This laneway in Higashiyama that leads to the Hokan-ji Temple (commonly known as Yasaka Pagoda), is a hotspot for tourists and photographers. I arrived early, as I so often do, to ensure I had adequate time to scout around for the best location and to set up for the shoot. This time, I inadvertently arrived even earlier than I had planned. I somehow messed up my timing and arrived a whole two hours before sunset. As the laneway was abounding with visitors and I had been on my feet since 4am, I decided to stay put and simply do some people-watching while I awaited sunset.

What a beautiful place to be stuck for a couple of hours. Sitting on the side of the lane with nothing to do other than watch passers-by, was a lovely way to take a time-out. This laneway must be one of the most well preserved and certainly most picturesque lanes in all of Higashiyama.