Kyoto Trip: Yasaka and Kiyomizudera

The first thing we did when we got to Kyoto was head over to the Yasaka Shrine, which is right in Gion, the famous Geisha district.  Yasaka was especially beautiful at night, all lit up.  We ate dinner at a little restaurant in Gion; this was our first time sitting on tatami mats on the floor!  It was actually perfect for our little Benny that's always on the move and doesn't like to sit still on our laps anymore.

Another spot we visited in Kyoto was the Kiyomizudera Shrine.  Kiyomizudera means the "temple of clear water" and is famous for its cleansing and purifying water that runs out of the mountain upon which with the temple is located.  The way the temple and surrounding buildings are built on the mountainside is so stunning.  Unfortunately, while we were there, they were renovating several of the buildings, but even so, it did not take away from the beautiful setting and the views of Kyoto from the top.  

Here is Peter with our kids washing their hands and drinking from the natural fountain.  Hopefully they were thoroughly cleansed :)