Old City

With Bright Touches

The mild weather is dissipating here, and today was cool, windy and overcast. The colors did not look quite so brilliant. Instead we saw many, many colorful kimonos today as we visited the old section of Kyoto.

First we walked along the river-

Then we visited temples-

The first had enormous walls and boulevards, but no access to the buildings.

In beautiful parks -

And more temples-

Shinto temples have fox guardians.

Then we strolled the shopping district, which some of us (female) enjoyed and others did not. 

Here are the clogs worn with kimonos and one-toed white socks.

This was one of several very long shopping arcades.

This was an odd fish in the stream, Spanish Baroque architecture in the midst of old and modern Japanese styles.

At dusk, we found this bright vermillion temple complex.

Then we walked and walked the back streeets, seeing more kimonos and more traditional wooden structures and beautiful landscaping.

Until we happened upon this pagoda, the first we have seen. It was in the glowing light of the setting sun, so it’s intricate beam construction was prominent.

After that we continued up the shop-lined hill and saw these more gaudy and less savory kimono wearers.

And these gorgeous scented lilies before a shop. Many houses and businesses have flower arrangements in front of them.

And this pottery throwing class, which looked enticing.

Until the dark settled in and we took the subway back to our abode.