"...and i'll follow you into the dark."

Walking through the Gojo area at night, up a small street lit with lanterns, the sound of singing children in the distance...these all made for a magical night. Kiyomizu Dera is perhaps one of the most famous places to visit in Kyoto. If not Japan. It has been known for surviving various earthquakes, and it is actually a candidate for one of the Seven Wonders of the World!

I happened to visit on the occasion of the Hanotouro festival. During the next two weeks at the temple grounds, visitors can walk around at night to view the lit up structure and the lanterns that light up the trees and walkways that line the temple. This temple is nestled on the side of a mountain, and as I approached the red gates, I couldn't help but feel I was made for this moment. Light seemed to bring out every detail of the pagodas and the blemishes in the wood of the platforms. I turned around to be greeted by an entire view of the city sky line at night.

I looked into the distance and saw a smaller pagoda lit up, also surround by lanterns, and bare trees anxiously awaiting to be clothed in cherry blossoms.

My friend Bill and I walked around on the creaky wood floors of one part, where various people were bowing before a small buddha. I think the light at night here will always be something that is etched in my mind as a memory of Japan. So much so, that I get goosebumps as I sit here writing this. At every corner, we saw something new. Something I had never seen before. I wish that I could be present at ever moment. Hoping not to forget any details.

We then proceeded into Teapot Lane, various stores and such with japanese pottery, parisals, tea and sweets. While we were chilled to the bone, we were stopped by a store man who was offering us some green tea, and we sat by a small heater to enjoy our japanese sweets. After warming ourselves, we disovered there were more side streets to be strolled down. All lined with lanterns. We took our time, studying the old homes, the stoney streets, and the stary skies above.

I feel like Kyoto always makes me yearn for something I never had. It always seems to make a heavy impression everytime I visit there. Especially at night. Magic it is. And a little bit of mystery as well.