Kyoto

1 Nijo Castle, a World Heritage Landmark	2	3 Francisco at Nijo Castle	4	5 Ninkakuji (Golden Pavillion)	6 Kinkakuji (金閣寺, Golden Pavilion) is a Zen temple in northern Kyoto whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf.	7	8
9 Francisco along walkway of Golden Pavillion	10	11 The Kyoto Imperial Palace (京都御所, Kyōto Gosho) used to be the residence of Japan's Imperial Family until 1868, when the emperor and capital were moved from Kyoto to Tokyo	12 The current Imperial Palace was reconstructed in 1855 after it had burnt down and moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. The complex is enclosed by long walls and consists of several gates, halls and gardens. The enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held in the palace's main hall.	13	14 Francisco along the Philosopher's Path. The Philosopher's Path (哲学の道, Tetsugaku no michi) is a pleasant stone path through the northern part of Kyoto's Higashiyama district. The path follows a canal which is lined by hundreds of cherry trees.	15 Entrance to Philosopher's Path	16
17 Stopping along the path to eat ice cream. Bill's reflection in the window	18	19	20 Ginkakuji (銀閣寺, Silver Pavilion) is a Zen temple along Kyoto's eastern mountains (Higashiyama). In 1482, shogun Ashikaga Yoshimasa built his retirement villa on the grounds of today's temple, modeling it after Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)	21	22 Ginkakuji consists of the Silver Pavilion, half a dozen other temple buildings, a beautiful moss garden and a unique dry sand garden. It is enjoyed by walking along a circular route around its grounds, from which the gardens and buildings can be viewed.	23	24
25	26	27 On our way back to the hotel, Francisco got directions from this nice man. The Japanese were very friendly and extremely helpful when asked.	28 On our City Tour, we tried our hands at wood block printing, with very mixed results!	29	30 The Shogunzuka Mound (将軍塚, Shōgunzuka) is located on the eastern mountains of Kyoto on the spot where Emperor Kanmu is said to have first surveyed the valley where he ultimately build the ancient capital city of Kyoto.	31 Seiryu-den Hall, Shogunzuka Mound	32 In April 2015, the art installation KOU-AN - Glass Teahouse was unveiled on the wooden observation deck. The transparent structure, constructed of thick glass panels joined by a minimal amount of mirrored metal supports, is a modern exploration of traditional Japanese culture designed by artist Yoshioka Tokujin
33	34 The Glass Teahouse	35 Francisco, Bill, sitting on a glass bench in front of the glass teahouse	36 looking down the glass bench	37	38 Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社, Yasaka Jinja), also known as Gion Shrine, is one of the most famous shrines in Kyoto. Founded over 1350 years ago	39	40
41 Leaving, we saw these two children who agreed to pose for a picture.	42	43	44 Kiyomizudera (清水寺, literally "Pure Water Temple") is one of the most celebrated temples of Japan. It was founded in 780 on the site of the Otowa Waterfall in the wooded hills east of Kyoto	45 Dignataries and Geisha	46	47 Along a pathway with temple in background	48
49 Nishi Honganji (西本願寺) and Higashi Honganji (東本願寺) are two large temples in the center of Kyoto. As headquarters of the two factions of the Jodo-Shin Sect (True Pure Land Sect), one of Japan's largest Buddhist sects	50	51 Where you wash your hands before entering the Temple	52 Buying tickets on the subway again. Note how easy the instructions are!	53 Waiting for the subway to stop	54 Gardens, Tenryuji Temple, Kyoto, Japan Tenryuji (天龍寺, Tenryūji) is the most important temple in Kyoto's Arashiyama district. It was ranked first among the city's five great Zen temples, and is now registered as a world heritage site	55	56
57	58 Even the restrooms are Zen-like	59	60 We had a delicious vegetarian lunch here	61	62 Downtown, relaxing after a long day of sightseeing	63