Kyoto and Nara:

I'll let the pictures do the talking:

Rokuon-Ji, Kyoto. The pavillion is covered in gold leaf:


The gardens at Rokuon-Ji:


Tea rooms on the river front in Kyoto:


Todai-Ji, Nara:


The Virocaba Buddha inside is almost 15m tall:


Nara, from a temple on the hillside:


A beautiful garden in the smallest of spaces


Kyomizu-Ji, (Clear Water Temple):


Modern technology meets an age old ritual. UV Lights disinfect the long handled cups used to collect the temple's holy spring water:


Osaka University International Guest House is in the middle of a peaceful expanse of bamboo: