Nara

My posts on this trip will mostly be photologues since I did the writing portion in analog form, and am too lazy to retype it. But a significant conclusion is that I'm starting to understand the idea that the people you meet makes the trip extra magical. While I made good friends at Kyoto, this volunteer tour guide at Isuien is the definite highlight of my daytrip to Nara.

 The deers are only exciting for the first couple of sightings :(

 The tour guide even recommended such a great place for lunch.

Osaka Slice #1

While Kyoto is predominately a historic city to the tourists, Osaka is predominately a modern one. So here's a couple of snaps of its modern side.

Uji

I enjoyed walking beside Uji river more so than philosopher's path, the water was mightier and hardly ran into anyone.

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Was in a rush off to Osaka, so didn't go inside the main building. The photo is also deceptively serene, in actuality the site was fairly crowded.

Kyoto slice #4

Slice #4 is Philosopher's Path, an exceedingly pleasant stroll. I'm rather ashamed that I haven't been to the similarly named path at UT.

Kyoto slice #3

Slice #3 is other sights, though I don't mean to diminish their significance by grouping it together.

 Roof of Kyoto Station, not actually a good spot to see the sunset.

 Yasaka Shrine (八坂神社)

 Heinan Shrine (平安神宮)

 Old Rohm Theatre building that's now a really awesome Tatsuya bookstore storefront. 

 Fushimi Inari Shrine (伏見稲荷大社)

 Ippodo!! Tried their best gyokuro, did not know that tea could be so umami, mind blown.

 To contrast, % Coffee (arashiyama branch), friend ordered a latte for me, it was very good.

 Nishiki market, quite an overwhelming experience with an overload of choice

 Nijo Castle, learning a bit of the history here gave more context to several mangas that I'm following

 Tora-ya, an exceedingly pleasant experience eating in their outdoors space. Bonus for atmospheric light rain falling.

The rain got heavier by the time I walked to the imperial gardens, no complains aside from it's difficult talking photos while holding an umbrella.

Kyoto slice #2

Slice #2 is temples, which there are an abundance of in Kyoto.

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺) - I enjoyed walking along the back mountain paths much more than the main temple grounds where there are far too many people in May.

Koda-ji (高台寺) - there are lots of statues to spot

Kennin-ji (建仁寺) - I am so impressed by the garden of this particular sub-temple, thank you Kyotographie for bringing me here. I can only wish to sit on the porch on a lightly raining day, sipping tea. 

 
Ginkaku-ji (銀閣寺) - the moss is gorgeous, but alas too popular of a sight.

Honen-in (法然院) - my favourite spot along the philosopher's path

Tofuku-ji (東福寺) - tentatively my favourite temple grounds, I regretted not sitting here for longer.