Japan - a Photographic Journey Kyoto Part 2, Kyoto, Japan

Kyoto is a city so dynamic and historical that it warrants two blog posts. The city has some of the most scenic temples and landscapes. Here, I will cover the top sights to photograph in Kyoto.

It is said that if you visit Kyoto without seeing the Kiyomizu temple, then you have not really visited Kyoto. It is a Buddhist temple that sits above Kyoto with gorgeous panoramic views of the city. One of the best times to visit is in November, which is when we visited for the autumn maples. The entire forest surrounding the temple was red with maple leaves, which makes for great photography.

This temple is also home to many fun superstitious activities. My favorite is drinking from the Otowa waterfall, which is supposed to give you superpowers. There is also the "love rock" which promises visitors success at love if they are able to reach a rock a few feet away while closing their eyes. There are also numerous good luck charms that tourists can purchase, including ones that promise "luck on exam" and "safe travels". While I am not the most superstitious person, I must say that after being at a site as ancient as the Kiyomizu temple, which was built in 798 and still intact, I did feel a slight hint of superpowers coming on. ...... (follow the instructions below for accessing the rest of this article).