A window into the past🚃 Catching a glimpse of the Yakushiji Temple from the Kintetsu Line. There is something magical about seeing a UNESCO World Heritage site while on the move. 📍Nara Prefecture 🇯🇵

A morning stroll along Kamo River 🌿 The mornings are still cool here in Kyoto, but the daytime highs are pushing past 30°C(86°F). Feels like summer has officially arrived. 📸05/17/2026

Aoi Matsuri: Kyoto's Heian Procession🌿 Every May 15th, Kyoto honors a 1,500-year-old tradition with pure, quiet elegance. Over 500 participants in authentic imperial robes escort ox-drawn carriages and the Saio-Dai (the high priestess in a 60-lb kimono) along an 8km route.

View from a Train Window in Nara.

The view from the train window leaving Kyoto Station for Nara. Sometimes, the journey is the destination—especially when the view looks like this.

One Day in Kyoto: After arriving at Kyoto Station, I headed to the Kyoto University Hospital. Afterward, I returned to explore the station area—a masterpiece of modern architecture.

Tonight’s Sunset Over Kyoto

Fresh Greenery by the Kamo River and the Entrance to the Kyoto Botanical Garden🍃🌿

Kamogawa Delta in Lush Greenery 🍃

Kyoto in the Rain: Wandering Takano and Ichijoji☔️🚶

Kyoto Station: A gallery of a thousand stories.

Kyoto Station: A masterpiece of modern structural aesthetic.

Kyoto Station: A modern architectural aesthetic🚶🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🧳

A stroll beneath the lush greenery along the Shirakawa Canal in Kyoto🌿

Morning at Kamogawa Delta in Kyoto🌿 Golden Week is over, and it’s back to everyday life.

Tonight’s Sunset Over Kyoto

Strolling Through Kyoto’s Lush Greenery🌿

Peony and Bearded Iris in Bloom🌺🪻

A Walk Through Fresh Greenery Along the Kamo River🌿

Morning light over the stepping stones at the Kamogawa Delta. Spring’s fresh green and a sky brushed with rippling clouds—Kyoto waking gently to the day.

In Japan, we call this vibrant new growth shinryoku. It’s the breath of fresh air between the cherry blossoms and the heat of summer🌿🍃

A quiet morning walk under the canopy of wisteria and new leaves🌿

Clouds racing across the sky in the strong wind💨 📸05/01/2026

Torii gate amid lush greenery 🍃⛩️

The vibrant emerald of the maples has taken over Shimogamo Shrine. From the quiet path to the grand entrance the "fresh greenery" season is at its peak. There is a unique energy in Kyoto when the new leaves finally outshine the blossoms.

Kawai Shrine and the approach to Shimogamo Shrine, now draped in lush greenery. The Aomomiji (green maples) create such a peaceful canopy over these sacred grounds⛩️🌿

Stillness found within Tadasu-no-Mori. This sacred grove has been protected for over a thousand years, even predating Shimogamo Shrine⛩️. The late spring sun filtering through fresh maple leaves creates a world of pure, vibrant emerald.

Kyoto City Center at Dusk✨

Fresh greenery along the Takano River 🌿 Spring light, gentle water, and that peaceful rhythm that Kyoto can offer. Just an ordinary day — and yet, it feels special. A peaceful reminder that the seasons are always moving forward.

Wisteria Trellis in a Neighborhood Park🍃

Glimpses of Kyoto’s fresh greenery: A morning stroll by the canal 🍃🌿

Descending from the emerald shade of Shinnyo-do, back into the rhythm of the city. The view of the mountains from the cemetery is one of Kyoto’s best-kept secrets. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

The Emerald Season at Shinnyodo Temple 🌿 Beyond the iconic pagoda lies a world of shimmering "Aomomiji" (green maples) In late spring, the temple transforms into a quiet sanctuary of light and shadow.

From the towering three-storied pagoda to the intricate eaves of the main hall, everything is wrapped in a sea of fresh greenery. It is the perfect moment to witness where ancient wood meets the vibrant energy of the new season.

Spring Greenery at Shinnyodo Temple🍃🌿 Bathed in late spring sunlight. While the world waits for autumn colors, the fresh green maples are putting on their own spectacular show right now. Kyoto’s quiet side is often the most beautiful. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto

Morning sky⛅️

Kamogawa Delta & Mitarashi dango (Sweet soy-glazed rice dumplings) 🍡 The lush greenery season has arrived in Kyoto. At Kamogawa Park, Japanese kerria are in bloom around a bench shaped like a dango skewer. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Weeping Japanese Maple, hellebore & Iris🌿🪻

Shingu Shrine adorned with lush greenery ⛩️🍃🌿 Tucked away on the quiet outskirts of Kyoto, this hidden gem is a sanctuary primarily cherished by locals. In spring, the grounds transform into a sea of fresh, brilliant green.

Nature’s Mirror🌿 Finding total stillness at Takaragaike Park. There’s something so grounding about seeing the spring sky twice—once above and once in the water.

A magnitude 7.5 earthquake struck off the northeastern coast of Japan at 4:52 PM local time today. A tsunami warning has been issued for waves of up to 3 meters. Small waves of 0.2 m & 0.8 m have already been detected. Authorities have issued evacuation orders as residents move to safer areas.

Springtime at Takaragaike Park, with fresh green momiji, double pink weeping cherry blossoms, and three-leaf azaleas🌸🍃

Spring walk in Kyoto’s Ichijōji neighborhood, where narrow alleys crisscross and you might (happily) get a little lost. If you’re lucky, a beautiful view of Mt. Hiei will be yours.

Cherry blossoms and tanuki statue at Tanukidanisan Fudo-in. The perfect final view overlooking the city after the climb. 🌸⛰️

Tanukidanisan Fudo-in Temple, nestled in lush greenery🍃🍃 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City Descending from the main hall to the entrance.

Escape to the Hidden Peaks of Kyoto ⛰️🍃 Tucked away onMount Uryu, Tanukidanisan Fudo-in is a sacred gem with a quirky twist. Known for its 300 stone Tanuki statues, this temple isn’t just a visual wonder—it’s a powerhouse for success and health. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

Escape the crowds at Saginomori Shrine⛩️ Just a stone’s throw from Shugakuin Villa, this hidden gem is a dream of lush green maples and blooming sakura. The "carpet" of red camellia petals against the fresh spring greenery is pure magic🌿🌸

Finding the quiet corners of Kyoto at Manshu-in Monzeki🌿 There’s a specific kind of magic in the "Ao-momiji" (green maple) season, especially when punctuated by the vibrant purple of three-leaf azaleas. A moment of pure shinrin-yoku (forest bathing).

A quiet moment at Manshuin Tenmangu, mirroring the season in its still waters. The beautiful purple blossoms of the three-leaf azalea are in full bloom. 📍Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City

A final flurry before the leaves turn green 🌸🦌 📍Takano River (Kyoto City)