Kyoto temples and palaces.

We did a half-day tour in Kyoto today with a bus full of fellow gaijin (foreigners).

First stop: Nijo Castle. The only photos I have are exterior shots -- we were not allowed to take pictures indoors.



Inside, the "nightingale floors" squeaked eerily as we walked on them. They were built this way as a security system, warning the shogun who lived there of possible intruders. The walls are decorated with ornate wood carvings and intricate paintings.

Afterwards, Kinkaju-ji Temple. It started to rain rather heavily.


This crane was real. We watched it catch a fish.


Finally, Kyoto Imperial Palace.


That was only the first half of the day.