Lanterns at Jojakko-ji・常寂光寺の灯籠
Stone and wood lanterns on the steps at Jojakko-ji Temple.
Wandering around in the Nijo Castle area, roughly in the center of Kyoto, we stumbled upon this beautiful little shrine with water, a bridge and a boat. According to the signage, this was a favorite spot of Emperor Kanmu who originally set up Kyoto in the 9th century. This kind of ancient history pops up everywhere in Kyoto, that's one of it's most seductive features.
Cherry Blossoms at Hikone Castle
Looking out over Lake Biwa from the top of Hikone Castle.