Just awhile ago, I went to Kyoto + Nagoya with my family. It’s different compared to my Tokyo + Osaka trip — less hectic. There were no men in suits/peak hour crowd, no elevator woes (strictly standing on one side). Just really quiet and laid back.

Nijo Castle 二条城 was the first sight-see visit we went to after dumping all our baggage at Sakara¹. Through the Kara Gate and into the Ninomaru Palace, I saw the old rustic interior — historic painted ceilings, ancient akarishōji 明り障子², fusuma 襖³ — and was quite amazed by how the entire place was filled with only daylight. I’m quite sure I did not see any other light source.

PS: No photography in the Ninomaru Palace but I do have photos prints & patterns of the exterior :)

¹A japanese style ryokan in western comfort, where my family and I stayed for the week
²Paper screen doors for admitting light
³Paper sliding doors