After 11 hours of travel and a bad back ache from my backpack, i am in Japan.  I am not 14 Hours ahead to EST in the US. The weather is warmer thank God, its about in the 40′s or 50′s.

First thoughts?

I forgot to mention this about China (but they are here too), but one in four people wear face masks like doctors wear. I am not sure if its to protect againt germs or the wind. They even have decorated ones. Its rather strange.

I had ramen noodles for dinner, which is a college snack in the US, but big here. The noodle place the hostel recommended was delicious.

The toilets here are impressive. The seats are heated and there are all kinds of push button controls. You can get some music, a nice refreshing bottom spray and it even emits air freshener. Best toilet in the world, hands down.

What is Kyoto known for? Its temples and shrines, the cultural essense of Japan (its the former capital and has an 1000 year old history) and architecture among other things. You can also still see Geishas or get some R & R in its bath houses.