Kyoto Tour

Kiyomizu-dera (清水寺), officially Otowa-san Kiyomizu-dera (音羽山清水寺) is an independent Buddhist temple in eastern Kyoto. The temple is part of theHistoric Monuments of Ancient Kyoto (Kyoto, Uji and Otsu Cities) UNESCO World Heritage site. (It should not be confused with Kiyomizu-dera in Yasugi, Shimane, which is part of the 33-temple route of the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage through western Japan.)

 <-------Photo not taken by me it came up on check in with Facebook

Kinkaku-ji (金閣寺, Temple of the Golden Pavilion), also known as Rokuon-ji (鹿苑寺, Deer Garden Temple), is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. The garden complex is an excellent example of Muromachi period garden design. It is designated as a National Special Historic Site and a National Special Landscape, and it is one of 17 World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto. It is also one of the most popular buildings in Japan, attracting a large number of visitors annually.

Nijō Castle (二条城, Nijō-jō) is a flatland castle located in Kyoto, Japan. The castle consists of two concentric rings of fortifications, the Ninomaru Palace, the ruins of the Honmaru Palace, various support buildings and several gardens. The surface area of the castle is 275,000 square meters, of which 8000 square meters is occupied by buildings.

Arashiyama  is a pleasant, touristy district at the outskirts of Kyoto. Its landmark is the wooden (now partially concrete) Togetsukyo Bridge with forested Mount Arashiyama as backdrop.

Togetsukyo Bridge

No closing hours, no admission fees.

Literally meaning "Crossing Moon Bridge", Togetsukyo with Mt. Arashiyama as backdrop is the symbol of Arashiyama. Riverside parks provide space for a pleasant break and great cherry blossom viewing in early April. In November, autumn colors are spectacular I had a great time, we arrived home an hour earlier than expected. I got some EXCELLENT photos of the temples I am excited about that! Also I will have a GIVEAWAY this week of n item I purchased in Arashiyama. **Photos were taken with my iPhone 3G, will post photos from my DSLR tomorrow