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.)

Pontocho

Pontocho is a long and narrow alley with lots of restaurants and bars lined up on both sides by the Kamo River.
Photo: Entrance of Pontocho

This famous dining area gets extremely busy in the evening with lots of tourists and locals.