Path of Blessings

Fushimi temple complex, dedicated to the rice god Inari, is incredibly charming. Twisting thru the hills are paths that are tunnels of Torii, orange red columns that sport painted blessings.

Soft Sunset

The time to hit Kyoto is during the cherry blossom festivities. All the temples are shrouded in trees dripping with pink flowers. Very colorful and a wonderful time to see the Japanese at play.

Blossoms

Coming through the ancient gates from the hectic urban sprawl outside, the walled complex of Toji is entree to an earlier world. Towering temples, cherry blossoms and ponds alive with turtles; you have left the modern world behind.

Gods and Demons

The western edge of the city at Arashiyama abruptly changes to tranquil forests dotted with beautiful temples. The architecture is particularly striking, with the temples protected by wrathful deities at the roof peak.

Study in Shadow and Light

The bamboo groves at Arashiyama are spectacular. These giant grasses creak gently in the wind and light flickers across the forest floor. Enchanting.

Weekend Geisha

Kyoto an odd mix of old and new. Young women dress in the latest international fashion, but on special weekends, they play dressup in Geisha style.

Devotee

Materialism and modernism seem to be hallmarks of today's Japan, but the old ways still live on. In pursuit of the blessings of compassion, this woman prays to Kannon, embodied in this statue worn smooth by millions of loving hands.

For the Ages

Although the new city is the typical collosus of crowds, modern buildings and flashy bullet trains, old Kyoto is a quiet haven of contemplation and grace. Buddhism is still widely practiced, and the Zen gardens foster tranquility.