My last business trip of the year was a 15-day trip to Tokyo for three meetings. This also meant that I had to spend the Thanksgiving holiday in Japan.

*boooooooooooooooo*

I decided to take advantage of this time, bought a Japan Rail Pass, and ventured off to the West… My original plan was to explore Kyoto on Thursday, hike up Kōyasan on Friday, and then head to Miyajima on Saturday, but work kind of threw a wrench into those plans.

My first meeting ended with some unfinished business, so I spent Thanksgiving working from the hotel in Kyoto. I did take a break to venture off to Kiyomizu-dera at sunset.

Kyoto Station

From the station, I took a bus towards Kiyomizu-dera and I walked up the hill towards the temple.

Even though it was a weekday, the temple was packed since the Autumn colors were peaking.

Lots of folks were dressed up. I had my fanny pack and camera ready.

The photo does the scene no justice. The trees were glowing and basking in the golden evening light. It was quite the sight.

Lingering light…

On my way back to the hotel, I found a fire station art contest! Kawaiiiii!

I worked until night, and found dinner at Kyoto Station.