I had the best weather when I was in Kyoto. I couldn't have asked for better weather. Just a slight chill so it wasn't hot, bright sunny days with blue skies. One of the favoriate temples I visited was Tofukuji Temple. It was surprisingly big...as many of them are. Tofukuji was founded in 1236. It takes its name from two temples in Nara, Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji. It is one of the so-called Kyoto Gozan or "five great Zen temples of Kyoto". The Kyoto Gozan part of the Zen Gozan temples (five in Kyoto and five in Kamakura) were both protected and controlled by the shogunate. Like many places in Kyoto it was burned to the ground during a battles in 1319, 1334 and 1336 but rebuilt to its original plans.

The Sanmon Gate, Tokufuji's main gate, is the oldest gate of this type in Japan and is considered a National Treasure. The gate was rebuilt soon after the fires and has stood since 1425. This building is simply amazing. Made without a single nail. The entire building is made with joints.

My 21mm lens got an amazing amount of use in Kyoto. I couldn't believe how much I used it. I really love this lens. It gives you a great sense of space and scale.

Today’s configuration: Leica M6 and a Summilux 21mm f/1.4 with Kodak Ektar 100 film shot with a Leica M6.

I was initially planning on shooting on slide film but I am so glad I didn't because it was extremely bright out . The highlights would have been completely blown out.

The Southern Garden...

A simple beautiful karesansui dry garden...

The Northerns Garden... I bet this place is beautiful in the fall as all of the leaves change color.

I found the lack of traffic cones concerning in Kyoto. How do people know where to go? It must be so confusing...

I realized looking on that this temple keeps going and going...past the Tsuten Bridge. I easily could have missed this area. When exploring Kyoto I highly recommend to take it slow and see what each location has to offer. Often guides try to move you along but it is worth seeing what you can find. I bet I could go back to each temple 10 times and find something new each time.