Jason and Byron playing a Japanese video game where you have to keep the beat. They were so bad that a girl who was in the middle of a phone conversation came up and started hitting the drums when they were supposed to be hitting it. Even multitasking, she totally showed them up. |
Jason and I spent our last day in Kyoto. Our first stop was Nijo Castle since Jason hadn't made it to Himeji and wanted to see a Japanese castle. |
I love the juxtoposition captured in this photo of the traditional Japanese style architecture of Nijo Castle to the modern city skyscrapers in the distance. |
Jason crossing a pond on some stepping stones at Nijo Castle in Kyoto. |
Jason and I stumbled upon a beautiful garden that wasn't on our itinerary, but since several Japanese were flocking in, we decided to check it out. We figured out that it was the Daineiken garden designed by Jyochi Yabunouchi who is the master of the tea ceremony next to the Nanzenji temple. They only open up this garden a few weeks a year, and since we were here near the peak of autumn, this was one of those weeks. |
Taking a drink and washing my hands at Heian Jingu Shrine. |
Heian Jingu Shrine |
We were in Kyoto during the Shichi Go San Festival also called the 7-5-3 Festival because it's where boys who are 3 and 5 years old and girls who are 3 and 7 are taken to a shinto shrine, all dressed up in what is probably their first kimono, and the parents pray for their good health and prosperity |
It was so cute seeing the little kids all dressed up in traditional kimonos. It was a full family event. Lots of pictures were taken and presents were given. |
Some families had both a 3 and 7 year old daughter which was really cute. I stopped a couple of people and asked to take their picture. Jason had to help me get over my fear of getting in people's faces. |
Our last stop in Kyoto was Kinkakuji Temple, also known as the Golden Pavilion. |
By chance we hit the Golden Pavilion at the absolute best time of day. The sun was at the perfect angle to really make it sparkle. |
Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. |
Jason and I at the other side of Kinkakuji. |
The beautiful crisp autumn Kinkakuji Temple or the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. |
A fountain at Kinkakuji Temple. |
A girl ringing a prayer bell at the Kinkakuji Temple. |
Jason and I thoroughly enjoying our last meal of yummy dumplings and pot-stickers on the Shinkansen back to Kobe. |
Pulling away from our last foreign port - Kobe, Japan. It was a sad feeling. |
The lights of Kobe. |