Shinkansenning to Kyoto

Last weekend (10/10-13), J. and I took off to Kyoto for 3+ days of touring this ancient Imperial capital city. For over 1500 years, Kyoto was the center of power in the Japanese lands. Today, its a large commercial center that combines the modern elements of any large city with great preservation of its ancient Buddhist Temples, Shinto Shrines and Imperial Castles and Palaces. A fascinating place, no doubt. One minute, you're walking past the most modern building and in the next block, your faced with a 7th century temple. One interesting bit of geography was that there was a shogunate in the west of the city and one in the east - and they proceeded to fight in the center city. So, today, their battlefield is the modern core of downtown while all of their palaces and temples are on the perimeter. That requires a great deal of walking, I tell you!

Kyoto was one of the few major cities in Japan NOT bombed during World War II. In fact, as I've read, it was considered as a target for an atomic bomb because it was the 'intellectual capital' of Japan. Thanks to the urgings of then-Secretary of War, Henry Stimson, it was removed as a target and received relatively minor atacks and little damage. Therefore, its one of the few cities in Japan where pre-war buildings, as well as the historic sites, can be seen.

One of our favorite areas to visit was Gion, the old geisha district. While there are still the traditional teahouses and private houses where geisha entertain, the area across the river is now a bustling entertainment and arts district full of nightlife, street musicians, artists and other bohemian types. We saw a great impromptu concert down on the riverfront Saturday night by a band of twenty-something jazz musicians.

Great city full of history, great craftsman still making pottery, ceramics, silkscreen fabrics and merchants selling fresh fish and tea from tiny stalls. Oh, and I can't go without mentioning the shinkansen (the bullet trains)... That is THE way to travel! It was wonderful - and so easy, stress-free and worth every penny. Write your congressman and tell them to start investing in the same in the US - there is no better way to travel!

Some photos from our travels below.