kyoto

---

we took the shinkanzen from tokyo station to kyoto. we had already reserved japan railpass and booked the tickets two days before our departures from a kiosk at tokyo station.
smooth ride and we sagain saw the fuji from the window.
in kyoto we chose the Palace Side Hotel, really good and perfect location along the imperal palace walls and 100 m from the underground station.
lots of things to see in kyoto. last days of the year and the city is busy and crowded with tourists from all over japan. temples are light at night and people celebrate religiuos festivals with cerimonies but also eat a lot at food stall inside and around the temples.
the gion was particularly fascinating on 1 january in the early morning. no more crowds in the narrow lanes and also the temple, after the celebration of the night before where places of silence and meditation.

---

Photos

fans
colourful fans in a shopwindow in kyoto gion quarter

kyoto temple
temple bell

kyoto temple
offers in front of a temple

kyoto temple
the wooded hills in kyoto

kyoto
a quiete street in the gion

kyoto
a geisha in a street in the gion

kyoto
lanterns hanging from a temple ceiling

kyoto
stone lion guards the temple entrance

kyoto
a great sunset on 30 december

kyoto
another quiete street in the gion

kyoto
a house entrance decorated for the last days of the year

kyoto
massive wooden temple

kyoto
camelias in flower on 1 january

kyoto
temple entrance

kyoto
along the river, the philosopher's walk

kyoto
31 december people celebrate with food, fireworks and fire offerings to the gods

kyoto
31 december celebration