Day 35: Kyoto

The other day, I took a day trip to Kyoto and ended up taking...quite a lot of pictures. I would love to take the time to organize them into my usual cohesive narrative, but quite frankly, I don't have the energy to do that.

Enjoy.

The day started off far better then I could've ever hoped

They spare no expense on the train stations here

Saw these buildings outside Kyoto Station

...okay, now they're just making up words.

Crossing the river

First stop: Sanjusangendo!

Inside the hall are more than a thousand statues, all authentic.

Unfortunately, no pictures are allowed indoors.

Thankfully, the grounds themselves are rather lovely

This spring is said to stop children from crying in the night.

Perhaps if you threw them in for a little swim...

A lengthwise view of the temple

Sometimes, the only cure is more giant bell.

I found an authentic Japanese restaurant for lunch.

Roads and cars beside century-old temples: Welcome to Japan

The view from the road to our next stop...

Kiyomizudera Temple!

It's kind of a big thing

This one's less of one temple, and more a bunch of buildings and paths between them

The mountains decide to pay a visit

The view from the temple walkway

Really, there's no better place to see Kyoto

That is, if you don't care much for fine detail

But a decent camera will fix that

Can you tell I really liked the view?

A shot of the main temple area

And more of Kyoto

Never can have enough Kyoto

The paths along the temple have some stunning scenery if you know where to look

An artist at work

More flowers!

YAY FOR FLOWERS

You're supposed to catch the water in the cup

And then maybe wash your hands with it. I'm not sure.

Found this little guy in one of the temple ponds

A souvenir and a one-way ticket to the No-Fly list all in one!

Slightly less threatening

From alleys...

...to beautiful houses...

...to rickshaw drivers...

...and not to mention adorable little fire engines.

Sign reads: "Designated Smoking Area"