A quick visit to Japan

I took my son for a whirlwind trip to Japan to show him where I grew up and to visit a dear friend in Osaka. We had a very busy schedule, so visiting friends was not an option, besides he'd be bored. That means little shopping too. Bummers.

From Tokyo, we took the Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to Osaka where my friend lives. The next day we went to Kiyomizu Temple in Kyoto, then the next day to Nara to see the big Buddha at Todaiji. A visit to Osaka Castle and then on back to Tokyo.

Shinkansen (Bullet Train)

Crowded Japan

Fields

Houses going up mountain sides

Local train: Hankyu Line in Osaka

very old cherry blossom tree

cleanse and purify before entering shrine

We tried as many vending machine drinks as possible

inner garden 

Kiyomizu temple grounds

Kiyomizu Temple

trains

guardian at temple

Todaiji Temple

Buddha at Nara

Osaka castle

food vendors

roof shingles with Peach corner shingle