Kyoto

Arashiyama bamboo at dawn

The bamboo grove before the crowds.

Cherry blossom season in Kyoto

One week, Philosopher's Path at dawn, picnic under the trees like everyone else.

Fushimi thousand gates dawn

Senbon torii before crowds, mountain top views after.

Gion evening walk

Lanterns, machiya and maybe a geiko slipping by.

Japanese crash course in Kyoto

Hiragana in a week, keigo never. Tea ceremony field trip included.

Kinkaku-ji gold reflection

The Golden Pavilion mirrored in the pond.

Kurama hot-spring hike

Forest trail to the mountaintop onsen town.

Matcha parfait in Uji

Ceremonial grade, layers deep. Day trip from Kyoto.

Nishiki Market tasting walk

Four hundred meters of tofu, yuba and tamagoyaki.