Fragrance of Spring

Plum blossom is the sign of spring. The very famous "Baika-sai" (plum blossom festival) at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine will be held on February 25, and Maiko and Geiko in traditional kimono will serve tea in the garden.
Photo @ Yasaka Koushindou in Gion.

Toji Temple and Famous Flea Market

Toji Temple, located in the south of Kyoto Station, hosts a flea market on the 21st of each month; the best known flea market in Kyoto.

Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower was built in 1964, and became a landmark of the city. It's also the tallest building (131 meters) in Kyoto. You can enjoy panoramatic views from the top of the tower. It's located right in front of the main Kyoto station.

Yasaka Pagoda in Gion

This is a poster of "Keihan Dentetsu" trains which run between Kyoto and Osaka, and it reads "Let's go to Kyoto." The Yasaka Pagoda is frequently used for the image of Kyoto.

Byoudouin Temple

This world heritage temple is located in Uji City in Kyoto. You may have seen this building; it is used for the design of Japanese 10 yen coin.

Look where he's drivin!

I'm afraid I can do this...

Traditional dessert "Zenzai"

Zenzai is a very traditional Japanese dessert made of azuki (red beans). The combination of a very warm red bean soup and white sticky mochi (rice cake) looks pretty and tastes great! This porridge-like dessert is especially enjoyed during winter.
Photo @ "Bun-no-suke Cafe" near Kiyomizu Temple.

Fire fighter

I visited the fire station in Shimogyo Ward and there was a mascot greeting at the entrance. So cute!

Ebisu (Yebisu)

A scene of New Year's festival of Ebisu Shrine. It is located in the Yasaka Shrine of Gion. Ebisu is one of the seven lucky gods and the only one to originate from Japan.

Amazing "Daikon"

This is a daikon (Japanese radish) harvested from my father's garden. We have seen a lot of daikons with 2~3 legs but have never seen anything like this. It's like a hand; the sign of prosperities!

Banner in the Kamo River

The banner says "Grow big, Ayu of Kamo River." Ayu (=sweetfish) is very popular for Kyoto cuisine, and they stock the river with the Ayu fry every year.

Heian Jingu Shrine

This is the most popular destination in Kyoto for prayers to visit on New Year's day.

"Fake" Maiko Girls

Maiko girls that you see during day time are mostly tourists who enjoy Maiko outfit. You can see lots of these fake Maikos around Kiyomizu Temple and Yasaka Shrine. When you visit Kyoto, why don't you try Maiko outfit and walk around temples and shrines? (Maiko is an apprentice geisha.)