Red spider lily with subdued color

Red spider lilies are one of the more unusual seasonal flowers you'll find in Japan. In Kyoto, they tend to bloom in September.

Horai Garden at Matsuo Grand Shrine 2

This garden represents Mt. Horai, a common theme in Japanese gardens. According to classical Chinese mythology, the paradise is home to immortal humans with magical powers.

Horai Garden at Matsuo Grand Shrine 1

This garden represents Mt. Horai, a common theme in Japanese gardens. According to classical Chinese mythology, the paradise is home to immortal humans with magical powers.

Lone white mushroom standing above moss

I'd love to get into macro photography. I'll need to get a macro lens. But for now, my telephoto zoom gets me fairly close.

Coins left on rock for good luck at Ishiyama Temple

I suppose people leave these here to make a wish. Must be small wishes considering the denominations.

Mist rises from large rocks at Ishiyama Temple (from side)

This was my first time to Ishiyama Temple, even though I've lived in neighboring Kyoto for 19 years. If I'd known it was this cool, I would have gone much sooner.

Mist rises from large rocks at Ishiyama Temple (from above)

No, there is no hot spring or volcanic vent below the frame. It's just mist sprayed by a machine. But I love the mysterious atmosphere it creates.

Fallen trumpet vine blossoms at Ishiyama Temple

I never was interested in gardens before I came to Japan. I'm certainly no expert, but over time, and especially after learning photography, I have come to appreciate them more, especially when I get down low.

Mist rises from large rocks behind stone lanterns at Ishiyama Temple

It was a magical scene on this overcast day. It must be even more enthralling at night.

Closed bellflower at Komyoin Temple

Shiny green beetle on a hydrangea at the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Snail on a hydrangea at the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Bellflower at the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Green garden at the Old Mitsui Family Shimogamo Villa

Hanachozu (flower art) at Gioji Temple

Cute tanuki (raccoon dog) statues at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Red spider lillies at Adashino Nenbutsuji Temple

Pink lotus flower suspended in space

Pink azaleas and a vermillion lantern on Shirakawa Street, Gion