Our day started with a private guided tour with Yuka. She took us to several temples and shrines, and explained all the artifacts and history. A cute temple had lots of colorful balls. They represented monkeys tied together on their hands and feet symbolizing restraint. The custom is to write on a “monkey” what you’d like to give up, and when you do your wish will come true.

At Kiyomizu temple there were a couple of modern art installations like this winged astronaut cat…

At any shrine they have many branches of shrines for specific purposes. We splashed our faces with water from the “beauty” shrine at Yasaka shrine. Can’t hurt.

Then we walked down Nishiki market. Packed with people and shops with foods, drinks, souvenirs and everything in between. We also found the Nintendo store!