Kyoto

Ah the beautiful Kyoto!  Riding the bullet train (and it is fast!) I fortunately saw Mt. Fuji - a rare sighting as most people say it's hidden behind low clouds.

Magnificent Mt. Fuji

Bullet Train

Our hotel in Kyoto was really far out in the suburbs, so we put our suitcases in lockers and went to explore Kyoto.  It was a perfect day and so many people were dressed in kimonos.  We stumbled upon Pontocho Alley - Pontocho Alley, is lined with traditional shops and restaurants, and no cars, modern buildings or gaudy signs are allowed.  We found a great Kobe steak and wine restaurant.  In the evenings, it is famous for full on geishas (however we didn't see any). 
Pontocho Alley is parallel to the river which I walked along taking photos of all the girls in their colorful kimonos. 

We also went on a half day tour to see 3 temples. The Heian Shrine, one of Japan's largest torii gate.  The Sanjusangeno Temple (a Buddhist Temple) was the most interesting but we were not allowed to take photos.  It has 1,001 slightly different armed statues of the goddess of mercy, Kannon.  

The last temple we visited was Kiyomizu-dera on Mt. Otowa.  Most of it was behind scaffolding but the most impressive part was the veranda which is 13 meters tall and was built without nails.