Kyoto, Japan

After five days in Seoul we flew to Osaka and took a train directly to Kyoto, the cultural capital of Japan. We spent three days this easy-to-get-to-know city and have a first glimpse of Japanese style and culture. 

The first thing we did on arrival was order sushi to eat on the train; immediately providing entertainment for passengers watching me struggle!

We stayed in a traditional Japanese inn in Kyoto. Complete with futon beds and chairs without legs.

This hotel, and all others we stayed on while on our trip, provide Japanese robes and slippers which are meant to be worn in the public baths. 

Instructions to help foreigners navigate the robe and public bath etiquette. The gist of the public baths is: always wash before going into the bath, never wash standing up, don't wear your robe in the bath!

Decorations on the roof at the Imperial Palace

Silver Temple (Ginkaku-ji)

Torrential downpour at Ginkaku-ji

Kimonos braving the rain

Nanzen-ji temple

Golden temple (Kinkaku-ji)

Japanese omelette

Picturesque Pontocho Street at night

Sake collection in the convenience store

Sushi