There is a lot to see in Kyoto and we came here before heading north to see some of the sights, but now being here for three nights you get a real feel for the Old Kyoto. There is a long walk called the Philosophers path that we journeyed on today that lead us past temples and gardens, and into a little street lined with shops with handmade crafts and then closer to the main attraction, Kiyomizu Temple. Unfortunatey it along with other temples were under huge ta...

We walked through old Kyoto today. Saw many temples, shrines and old neighbourhoods. This picture is the famous Kiyomizu-dera temple. Lots and lots of walking...

Well, they say Miyajima has one of three magnificent views in all of Japan and I would have to agree. Today's rope way ride to the highest peak on the island was magnificent. Well, it didn't quite get us to the summit so we had a 1km hike straight upstairs. The reward was spectacular with a 360• view of Hiroshima and the Shikoku mountain range. There is an eternal flame here that has been lit for 1200 years by a monk Kobo Daishi, and it has been kept going ever...

Apparently, the deer in Miyajima are considered "wild". Don't feed or touch, but they might try to eat your map or sweater. This guy was interested in my iPhone.

We had a short train ride and a quick ferry trip to the lovely island called Miyajjima, south of Hiroshima. It is called one of three lovely views in Japan. We are staying in a lovely little inn which is close to the water and to the notorious Torii which is in the middle of the bay. Unfortunately the large red arch was damaged in a typhoon and is under renovation so we could not see the whole thing. But there is a beautiful temple right on the water looking out ...