Nara the land deer

Deer giving kisses

Nice day for a casual stroll around the temple...It's as if they have no idea they live in one of the most famous areas of Kansai

A not-wise deer trying to steal crackers from one of the vendors...just outside the shot is the woman holding her wooden deer-beating stick, distracted by a small child and his parent. 

Warnings of what can happen if you don't feed them fast enough! 

New Year's Day in Kyoto

As was the case with New Year's Eve, New Year's Day was relatively quiet. The big shebang all took place at Heian Shrine. We were told almost a million people go through the Shrine around New Year's, so it was no surprise when we found the streets lined with food stalls.

A popular New Year's tradition is to eat like a gluten on New Year's Day. If you, like us, love Japanese junk food, then this is your day! Okonomiyaki the size of your head, take-what-you-want yakisoba, and so much more!

Veggie okonomiyaki! 

Toji Temple Market

 A few photos from our recent trip to the Toji Temple market. This once a month market is not to be missed by tourists! Many tourist goods are sold along side tasty Japanese stall food (like the mochi balls being made in the photo). There was a large asortment of bonsai, house plants, fabric for yukatas, and all kinds of other things. many websites warn you to go early, and they are right! We went around 10am and it was a mad house!

*The market is on the 21st of every month

This is the first time we have see pine nuts for sale at the markets. I'm sure they were not any more cost effective than in the U.S. 

We know what the fox says...Ohaiyo! Samui desu ne! 

Amidst the bustle of the market, temple men walk through the crowds, reminding everyone of why the market is happening. 

Training kids to love pachinko! These antique pachinko machines are for kids to play for prizes. 

bonsai for sale, some of which were in the $150+ range! 

Colorful spray painted succulents for holiday decorations

Fushimi Inari Shrine

The weather has gotten really cold in Kyoto, which is making for awesome hiking weather! This past weekend, we started the Kyoto trail! If you are unfamiliar with this trail, it begins at Fushimi Inari Shrine and winds around the border of the city and ends in Arashiyama. As we have never been to Fushimi Inari, we spent most of the hike at the temple and on a series of unofficial trails on the grounds. Well known for its thousand Tori gates, we were pleasantly surprised by the variety and uniqueness each one actually has.

here are a few shots of the shrine and hike:

The classic fushimi inari photo...

The whole area was littered with cemetaries

Kyoto leaf changing, coming to an end...there were still a few signs of the coveted colors. 

This is how they take beverages up to the cafes and shops...on their backs

Painting the shrine and tori gates is a full-time job! 

Fun with Google Photos! ...sadly it wasn't actually snowing