Kyoto and Osaka

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Hi my friends,
So during the last days I had trouble finding an internet access with a USB port for my external HD. But today I'm back in Tokyo.
Last week I visited Kyoto for two nights. Kyoto is quite different from the other major cities to which I've been here in Japan. For sure its big, but for long period there was a law, that no building was allowed to be taller than the one of the major pagodes. So you find almost no Skyscrapers. I think the highest Building is the Kyoyo Tower. Besides this, Kyoto has many lovely temples. And a very impressive Shogun Palace. Unfortunately I wasnt allowed to take pictures in most places, but anyway some things you have to see for yourself. I was very impressed by the Japanese gardening skills. On of the major rules is asymmetrie. Thats why they cripple most trees.

After Kyoto I went to Osaka. Aktually I stayed in Shin-Osaka which is pretty close to the major city.
Osaka is a city like Tokyo. In the past they had quite a few economic problems, but rising again. But still you can see some places, that suffer from a lack of money. For example bridges or the Subway. Like my tourist guide said:Osaka stays number 2 after Tokyo.

It's funny how you say: "You always meet at least twice in Life!" This is really true. On this trip it happened to me already 3 times. But inbetween were usually 200-300 km.

So enjoy the pictures, Stefan

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Photos

Shinkansen train
I took the Nozomi Express. It has 16 cars and fits 100 Persons in each car. Top Speed 285km/h.

Gardener in Kyoto
They take out every needle from the pines... very interesting.

Schoolkids in Kyoto
Here they always show the peace sign.

The golden Temple in Kyoto
This is one of the Postcard motives everyone takes here.

Sunset in Osaka
This is closeup view out of my window at the youth hostel

Hostel in Osaka
This is full view out of my window at the youth hostel in Shin Osaka.

Osaka Palace
The outside looked quite promising, but the inside disappointed me a little. You couldn't see anything of the old structure.

Osaka WTC Escalator
You ride up to the 52. floor and do the rest by escalator.

Osaka bay
This is a nice view over the Osakabay.

Osaka bay 2
This is another nice view over the Osakabay.

Comments

[Paul]

Heho lets go
Hi stefan, hab gestern deine Karte bekommen und mich sehr gefreut! Erstens weil mein Vermieter mir gesagt hat, dass sie auf einem Haufen im hausgang liegt. und 2., dass es dir gut geht! Bin ja mal sehr gespannt auf deine vielen Bilder,sie sehen auch schon in kleiner Auflösung sehr spektakulär und ziemlich geil aus. Der Rest per Mail, grüssle aus Schwaben :-)