Kyoto was buzzing with visitors over the weekend, and on the main streets we were forced to move at a snail’s pace because of the crowds. But the good thing about Kyoto is that there are plenty of quiet places too.

In the middle of the busy Gion district is Kenninji Temple, the oldest Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto. It’s the area’s ‘inner sanctum’, if you like.

Most of the visitors headed straight for the temple itself, where there were amazing painted ceilings, but we were content to wander through the quiet gardens.

There was a little shrine where people wrote the prayers on wooden boards.

And as it was a zen garden, rocks were used all the way through.

The scenes that I liked most were the little signs that autumn was in full swing in the city.

We soon found out however that in Kyoto it was a luxury to enjoy such beauties in peace and quiet.

Our first destination was Kyoto – the former capital of Japan up until 1869. It was a place that I visited 9 years ago, but being at the tail-end of the tour, went by in a blur of temples. On this visit, things were taken at a much slower place.

We stayed in the old section, by the Kamo River, and had the opportunity to experience scenes from days past…

And from more modern times.

The old town had narrow streets that were intersected by picturesque canals.

Off the canals were what seemed to be hundreds of alleys full of restaurants, pubs, and entertainment venues.

And being a public holiday, everyone was in a festive mood – many dressing up…

Or even taking more traditional modes of transportation.

A fascinating mix of a city.