Custom bamboo covers for traffic cones protecting front porch of the building from bikes and cars. Aren’t they adorable? #onlyinkyoto kind of thing.

After living in Kyoto for more than one year I finally realized I need to confirm something that has been raising doubts in my head every time I walk past Gion district. What's the difference between geisha and geiko? And who is maiko? A friendly bartender explained: "geiko" is just a Kyoto-way of saying "geisha". And maiko are geisha's students, both in Kyoto and elsewhere. However, it's not easy to tell which one is which from just their appearance. Here's a short instruction, now try guessing who I captured in these photos.

While I’m very busy preparing for my trip to Hokkaido, please enjoy some snowy Makoto Sinkai-style anime scenery. First time seeing snow in Kyoto

First day in Hokkaido. Desolation, cold, extreme beauty and cosily forgotten houses in small towns connected by a narrow railway track running along the seashore.