Autumn in the Kyoto Area

Autumn is one of the busiest times in Kyoto. Thousands come to the area to visit the temples and view the autumn leaves. Despite a very early start our short train-ride Kyoto - Tofukuji was a crush!

Next, a bus trip to Takao in the mountains NW of Kyoto to see the World Heritage Kozanji and Gingoji temples

Then we hiked back along the valley to the Hozu River.

and finally, night illuminations of autumn foliage back in Kyoto...

Autumn in Kasai

Kasai is an area near Himeji we visited to view the coloured leaves.

The Hokkesan Ichijo-ji is a temple of the Tendai sect established by Emperor Kotoku in 650. It's number 26 in the 33-temple pilgrimage of the Kansai Kannon. It was a beautiful time to visit. 

Yoko told us that she would often picnic here as a child and teen from her hometown. Later we walked back to her childhood home.

Then we went to Furubokke for the mountain views. The last section was a little more challenging.

Autumn Festivals Himeji

Traditionally the autumn festivals celebrated the end of summer and a successful rice harvest.

 The Himeji International Festival had a sad wet beginning. Here the Himeji Castle princess mascot Shiromaruhime gets a little help from some of her faithful retainers... 

 We manned two booths at the Festival. The first one introduced the basics of Australian aboriginal dot painting to Himeji kids. The second was the Great Aussie Barbecue where we spruiked Aussie Beef (Oi oi oi!)

 Himeji castle hat?!

 Contemporary Ikebana.

 A man with a good head on his shoulders. We suspect he may have been promoting beer.

 Chiaki, Lyn & Yoko with samurai friends at a display of traditional Japanese arts & crafts.

 Local celebrity wrestler (actor?) in reenactment with ninja and samurai.

 Bonsai chrysanthemum.

 Japanese hunting birds - Falcon...

... and owl