Exploring Kyoto: Impressions of Japan's Former Capital City

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Tourist dressed as Geisha as part of the Geisha experience

I made my way to Kyoto late last week after a few days in Osaka. Kyoto is such an enchanting city. I didn't have enough time to explore it all but spent hours admiring the district of Gion, sampling Japanese treats in the Nishiki Market and trekking through the maze of torri at the Fushimi Inari Shrine. Here are just a few pictures from my short trip. I hope you all enjoy.

A blowfish mobile outside of license blowfish seller at Nishiki Market

Various utensils and bowls used during a traditional Japanese tea ceremony

The cabs in Kyoto have different symbols which stand for different companies

Tea kettle at my breakfast table during my first traditional Japanese breakfast

Charming street on my way to Gion

Once in Gion, it was as if you were transported back in time

These are Kukurizaru, a hanging monkey ornament which can be found at Yasaka Shrine

No idea what kind of plant that is, but I like the shot

The tourist during their geisha experience, they were waiting for their photoshoot

Spotting a real geisha in Gion is a treat. I didnt see any that day :/

View of the Kyoto Wooden pagoda in the distance and one of the narrow streets of Gion

Rickshaw taking a break

Woman in a kimono rushing down Ishibe Koji, a narrow ally in Gion

Mani Wheels, you walk around rotating them with your hands, saying a prayer or wish

Fushimi Shrine guardian fox overlooking one of the giant torii while holding a key

One of the many wishes left at the shrine written on small wooden torii

Colorful folded cranes at the shrine, folding 1000 cranes is meant to cure sickness

Some of the thousands of torii gates that make up the Fushimi Inari Shrine

So there you have it. Just some of my pictures from Kyoto. I could have written a novel but a picture is really worth a thousands words. There is so much history and tradition that I have learned about during my time here! Be prepared when I get back to Berlin to read more about shrines and the different ritual surrounding the prayers and wishes, very fascinating. I also have to write about my accommodations, the food that I sampled and my cooking course! Ah, so much to share!!

If you have any questions about my pictures or trip to Kyoto, feel free to ask in the comment section. 

If you haven't already be sure to like me on facebook where I upload pictures in real time during my trip. Also enter my #LUXETokyo Giveaway!!