Today we travel from Tokyo to Kyoto

We’re off to Kyoto today on a Japan Airlines Flight - just a little more than an hour away.
The name Kyoto - kyo + to, both have the meaning "capital." Founded in 794 as Heionkyo "Capital of Calm and Peace," it also has been known as Miyako and Saikyo.

Getting to and checking in at the airport was a breeze. They do have security but it’s not nearly as crowded as it is in the US.

Waiting for our flight to Osaka...

Not sure what boarding zone we’re in...😜

The flight was smooth and, as expected, the regional flight staff was great. They’re always so neat and put together compared to our American Airlines flights.

Kyoto and Edinburgh, Scotland are not only sister cities, but they also share many traits such as the lively street atmosphere and traditional culture.

We arrived in Kyoto and the driver who took us to the hotel was incredibly informative. He not only talked about Kyoto and it’s history, but also imparted info about Japanese predominant religions. He gave us a Kyoto map and shared suggestions for what to see, circling them on the map.

We learned religion in Japan is dominated by Shintoism (the ethnic religion of the Japanese people) and by Buddhism. Less than 40% of the population of Japan identifies with an organized religion; about 35% are Buddhists, 4% are members of Shinto sects and about 2% are Christians.

Our accommodations at the Hotel Monterey were very comfortable, and the staff was always so gracious. 
Here’s a little more info...   異国情緒あふれる館に招かれたような優雅なひととき。ホテルモントレはヨーロッパを中心とした様々なコンセプトで全国に展開しており、ホテルに一歩足を踏み入れた瞬間から、異国情緒あふれるホテルモントレならではの世界観を楽しんでいただけます。ご宿泊の際は、1日の締めくくりにほっとくつろいでいただけるあたたかさと機能性を兼ね備えた客室で。(just kidding...)

The hotel style is of Britain's traditional heritage. The design is based on the arts and crafts of Scotland, particularly Edinburgh.

The entrance hall...

The lobby...

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The lobby ceiling...

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Breakfast at the hotel... Many compartments for a wide variety of delicious food. 

The lounge is called the "Library", a nice place to sit and have a glass of wine. 

Attached to the hotel is the courtyard Chapel, St. Simon Zelotes. This chapel is a replica of its namesake in Upper Chelsea in London, with stone walls and stained glass windows.

A natural question concerning the quality of the drinking water, we found this explanation in our room. 

After checking in to our hotel, we went for a walk. We’re in the city and the streets are bustling with people, shops, restaurants and on and on.

Just a short walk from our hotel, we found a great sushi restaurant and enjoyed a delicious meal.