Kyoto Chaos: Lost in Translation (and Matcha)
okay, so i kinda just blinked and suddenly i was in *Kyoto. honestly, the travel days are a blur of airport food and questionable in-flight entertainment. but stepping out of Kyoto Station felt… different. the air was thick, humid - like someone turned up the saturation on a summer day. the temp is a balmy 25.92°C, feels like 26.89°C, and the humidity? don't even ask. it's like a warm hug that might accidentally stick to you.
I landed around 1360085654 (yeah, that's a timestamp, don't judge) and immediately felt like i was in a movie. traditional wooden houses huddled together, little shrines tucked into unexpected corners, and the smell of incense hanging in the breeze. it’s definitely a sensory overload. the locals seem super chill, but also incredibly polite - like everyone’s practicing for a stage play.
first impressions? the neighborhoods are a maze. i wandered down a tiny alleyway and ended up in a courtyard with a trickling stone fountain - pure serenity. someone told me that the best ramen shops are always hidden down these backstreets. i might have to take that drunk advice to heart later. i checked out a few places on TripAdvisor - looks like Gion is a must-see, but also super touristy.
Gear List (because, duh):
Reusable water bottle (seriously, the humidity makes you thirsty)
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking)
Portable charger (for all the photos and navigating)
Phrasebook (my japanese is… limited)
so, i’m trying to embrace the chaos. no rigid plans, just letting the city pull me along. i’ve already gotten gloriously lost twice. the shops selling traditional crafts are amazing - i’m eyeing a beautiful ceramic tea set. i also heard that the Nishiki Market is legendary for street food, but it’s supposed to be packed.
The weather right now is… well, it's definitely showing off its moisture. there's a constant haze in the air, making everything look a little soft. i just checked and it's… surprisingly sunny, with a gentle breeze. hope you like that kind of thing.
I’m staying in a little guesthouse near Kawaramachi, which seems like a decent base. someone warned me about the early morning rush hour on the subway - apparently, it’s a sardine situation. i’m planning on exploring some of the temples and gardens tomorrow. the Fushimi Inari Shrine with all the red torii gates looks incredible - lots of pics on Instagram, obviously.
“Don’t be afraid to get lost. Some of the best discoveries happen when you’re not looking for them.” - a local I overheard at a tiny cafe.
I’m thinking of checking out a traditional tea ceremony - looks super peaceful. and maybe trying some of that matcha ice cream. there’s a place on Yelp that has amazing reviews - worth a look.
This whole experience feels a bit surreal, honestly. it's a far cry from my usual routine - which mostly involves lukewarm coffee and staring at a screen. if you get bored, Osaka* is just a short train ride away. i’m definitely planning a day trip there. and hey, if you’re ever in the area, feel free to say hi! i’ll probably be wandering around looking confused, but with a smile.
Japan-Guide.com has some great info if you're planning a trip.