Summer Vacation, Japan Trip, Part 2

Part 2 - Kyoto

Sorry for the late update, but there wasn't good wifi, so I'm posting this after the vacation.

After Osaka, we took a train to Kyoto 
(which is basically 30 minutes away).

I heard a lot about Kyoto being the heart of Japan's culture and traditions. We were extremely fortunate to arrive during the 'Gion Matsuri' festival, which is one of the biggest festivals in Japan.

During this festival, there is a huge parade, with floats decorated with lanterns. Everyone wears Kimonos.

The floats were decorated and ready to be paraded along the streets of Kyoto.

We then visited the ancient capital of Japan: Nara. 

Nara is known for it's three famous temples and parks. Something that's special about Nara, is the deer. After World War 2 - the government set free a lot of deer in the park. They roam around everywhere! 

The Todaiji temple, a five story pagoda and the Nara park filled with deer.

Next, we explored a street that had been preserved since historical times and saw a famous temple. Everything was extremely pretty. It felt we were in a different world altogether.

Famous temples in Kyoto and a few shops in the street we explored. 

We stayed in Kyoto for three days and I can say that it was an extremely cultural and spiritual experience. We headed to Tokyo next - by bullet train. 

The train station and the railroad.