These paper lanterns serve to display the supporters/patrons of a local shrine. Our walking tour guide had his displayed (the one that says "Walk this Way")

A dragon fountain so that worshippers at the shrine could drink and cleanse themselves.

Our walking tour was treated to a kimono dressing by a local woman. She dressed each of us in a kimono, then we posed for pictures.

A knotted cord hanging in the display case of a cord shop.

A traditional Japanese sweet shop.

There were many, many vending machines in Japan. One could buy anything from canned coffee to soda, to cigarettes or beer from the machines.

This Nintendo sign was on a relatively small building located next door to the original home and factory of Nintendo playing cards. Nintendo started off as playing cards long before it became the video game giant. One can still purchase the original Nintendo playing cards.

The walkway to a shrine in Kyoto.

These are prayers written on pieces of wood in the shape of gourds displayed just outside a shrine.