A train leaves Hamaotsu station in city of Otsu
Otsu city located on the southern end of Lake Biwa briefly served as the capital of Japan from 667 to 672 AD during the Asuka period (538 – 710). The area of the city has an old historical feel to it as you roam the neighborhoods. I visited a local bar that is still running for over 50 years unchanged.
Old shops line the empty streets of Otsu
Heading North from Otsu station towards Lake Biwa and Hamaotsu Station a street lined with many old shops mostly catering to locals. The area is slowly dying as most young residents move to large cities for employment.
Another warm day in Kyoto.
The sun beating down from above along with the humidity is a common feature in Kyoto. It is well known that summers and winters in the city can be undesirable compared to other parts of Japan.
A river slowly flows from the mountains down through Kyoto’s old streets. Bicycling or hiking the outskirts of Kyoto has many rewards not found via bus tours. Kyoto Japan is more than temples and shrines, one just has to wonder just a bit further.