Kyoto Chaos: Lost in Translation (and a Light Rain)
ok, so i just landed in *Kyoto, and honestly? it’s a sensory overload in the best possible way. the air feels… damp, you know? not soggy, just… thick with humidity. the temp is hovering around a surprisingly mild 8.25°C, feels a bit cooler at 6.63°C - definitely layering territory. the pressure’s all over the place, 1018, and the humidity’s a solid 72%.
we’re talking a proper drizzle right now. not a downpour, more like a persistent mist that clings to everything. i just checked and it's...refreshing, for sure, hope you like that kind of thing. the locals seem unfazed, which is kinda cool. everyone’s got their little umbrellas, though. i'm sporting a slightly questionable raincoat that i snagged from a vintage shop back home. totally worth it.
my first impressions? utter bewilderment, followed by a weird sense of calm. it’s like stepping into a different dimension. the temples are stunning, of course - the Fushimi Inari Shrine is a must-see, even if you’re prepared for a lot of stairs. i wandered around a bit, trying to navigate the streets. honestly, google maps felt like it was having a tiny existential crisis.
photo tip: if you're into photography, bring a lens that can handle moody lighting. it really brings out the textures.
spent a good hour just people-watching in Gion. it’s like stepping back in time. all the wooden machiya houses and the occasional glimpse of a geiko hurrying by… it's magical. someone told me that the best way to experience Gion is to get completely lost in the side streets. and they weren't kidding. i ended up in this tiny little alleyway with the most amazing little tea shop.
“Don’t even bother with the tourist traps on Pontocho. Someone told me it’s all overpriced and the food’s mediocre.”
my accommodation is… interesting. it’s a traditional ryokan*, which is basically a Japanese inn. it’s super cozy, but sleeping on a futon on tatami mats takes some getting used to. and the onsen (hot spring bath)? pure bliss. totally worth stripping down in front of strangers. i heard that the public baths here are a really big deal - a proper social ritual.
food-wise? i’m in heaven. ramen, sushi, tempura… i’m eating my way through the city. i even tried some takoyaki (octopus balls) from a street vendor. it was… an experience. a little chewy, but surprisingly good. i’m planning on checking out this little ramen place near my ryokan - Yelp reviews are raving about it.
pro-tip: learn a few basic Japanese phrases. it goes a long way, even if it’s just ‘arigato’ (thank you) and ‘sumimasen’ (excuse me). i’m attempting to master ‘oishii’ (delicious), but it’s proving harder than i thought.
neighbors seem pretty chill. i saw a group of students heading to a nearby university - apparently Kyoto has a thriving student scene. if you get bored, Osaka is just a short train ride away. and Nara with the deer? totally doable for a day trip. i’m thinking of checking out a local board for events - might find a small concert or a cultural workshop.
this city is overflowing with history and culture. it’s overwhelming, sure, but in a good way. i’m feeling incredibly inspired right now. going to explore some more tomorrow - maybe check out a Zen garden or a traditional tea ceremony. definitely hitting up this recommended walking tour on TripAdvisor. it's supposed to be amazing, and a nice way to get my bearings. i'm definitely going to need more green tea to fuel all this exploring. and maybe a nap. a long one.
websites to check out: Japan Guide and Time Out Tokyo (Kyoto info is often covered there too).
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