Kyoto and not take pictures. People say that you could
Live in Kyoto for 5 years and not see the vast amount of Temples, Palaces, and Castles.
The capital of Japan for over 1000 years (following the Nara period) Kyoto should
be the number one destination for any traveler wishing to see the 'old culture of Japan.'

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A mote surrounds this Buddhist temple, making it appear more like a castle than a place of worship.
 
The Higashi Hongan-ji temple complex. The white building is covering the large temple which is currently under repairs. This building is believed to be the largest wooden structure in the world - hmmm I thought the folks at the Toda-ji temple said the same thing...
 
Dragons, Chinese symbols are used frequently in Japan at water purification stations outside temples. This one was the largest we saw.
 
Inside the temple, notice the tatami floor, very Japanese.
 
The gate of Higashi Hongan-ji - notice the size of the white building beyond that.
 
A fan shop in the back streets of Kyoto. Apparently all authentic Japanese fans are made in this district of Kyoto. This cottage industry is quickly shrinking as young people want to live in the city and have high paying jobs instead of carry on the family trade.
 
Johnnie Hillwalker - our Japanese, English speaking 75 year old walking tour guide - standing in front of a large bell rung each year to announce the new year - at a Shinto shrine
 
The birthplace of Mario. Any video game nerd will recognize the name but not the medium. We saw the original Nintendo building. The company began selling playing cards over 100 years ago but has recently had success in the electronic games market.
 
The mountains of Kyoto meet the buildings of the Kiyomizu Temple
 
The large orange gate of the Kiyomizu temple, the most popular tourist attraction in Kyoto.
 

go to Kyoto pictures - day 3

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