![Cosplayer girl at Heian Shrine](http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2875/9696115550_ff111e2221_z.jpg)
I've been in Kyoto the past few days because I was invited to screen my short films and give a talk at Kyoto University on the 6th of September.
![](http://i44.tinypic.com/117tnax.jpg)
The following day, I decided to explore Kyoto. (my last visit in Kyoto was December 31, 2008, and chronicled on this epic video, that's a lifetime ago) My first thought was to go to the Philosopher's Path and the legendary Ginkaku-ji for a leisurely stroll. My last visit there was in 1999-2000, my memories of that place were entirely hazy.
After lunch, I hopped onto a bus, heading towards my intended destination.
However, when I passed by Heian Shrine 平安神宮, a few things caught my eye: