Kyoto - City of Temples

Kyoto differs more from Tokyo than I had expected. While the former is a bustling metropolis with skyscrapers and an extensive subway system, the latter is a much older-feeling place. Buildings are generally small (except for some temples and quite possibly the largest train station I've ever seen); the subway system is "basic" (at least by Japanese standards); and while busy, it doesn't feel as rushed. We have a tonne of photos of the amazing temples, but have decided to share only a few with you to give you a flavour.
The first two are of the stunning Kinkakuji Temple - aka the "Golden Pavilion" - so stunning that we decided to post two photos of it. (The one of the two of us is actually the best picture of the two of us taken all trip - tourists are surprisingly bad photographers!) And yes, it's actually all gold leaf. Next is Himeji Castle (a quick 200 km away - takes an hour by train). This castle was amazing, but your entire 3.5 hour tour is spent in a lineup making your way through the castle - something we've never experienced before.
The rock garden of Ryoanji temple is actually quite popular among the Japanese themselves - and every rock garden is so well thought-out, it's hard not to appreciate. Finally is Heian shrine (where we watched the very traditional wedding), with the last photo being the street that leads up to the shrine. 75 straight days without rain, followed by rain on the 76th, 77th, and 78th! The weather in Canada is actually nicer at the moment than here.
Anyway, tomorrow we leave Osaka for Takayama - our last stop other than our airport hotel on the last night. We're feeling mixed emotions at the moment, but are looking forward to a couple days in the mountains.