Kyoto, Day 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 408 & 409

From Takayama I returned to Kyoto now that my rail pass expired. Kyoto is an amazing city, it is full of Japanese culture and tradition. There are hundreds of Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines. Even after a week in Kyoto I felt like I had only begun to see all the city has to offer.

My train ride to Kyoto,

Around central Kyoto,

 Some of the many beautiful temples, shrines and gardens around Kyoto,

Takayama & Shirakawa-go, Day 395

From Kanazawa I went to Takayama and Shirakawa-go. Shirakawa-go is a village in the mountains known for its traditional gassho-zukuri houses. My visit to Shirakawa-go,

The charming old town in Takayama,

Kanazawa, Day 391, 392, 393 & 394

I leave Kyoto and head to Kanazawa. I will spend more time in Kyoto later but currently I have a week left on my rail pass and want to use that time most efficiently. Kanazawa is a charming city with a lovely castle park and gardens.

The courtyside around Kanazawa,

 
The Kanazawa castle park,

Around Kanazawa,

Kenroku-en, one of the top 3 gardens in Japan,

The Nagamachi District,

Kyoto, Day 389 & 390

From Nikko I head over to Kyoto briefly to see a festival/parade.

My train ride to Kyoto,

A local shop,

The parade,

My lovely hostel in Kyoto,

Nikko, Day 386, 387 & 388

From Asahikawa I would take a long train trip to Nikko leaving the northern island of Hokkaido and returning to Honshu. I took a night train on the first part of my trip, Japan Rail robes are provided,

Nikko contains the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa Shogunate. Nikko is a beautiful place with many impressive temples and shrines,

Hiking the countryside around Nikko,

Mt. Asahidake, Day 385

From Asahikawa we went to the highest mountain in Hokkaido, Mt. Asahidake. My second documentary crew,

Mt Asahidake, we did not stay long since it was rather cold,

Lovely sights and weather closer to sea level,

Delicious ramen,