My time in Japan was coming to an end in Osaka, my last stop before flying back home. On the train from Kyoto, there was a strange sadness taking over my overall mood. I didn’t want my holiday to end. Certainly I didn't feel like I was done with Japan - in fact, on my … Continue reading Osaka – the city refusing to take life too seriously
When I found out Jidai Matsuri was happening on the 22nd of October, precisely when I was planning on being in Kyoto, I was jubilant. And I had good reason. Every year on the 22nd of October, Kyoto celebrates its history with a long parade with over 2,000 volunteers dressed in authentic, detailed costumes representing … Continue reading A Gallery on Jidai Matsuri – I was in Kyoto when it was its birthday
I don’t know what it is that I adore more about Shinto. The undeniable connection with nature. The Kamis, their presence, their spirits. Or the elevation of animals to sacredness. We’ve spoken about the deer in Nara, from woodland munchers to sacred messengers. We’ve also talked about the looking back rabbit of Uji, the carp … Continue reading Fushimi Inari – a place of pilgrimage, not photoshoots
Was it crazy to do Nara and Uji on the same day? I don’t think so. Would I have liked to make it slower? Yes. But I had limited time… and I know I can start a day very early. Toda-ji Temple And that’s precisely what happened. I was in Nara at 7:30am. Which was … Continue reading Nara and Uji in one day from Kyoto. P.S. The deer aren’t that polite
My third day in Kyoto started with a slow morning, had busy middle and a wonderful non-crowded ending. I was going back to Gion for something very special I had booked months before - a Tea Ceremony with a Kimono experience at MAIKOYA Gion. Wearing a Kimono and a Tea Ceremony I have always found … Continue reading Golden Silk and Pitch Black: a Day of Rebirth in Kyoto
The Winged Bone 