Kyoto...

Formerly the capital of Japan, Kyoto is known for being the city that strongly holds true to the traditions of the past. At first glance of the city, you wouldn't think so. It's just as big and modern and bustling as everywhere else... But once you find the little side streets with the handmade crafts and pottery... the old buildings with sod roofs... and the temples OH the temples... you do feel somewhat thrown back in time.

At this time of year, people flock (and I mean FLOCK) to see the beautiful maple trees change colour. The colours are vibrant and very breath taking. These maple leaves are quite smaller than the ones back home, and so there's an added curiosity for those from North America.

The crowds through our trip were insane. Think about being hearded out of a concert hall after a show... now times that by ten and try being caught in it for hours... and that was Kyoto. Mind you, that was only on the small street on the way to Kiyomiszu-dera (Clear water) one of the most famous temples in Kyoto (my batteries died so there are no photos of it here... sorry!).

Anyways... enjoy this series of photos...