Kyoto Chaos: Lost in Translation (and Matcha)
okay, so 1697624... what even is that? looked it up. turns out it’s a bunch of random numbers. same with 1608045841. feels like the universe is just throwing data at me today. and the weather? apparently, it’s like a humid hug - temp 30.23, feels like 33.71. not gonna lie, definitely a thing.
I’m in *Kyoto, Japan. and it’s… a lot. i’m a freelance photographer, so my whole trip revolves around chasing light and trying to capture the feeling of a place before it shifts. right now, the feeling is ‘overwhelmed but also kinda happy’. the humidity is clinging to everything - my hair, my clothes, even the air itself. i just checked and it’s… thick, there right now, hope you like that kind of thing.
spent the morning wandering around Gion, trying to spot a geiko (that’s a Kyoto geisha, for those playing at home). no luck, but i did stumble upon this tiny little ramen shop tucked away down a side street. seriously, the broth was divine. i heard that the best ramen spots are always the hardest to find, and that seems to be true. it’s like the city is deliberately hiding the good stuff from the tourists. i'm thinking of checking out a cooking class to try and replicate it later - found a few good options on TripAdvisor.
neighborhood vibes here are… interesting. it’s a mix of ancient wooden houses and sleek modern buildings. you get this feeling that history is just layered on top of everything else. if you get bored, Osaka* is just a short train ride away - lots of street food and neon lights. someone told me that the Nishiki Market is a must-see, but be prepared for crowds. i heard that it’s best to go early in the morning to avoid the worst of it. i mean, everyone says that, right?
pro-tip: learn a few basic Japanese phrases. it goes a long way. and don’t be afraid to get lost! some of the best discoveries happen when you wander off the beaten path. oh! and keep an eye out for the little shrines tucked away in unexpected corners. they're incredibly peaceful. i'm trying to document them all on my Instagram [@yourinstagramhandle - pretend handle here!]. check it out!
regarding reviews… i saw this blog post recommending a particular tea ceremony place. it said something about the host being a little… intense. apparently, you need to be prepared for a lot of formality. i'm kinda nervous about that, tbh. and another thing a local warned me about was the vending machines. seemingly, not all of them dispense what they advertise! i’m keeping that in mind. psst… if you’re into zen gardens, check out this website for some amazing photo inspiration: Zen Culture.
right now, i’m going to find a quiet spot and just… breathe. kyoto is a sensory overload, but it’s a good kind of overload. lots of temples, tiny cafes, and the constant scent of incense. it’s… something else.
also, if anyone knows a good place to get matcha ice cream, hit me up!
I'm planning on hitting up a local board for recommendations, Kyoto City Guide
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