Leaving Tokyo for Nagoya and Kyoto today. Nagoya is a third-largest city in Japan; it is a bustling megalopolis that will leave even the most demanding visitor satisfied… Museums, art festivals, parks, and a thriving auto industry (with Toyota at its helm) abound.

Kyoto, on the other hand, is a sleepy provincial gem with tiny ancient streets that still remember the grandeur of its days as the capital of Japan. Another manifestation of the modern and the old living side by side in this fascinating country…

Boarding the shinkansen (bullet) train that looks like it came from the future (and moves just as fast!)

Catching the glimpse of Mount Fuji as we speed through the waterways, rolling hills, and sleepy towns of Nippon…

The simple delights of childhood on a sunny afternoon in Nagoya.

Delicious yakitori!

In Japan, almost every action involves a certain type of ritual… Drinking sake is no different!

A quick stop for Udon noodles before we board the bullet train for Kyoto.

The news of the earthquake reaching us on the train…

The 2011 earthquake and tsunami have caused an unimaginable amount of grief, sorrow and devastation to the people of Japan. Yet, even in this moment of tragedy the Japanese culture has shined through with humility, acceptance, and determination to rebuild the affected areas. The people of Japan came together to begin conservation of power in Tokyo and other areas and to prevent panic and looting that inevitably follows it. The experience of visiting a country in the time of crisis and seeing its people react with such grace has enriched my own understanding of Japan and its way of life. 

Spending the night in Kyoto as we try to grapple with reality of the tragedy in Japan. We were blessed not to have been touched by it… And so we continue our trip…

Tiny streets of Kyoto full of mysteries and intriguing details…

Traditional ryokan hotel with the hot ofuro baths and tatami rooms.

Among other things, raw squid with tofu for dinner

Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the Golden Pavilion.

The pursuit of beauty, harmony, and peace…

Many people wear traditional clothes in Kyoto. It is in stark contrast with ultra modern Tokyo, where seeing kimono is a rarity.

The allure of the streets…

Kiyomizu-dera Buddhist temple… Wonderful views of the mountains and the city below… The road leading up to the temple is lined with small shops where you can find anything from souvenirs to crepes…

Temple monk begging for alms

Cozy bar in the heart of Kyoto

A local version of corn dog? Saw these goodies in a crowded fish market – the best place to be if you want to feel the real heartbeat of the country… Don’t forget to try the hojicha ice cream while you’re there!

Kyoto cultural excursion is incomplete without a visit to Kabuki theater… Crazy voices, insane decorations, martial dances… Cat-monster eats the neighbor and hero is saved by the princess… Amazing experience that makes me an inch closer to understanding the Japanese culture…

This was a really scary moment: the old lady kept turning into a cat monster and eating (!) her innocent victims… I was surprised how violent and graphic the scenes were…

A three-hour geisha transformation… How much detail and preparation goes into creating beauty!

Sayonara, Kyoto! You have charmed me with your secretive streets, ancient temples and quiet tea houses. You are the heart of Japan, its jewel and its sacred keeper of traditions and memories… I hope that we will meet again soon!