Kyoto, Japan

Our last stop on this adventure is Japan. We are flying in and out of Tokyo and are using rail passes to head south on the bullet trains to Kyoto and Hiroshima. We are currently at a 15 hour time difference between Japan and Colorado.

We had read that the Japanese very much value their customs and traditions and ensure they are passed on to future generations. This is very evident walking through the cities, even with populations in the millions the cities are incredibly clean and everyone is very respectful of each other. Nobody leaves trash in the road or gum on the sidewalks, the taxi drivers wear a suit and tie and keep meticulously clean cars. Bus drivers wear a white shirt, tie, and white gloves.

Having said that there are many beautiful Japanese temples and gardens we found in Kyoto that are protected. Because the temples were tourist attractions it was really great because school kids visiting the temples would come up to us and ask if we would have a conversation with them so they could practice their English. Often times they would give you a paper crane that they folded themselves as a thank you for taking time to chat with them. We learned that paper cranes are a sign of peace.

More about Hiroshima and Tokyo in the next few days!