On our recent trip to Kyoto we made the journey by car, some 500 kilometers starting from Saitama (on the outskirts of Tokyo) and taking about 7 hours of travel time. To beat the rush traffic we woke up around 5am and reluctantly embraced the subzero temperatures of Sayama’s winter morning.

(below) Takeshi fueling up the Suzuki Lapin (known affectionately as Nico-chan) before the long drive.

(above) Passing through the really long Ena Mountain tunnel, somewhere in Gifu. When we finally emerged the landscape has changed completely, the blanketing snow slowing traffic to a crawl.

Thankfully the snow has already stopped by the time we arrive in Kyoto, and we filled up on a tasty lunch at Falafel Garden. (below) Satisfied customers.

On the rooftop of our guesthouse, with a splendid view of Kyoto city and the mountains beyond.

(above) And here’s a slow-motion video of falling snow I took on my Iphone – I’ve forgotten the name of the Shrine we were visiting. You can see the HD version on my vimeo page.