A five hour bus ride throught the gorgeous green mountains of Shikoku, across the bridge to Honshu (Japan's main island) and into the ancient city of Kyoto. The inland sea was teeming with ships, freights, and day cruisers. Much of the countryside was green forest, even as we approached Kyoto city. The cities here are concentrated into smaller spaces where everyone lives on top of one another. But at least this method leaves some nature... Arriving in Kyoto on the southern side of the train station, Katie and I had a little trouble finding our way to the opposite side where our youth hostel was located. Carrying our packs in the heat and the sun, we walked through the city and came to the front entrance of Kyoto station. A wall of glass and shiny siver
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