K's House and Kyoto Station

Here is the street that we are staying on. This picture is taken in front of the hostel. Note that all the houses are right up to the street , but behind those doors are small garden courtyards, some of great beauty.

K's House is a modern facility built into an older neighborhood.

Everything is changing in Kyoto. I didn't recognize the area around the train station, there has been so much construction since 1991, when I was last here. This is the interior of the new Kyoto Train Station, a huge impressive structure with Tourist Info, hotels and shopping, as well as, train terminal all in one. The roof structure caught my eye. It was designed by an Italian architect. The station reminds me of the grid work of Grand Palais or Centre Pompidou (two Parisian buildings from different eras.) My roommate who is a Parisian says that the reconstruction on the Grand Palais is almost complete, maybe someday I will be able to visit again and see the crystal beauty.

This is the main drag outside the train station, looking up to Kyoto Tower, a landmark that can be seen from all around Kyoto.