‘Ikura desu ka?’ How much does it cost? ‘How can you put a price on such beauty? A fair response for I’m talking about the absolutely stunning Kimonos depicting intricately detailed inked and dyed scenes that have taken up to two years to craft lovely readers. Just one of the highlights on the Kyoto to Osaka leg of the journey. Gallery’s, temples, hot springs, foods that initiate Instagram frenzy, bamboo forests, Geisha; such a culturally rich journey is this. A few highlights, all wrapped in shades of gold, with full stories for those interested in a deeper dive coming shortly:

Being blinded by The Kinkaku (The Golden Pavilion) / Rokuon-Ji Temple

Marvelling at the Tsujigahana-Dyed Kimonos in the ‘Symphony of Light’ exhibit at the Itchiku Kubota Museum, simply breathtaking. Stay tuned for the full story. (Oh! And photos sadly not permitted, this one found on Google)

Wallowing in hot springs and feasting while lounging in comfy Yukata and socks

Capturing the last of the cherry blossom reflections on the interior of the tunnel leading to the Miho Museum, an Architecturally astounding complex housing ancient Asian artefact (Stay tunes for full story)

Being overwhelmed at the sheer magnificence of Kyoto’s Kiyomizu Temple after a 5am start to beat the crowds.

Falling in love with this dancing beauty, that umbrella money shot, this prayer station.

Strolling through the Bamboo forest, with a billion fellow tourists and rewarded with honey ice cream.

Being almost templed out by day’s end at the Osaka Castle Park followed by a whole raft of feasting -but that’s a story for another day.