Come along with me - Kyoto
If Tokyo is the capital of Japan, Kyoto is the indisputable cultural capital. A trip to Japan without seeing Kyoto is unimaginable to me, as that meant missing out on the rich historical and cultural scene.
We made the right choice by staying put in Kyoto for 5 nights, for easy travel to other cities as well. Our Shinkansen ("bullet train") brought us comfortably to Kyoto in under 3 hours, and I really appreciate the ample leg room on the Shinkansen even with a luggage in front of me ! Kudos to this great modern invention which has made traveling within Japan a breeze.
I guess its not hard to notice how considerate the Japanese are, in terms of the discipline shown in train stations. Queuing orderly to enter trains - Check
Standing left on escalators - Check
Refrain from loud chats in trains - Check
Clearly designated priority seats - Check
Priority boarding for ladies during peak hours - Check
Now that left me wonder how long Spore will need to attain that level of graciousness.
My prediction is - give us 20 more years probably.
Although Kyoto is arguably the oldest city of Japan, it's still inevitable that there are traces of development, especially seen in Kyoto main station. The modern design is a stark juxtaposition to the old temples and streets~
The Trio~
I love to check out the tidbits in the provision stores. Its just nice seeing the myraid of food and the nice packaging which entices my wallet everytime.
And while talking about toilet technology may not seem appropriate after food, I still have to mention my amazement at how far toilets bowls can come since its invention. I know some Spore toilets have already imitated such technlogy but still, I am fascinated by it !
Kiyomizu Temple
See the wooden blocks hanging. Vistors write their wishes on them~
Gion
The catch of the day in Gion is to spot Geishas ! Apparently its very difficult to spot even one, as they usually appear erratically and the next moment they will disappear into one of the small lanes. And we really should thank our lucky stars that day where we spotted 5 Geishas!
I really get a kick from spotting them, and attempting to trail them though they wouldn't even care a hoot about the curious stares from everyone.
The Trio~The modern landmark in Kyoto has to be the Kyoto Tower~
I love to check out the tidbits in the provision stores. Its just nice seeing the myraid of food and the nice packaging which entices my wallet everytime.And while talking about toilet technology may not seem appropriate after food, I still have to mention my amazement at how far toilets bowls can come since its invention. I know some Spore toilets have already imitated such technlogy but still, I am fascinated by it ! Kiyomizu Temple I like the street which leads to the temple we were heading to. It's filled with handicrafts, snacks and old shophouses.
See the wooden blocks hanging. Vistors write their wishes on them~
Gion The street where Geishas are spotted. Apparently there are many tea houses in Gion where the Geishas will perform for guests. And it's seemingly difficult to watch their performance!
The catch of the day in Gion is to spot Geishas ! Apparently its very difficult to spot even one, as they usually appear erratically and the next moment they will disappear into one of the small lanes. And we really should thank our lucky stars that day where we spotted 5 Geishas!I really get a kick from spotting them, and attempting to trail them though they wouldn't even care a hoot about the curious stares from everyone.
The 1st Geisha spotted was crossing the road hastily before disappearing into the lanes~
This blue Geisha appeared while we were about to leave Gion - an expected return !
Well I was bored while waiting for the Geishas to appear~
Gion District~
Arashimaya
Kyoto Imperial Palace
Beaming with gold~ 
Ryon-ji Temple
We rushed to Ryon-ji temple after Golden temple for fear that it's closing at 5pm and thankfully we were able to made it there on time by foot ! Kudos to our perserverance~
Do not belittle this Rock Garden. It's listed as UNESCO world heritage site as well. It's designed by this famous Japanese guy. There are 15 rocks in total and being abstract, it's up to individual's interpretation of what it means. I like abstract stuff (probably cos I am abstract by nature!). There is no clear definition of things, no right or wrong, but simplyhow you feel and think at that time.
Food and more food
Snacks along Nishiki food Market~
Pasta and Pizza dinner with desserts~
Post-dinner snacks~
Japanese dinner, love the Pizza~
Missing the Jap food~
This blue Geisha appeared while we were about to leave Gion - an expected return !
Well I was bored while waiting for the Geishas to appear~
Gion District~
Arashimaya Im glad we headed to Arashimaya. Its a scenic area with many famous temples and shrines.
The famous 天龙寺~
The famous 天龙寺~ 
Kyoto Imperial PalaceKyoto is the old capital of Japan and there are free tours daily around the palace. Permits are required to tour around the place on a guided tour. Strictly no trespassing!
Kinkaguji Temple - Golden Temple
The name of this UNESCO world heritage site couldnt have been more apt, considering the fact that its real gold we are talking about. It's the historical and most representative landmark of Kyoto.
Beaming with gold~ 
Ryon-ji Temple We rushed to Ryon-ji temple after Golden temple for fear that it's closing at 5pm and thankfully we were able to made it there on time by foot ! Kudos to our perserverance~
According to SS this is the most Zen temple in Japan so I guess we cannot miss seeing it since we are already in the vicinity.
I kinda find some peace in the place. Its that feeling of surreal which I have not felt for a long time~
Do not belittle this Rock Garden. It's listed as UNESCO world heritage site as well. It's designed by this famous Japanese guy. There are 15 rocks in total and being abstract, it's up to individual's interpretation of what it means. I like abstract stuff (probably cos I am abstract by nature!). There is no clear definition of things, no right or wrong, but simplyhow you feel and think at that time.
Food and more foodIt's really great that the 3 of us are willing to reward ourselves from all the walking with good food ! I think having a good meal at the end of the day is very important in ending my day well. And I am glad we somehow managed to try all kinds of Jap food for the entire trip, including chinese and italian cuisine.
Western dinner~
Snacks along Nishiki food Market~
Pasta and Pizza dinner with desserts~
Post-dinner snacks~
Japanese dinner, love the Pizza~
Missing the Jap food~
