The Ancient City of Kyoto

August 11th - 16th, 2023

In Kyoto, we were able to slow down a bit and stay in one spot for about 5 days. We got to know the town a bit and found a favorite beef spot for dinner. We did a lot of walking around Kyoto as well as taking the train to some cool spots just outside the town, e.g. Nara and the famous red gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine.

The entrance to our Airbnb. It was a nice warm, local feel.

Our Kyoto Airbnb had a toilet with a handwash basin on top. The concept is great for conserving water but I can't help but me a little grossed out by washing my hands with toilet water. . . at least what it will become!

Rainbow smoothie!

This place is super popular and has some of the best pork katsu around. There is almost always a long wait to get your food at this small restaurant located in the underground market.

The Mode Gakuen Tower. Kyoto has some really cool buildings.

A funny "Dandy" ad on the hand wipe package.

MMMMMmmmmm. . . . sake!

At the top of Kyoto Tower!

Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Many people come to do a meditative walk through the shrine.

The path leads all the way up to the top of Mt. Inari, but we stopped and turned around at the "WC" haha

Peaceful spot to say a prayer for our ancestors.

Imperial Villa Nijo Castle

A tour guide explaining some architectural features of the Ninomaru palace of Nijo Castle.

Beautiful Gardens by the Castle.

Welcome to Nara! A short train ride and we were in the first capital city of Japan!

Deer are protected here and are allowed to roam the city.

Deer come up to you if you have biscuits and if you bow, they will return a bow for a treat.

More deer! They are everywhere as you explore the shrines and museums and temples around the city.

Max and Deer bowing to greet each other right before a treat.

Kids holding up the biscuits that the deer will soon devour.

Cheers!

At a funky cafe for a snack. It was very Alice in Wonderland feeling.

Shogun Warrior training!

Striking a Ninja Pose! Scot won a couple of throwing stars from winning the throwing star and blow dart competitions.