Madter's Travel Adventures: Kyoto and Osaka..Japan! Konnichiwa!! (Hello!)

Did I catch you attention? Like what the heck is this? And why did she begin her album of beautiful Japan with this toilet looking thing? Ha Ha. This is my exact point. Shock Value.
Please meet, "Squatter." They are all over Asia. Many washrooms have Western Style and Squatter, but not so much in Japan. Bonus: Your quads get strong Ha ha.

In general; Kyoto was GORGEOUS!!!!! I went with my friend/co-worker Marcia. It is clean, full of temples, shrines, rock gardens, geishas, festivals for Cherry Blossom Season (April!)
Here is a Zen Rock garden. It is said to improve concentration while you look at it.

Marcia and I stayed at a Traditional Japanese homestay! It was an old home, made into accomodations. We LOVED it!

We ate on the floor, and to sleep we pulled the table over, cranked up the electric blanket and got out the comforters! Japanese styles!

We are walking the "Philospher's Path." Lined with Cherry Blossom Trees and this is the path that a university Prof, a Philosopher walked to work everyday. He said that his best thoughts came while walking this path.

I felt smart. SMRT.

Ah...LOVEDDDDD the beautiful Cherry Blossoms

SPRING has SPRUNG in the East!

Here we are at a once Emperor's Palace at the "Silver Temple." Not so Silver I realize. Go figure.

Cute little Japanese homes! :) (In the rain ... but that didnt' stop us. Just allowed us to take cute Rhianna Styles Umbrella pics!!)

In front of one of a million shrine! So beautiful!

In Kyoto Imperial Park (Similar to NYC's Central Park).

I LOVE this picture. These Japanese people saw Marcia and I taking pictures, then they took one of us. Then they asked if we could get in one with them on their camera. I couldn't pass up this opportunity for a picture with them. I feel like its a picture for a Canadian Comedy Show or something hehe.

In Kyoto Imperial Park!

AH...the GOREGOUS Golden Temple!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Made of Gold!!!

In Nanzen Temple confines...pretty scenery!

Ah no trip to Japan is complete without a picture with Sumo Wrestlers!

Or GEISHA SIGHTINGS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

These young girls were coming out of work (tea rooms) for performing arts, music, dancing. And of course hords of Foreigners run to take pictures of them. Poor little girls (...I am guilty too). haha

Okay so one day we went north of the city, and went hiking to Mt. Kibume. This fella is an old mythical creature. Parents told their kids that if they were bad, then he would come get them at night!