Kyoto in 5 pictures

After flying back into Osaka from India, I spent the next afternoon in Kyoto. Famous temples blahblahblah. Honestly, maybe I need someone to show me the best spots, but I wasn't that impressed.



Kinkakuji, the Golden pavilion, which is definitely the #1 draw of Kyoto, was a major letdown. I've been to a lot of temples and shrines in Japan, and this temple, although beautiful, lacks overall.

The best part about the temples in Japan are the grounds. They're beautiful, and its so nice and peaceful to just be able to walk and enjoy them.

Kin was nothing like that. It was a moving assembly line of people. You basically pay $4 to take pictures of the temple. Beyond the picture, its not a good place to visit. You could just steal someone else's picture and pretend you were there--no one will know since everyone takes the EXACT same picture.

Beautiful, no doubt.

kin=gold
gin=silver

Ginkakuji, although under renovation, which sucks, is definitely more of a temple like you would want to experience. The grounds and area surrounding Gin is MUCH more of what Kin should be. Kin is all roped off with paths, and is very tiny. While Gin offers you a bit more breathing room and more room to walk. And certainly less crowded.

To me, this is real Japan as it stands now. No matter how far you go, no matter where you are, this is quintessential to me. Bicycles, scooters, manholes, small roads, poles, and sign posts.