A few hours later, walking from Ginkaku-ji, we got to Kiyomizu-dera, a temple in the middle of the mountains that leaves everyone in absolute awe with such beauty.

Old part of Kyoto, very traditional housing.

Every restaurant in this discrict has a custom of leaving a plate with sugar (?) at the entrance.

We passed by Maruyama Park again, on our way to Kiyomizu-dera.

Walking up to Kiyomizu-dera was definitely a great way to end a very tiring day, specially because we got to see the old streets of ancient Kyoto — also known as Higashiyama-ku.

Kiyomizu-dera, as almost everything in Japan, has to be experienced in person. It’s magical on a deeply spiritual level; so deep that it simply cannot be put into words. Truly one of the most beautiful, magical places on earth.

Entrance to Kiyomizu temple.

Quite the view from the veranda.

Kiyomizu-dera is popular for its large veranda on the main hall.

Pagoda at Kiyomizu-dera.

At dinner we tried the Special Kyoto Okonomoyaki surrounded by mannequins geikos that were a bit creepy, and while heading back to the hotel we saw a true Geiko, being assaulted by tourists paparazzi.

Awesome modern house in the Gion district, known for its traditional houses.

Creepy mannequin watching us having dinner

Kyoto-style okonomiyaki — it was good, but we’ve had better and more filling ones.

We wondered if the restaurant had been a brothel of some kind, given the decoration.

Walk to the hotel through Ponto-cho, known for this very narrow alleyway, home traditional tea houses and geiko activity.