Kyoto Chaos: Noodles, Ghosts, and Seriously Weird Rain
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. like, seriously, i haven’t slept properly in… well, let’s just say it’s been a while. i landed in kyoto yesterday, and it’s… a lot. a beautiful, overwhelming, slightly unsettling lot. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the humidity is clinging to everything like a damp, judgmental spirit. 1028 pressure, 32 humidity - feels like stepping into a sauna that’s also trying to steal your soul.
first things first: the food. i’m talking about ramen, obviously. but not just any ramen. i found this tiny place near *fushimi inari shrine - seriously, the vermillion gates are insane - and the broth was like, liquid gold. someone told me that the owner, a guy named kenji, used to be a calligraphy master before he traded brushes for a steaming pot. i’m not kidding. i also tried yudofu - boiled tofu - which sounds boring, i know, but it was surprisingly complex. it’s a big deal here, apparently.
and then there’s the ghosts. yeah, you heard me. kyoto is thick with them. i’m not talking about cheesy jump scares. i’m talking about a palpable sense of… lingering. i spent an evening wandering through kiyomizu-dera temple - the view is breathtaking, obviously - and i swear i felt a cold spot near the main hall. i even downloaded a ghost hunting app (seriously, don’t judge) and it went wild. it’s giving me serious ‘the sixth sense’ vibes.
gear list: essential kyoto kit
Camera (duh) - a Sony a7iii, because i’m fancy.
Extra batteries (like, lots of them).
Portable charger (because my phone dies faster than my motivation).
Rain jacket (seriously, the rain is relentless).
Comfortable walking shoes (you’ll be doing a lot of walking).
Pocket wifi (trust me on this one).
Phrasebook (my japanese is… rudimentary).
Hand sanitizer (the streets are crowded).
Small notebook and pen (for capturing random thoughts - mostly about ramen).
i heard that the best way to experience the city is to get lost. like, really lost. ditch the map, wander down side streets, and just see what you find. i stumbled upon this incredible little ceramics shop in *gion - the owner, a wizened old woman named akiko, was showing me her latest creations. she said, and i quote, "kyoto remembers everything." creepy, right?
speaking of gion, it’s a total tourist trap, but it’s also undeniably beautiful. the geishas are elusive, but you can sometimes catch a glimpse of them hurrying down the narrow streets. i overheard gossip that a famous geisha, named hana, is secretly a punk rocker. seriously. apparently, she plays guitar in a hidden bar in pontocho. wild.
pro-tip: don’t be afraid to try new things. kyoto is full of surprises.
another pro-tip: learn a few basic japanese phrases. it goes a long way.
and one more: respect the local customs. kyoto is a deeply traditional city.
i’m heading to *arashiyama bamboo grove tomorrow. i’ve heard it’s magical, but also incredibly crowded. i’m hoping to find a quiet spot to just… be.
if you get bored, osaka is just a short drive away. they’re known for their street food - takoyaki, okonomiyaki… the works. i’m already planning a food tour. i heard that the best takoyaki in osaka is at dotonbori*, but be prepared for a massive crowd.
honestly, i’m exhausted. i need more coffee. and maybe a nap. and definitely a ghost hunting session.
check out this TripAdvisor page for some more recommendations: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g298591-Activities-Kyoto_Prefecture_Kyoto_Region_Kansai_Region.html
and for a good ramen spot: https://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=ramen&sort_by=relevance&location=Kyoto%2C+Japan
and finally, a local board for events: https://www.meetup.com/kyoto-travelers/
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