Kyoto Sightems - 1

Family Photo (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Pedestrian (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

These photos were taken with an iPhone 12 Pro Max.

Shrine (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Return to Dragon Burger

Dragon Burger (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Dragon Burger Burger (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Yum! We had an enjoyable lunch here with Jim and Margaret in 2023, so here we were back in 2024. Again, quite good!

Yum!

Dragon Burger Beer (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Monday Dog Blogging

Dog (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Was it that cold? I don't think so, not when compared to our frigid morning in Kamikochi. But everyone has a different threshold.

Tofukuji - 3

Path, Maple Tree (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Roofs, Moss (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Early November. The leaves were starting to turn on the maple trees, but not all the way.

Tofukuji - 2 (Details)

Post Ornament (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Tile Roof (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Architectural sightems.

Wooden Doors (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Tofukuji - 1

Entrance, Maple Tree (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Pine Tree, Gate (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

We had visited Tofukuji the year before with Jim and Margaret, and had liked it a lot. So we thought it would be nice to plan a return trip just for fun.

We used Kyoto's train system to get there . . . very convenient, but super crowded.

Japan Passenger Train Cars

Kids on Train (Tokyo) - Japan  2024

Mildly Air-Conditioned (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

"Weakly air conditioned car" is the Google translation of the kanji on both of the cars. We were there in November so it wasn't that hot outside. I don't think we noticed whether or not the cars were air conditioned, mildly or otherwise.

Below, an extra shot of train tracks taken in Nagoya station.

Train Tracks (Nagoya) - Japan  2024

Back in Kyoto

Kyoto Station (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Night Street (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Finally, the last stop on our itinerary! We stayed in Kyoto at the Hotel Monterey, where we've stayed a few times before. A skewer dinner that night, then a walk the next morning through early morning narrow Kyoto streets.

Morning Street (Kyoto) - Japan  2024

Nagoya

Building Reflections (Nagoya) - Japan  2024

Pedestrians Crossing (Nagoya) - Japan  2024

We've stopped in Nagoya several times, but only to change trains. This time we were catching a shinkansen to Kyoto. Photos taken from an upper train platform using a Sony RX100.

Someday we'll have to actually, you know, go into the city.

Monday Dog Blogging

Dog (Takayama) - Japan  2024

Seen as we were checking out the various shops on this particular street.

Takayama Sightems #4: Cat Statue, Morning Fog

Cat Statue (Takayama) - Japan  2024

Morning Fog (Takayama) - Japan  2024

Last morning in Takayama: chilly and foggy. After visiting the morning market, we checked out of our hotel, walked over to the train station (without luggage, which was on its way to Kyoto) and boarded the train (somehow unaccountably late) for Nagoya.

Takayama Sightems #3: Dried Flowers, Leaf

Dried Flowers, Bicycle (Takayama) - Japan  2024

Maple Leaf, Pine Needles (Takayama) - Japan  2024

I think it was Hali that noticed the basket of dried flowers. Leaf and pine needles were seen walking by moss-covered temple steps.

Takayama Sightems #2: Miyagawa River, Morning Market

Miyagawa River, Sunrise (Takayama) - Japan  2024

Morning Market (Takayama) - Japan  2024

We bought something at the market, but I can't remember what.

EDIT: Per Hali, in the comments: "We got some dried Persimmons, fresh Apples, and Pastries. I think there was one more thing, but I can't remember now."

Takayama Sightems #1: Gate, Flowers, Figurines

Gate (Takayama) - Japan  2024

Flowers (Takayama) - Japan  2024

"Hida-Takayama is one of those rare destination gems that reward the intrepid traveler willing to take the road (somewhat) less traveled. Its commitment to cultural and historical preservation educates and inspires. Surrounded by mountains, it’s a gateway to the natural, untainted beauty of Japan. It’s walkable, friendly, and leaves an outsized impression."

Figurines, Self-Portrait (Takayama) - Japan  2024