K y o t o 1

Kyoto, the former imperial capital, has got to be one of my favourite destination in Japan. I liked that the city is compact, and the places of interests are easily accessible by the comprehensive train & bus systems. The food was great, shopping was fun and importantly, there were many opportunities for the camera trigger happy me. 

 Our Kyoto trip started with a visit to Kinkakuji, a golden pavilion zen temple north of the city.

 The temple is built over a pond, and is not admissible to the public.

 The entire two upper floors are covered in gold leaf.

 A closed-up of the shimmering gold.

 Receive your luck by tossing coins at these statues.

 The persimmon look ripe to eat.

 Nothing beats a green tea ice cream cone on a winter day.

These ladies were certainly happy with theirs.

Nice bed of red & pink petals.

We made our way to Shijo-dori, where Nishiki Market is located.

 Nishiki Market is known as Kyoto's kitchen, with hundreds of stalls and restaurants selling all things food related.

 The narrow market is 300m long and is an ideal place for anyone looking for culinary delights that Kyoto is famous for.

 Most stalls sell local produce...

 ...and offer free sampling to tempt the taste buds.

 You could eat it there and then, like these dishes on skewers.

 Pretty pottery bowls & saucers to serve the delicious food.

 Stall selling Japanese dried seafood.

Sharon raiding the sweet stall.

The drink dispensing machine is a lifesaver. A can of warm milk tea essentially warm the cold palms.

Kyoto has countless of temples across the city. To fully visit and appreciate them all, it would take at least 4 days. We decided to stick to the popular ones, and take our time to enjoy the city.  

And another travel trip awaiting....