K y o t o 2

The weather on Day 2 was better, although the sky was cloudy with signs of possible rain. Nonetheless, we were ready with our rain coats and umbrella. Our friends have never been to Kyoto, so we chose to visit Arashiyama today because we simply loved that place. There is so much to see and we could spend half a day there.

 We missed the bus to Arashiyama and we decided to take the local train instead. While walking to Kyoto Station, we came across this huge temple - Higashi Honganji

 We were here the previous day but it was raining.

 Now that the weather is good, we paid a visit to it.

 Intricate carving on the main door.

 The temple is constructed using mostly wood.

 Heavy door of the Founder's Hall Gate.

 We are here, at Arashiyama Station.

 Marker along the way to beautiful district.

 Bamboo forest at Sagano

 Rickshaw rider having his break?

 Sepia mood on Nonomiya Temple.

 Soon the leaves would turn yellow.

 Praying for health and happiness.

 Kawaii big head statues.

 Handmade soft toys.

 Baby bears for sale.

 Reverse view of Togetsukyo Bridge.

 Take an upstream cruise of the Hozu River.

 The typhoon has brought in more water into the river.

 Birds of feather.

 Saw this locomotive train exhibit inside a Piano Museum.

 Waiting for the train, again.

 We got to Fushimi Inari Shrine, on the south of Kyoto.

 The shrine stands on a wooded forest of the sacred Inari Mountain.

 Fushimi Inari Shrine is famous for its torii gates that trails to the top of the mountain.

 Each torii gate is strategically placed to each other to create a 'dense' look.

 One of my favourite photos, captured in low lights.

 Names of donor are carved on the torii gate.

 A cleansing water well.

 Spotted a black cat taking shelter inside a stone lamp.

We spent 2 days in Kyoto at familiar places as we could bring our friends around. While they continued their stay here, we made plans to visit Wakayama. Our purpose to travel to Japan is to see Tama-chan, the train station master cat. She is such an iconic figure in Wakayama, and we have got to see her before she is no longer around. After saying goodbye, we split from our friends and and agree to meet back in Osaka.

And another travel trip awaiting....