Lost in Kyoto: 1926099 & 1392220893 – A Whirlwind
okay, so where do i even begin? kyoto. it’s...a lot. i just checked and it’s surprisingly humid today, like someone turned up the saturation on the air.
i landed, felt immediately swallowed by a wave of unfamiliar smells - incense, something sweet like mochi, and a hint of damp earth. the numbers 1926099 and 1392220893 floated around in my head like forgotten elevator music. no idea what they mean, but they’re definitely part of the kyoto experience now.
the weather report said 7.9°C, feels like 6.69°C - seriously, pack layers! the pressure’s 1025, humidity is 37%, and the ground level reads 1007. don't ask me why, it just is. that's just how it goes when you're trying to understand a place.
i'm staying in a tiny guesthouse near *Gion. it's charmingly cramped, but the owner, a woman named Akari, is a sweetheart. she gave me a crumpled map and a warning about the pigeons - apparently, they’re bold.
my first day was a blur of temples and tiny alleyways. i got delightfully lost, which is basically my superpower. i wandered through Fushimi Inari Shrine, walking under thousands of vibrant red torii gates. it was breathtaking, like stepping into another dimension. honestly, it's worth the early wake-up call - check out TripAdvisor for some visitor tips before you go.
Nishiki Market was a sensory overload. pickled everything, fresh seafood, and so many unfamiliar snacks. i tried something that looked like seaweed ice cream - it was surprisingly good.
i overheard a couple talking, and someone told me that the best ramen in town is at a hole-in-the-wall place near Kiyomizu-dera Temple. apparently, you have to know the password. who even does that?
the locals seem… reserved. not unfriendly, just… quiet. it’s a different vibe than what i’m used to. if you get bored, Osaka is just a short train ride away - check out some foodie guides on Yelp to plan your trip!
so, here’s the deal: don’t be afraid to get lost. don’t be afraid to try weird food. and definitely don’t be afraid to ask for directions, even if you don’t speak the language. i heard that the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove is especially magical at sunset. something a local warned me about was the crowds - go early!
i’m trying to embrace the chaos, the unexpected detours, the feeling of being utterly and beautifully out of my comfort zone. it’s all a bit overwhelming, but in a good way. plus, the tea ceremonies are pretty zen. speaking of zen, i saw a street artist near Pontocho Alley creating the most intricate ink drawings - totally worth a peek. you can find more local art scenes on local community boards.
i’ve got a whole week here, and honestly, i’m already feeling like i’ve only scratched the surface. it’s the kind of place that invites you to slow down, to observe, to simply be*.
and the numbers? maybe they're just a reminder that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones you don't plan.
You might also be interested in:
- https://topiclo.com/post/baku-baby-and-my-slightly-existential-crisis
- https://topiclo.com/post/air-quality-and-environmental-health-in-krakw-the-real-dirt
- https://topiclo.com/post/relocating-to-as-sulaymnyah-a-stepbystep-expat-checklist-from-someone-who-barely-has-their-life-together
- https://topiclo.com/post/sweating-through-bills-what-my-last-8-months-in-nryanganj-actually-cost-this-sleepdeprived-dancer
- https://topiclo.com/post/starting-a-business-in-kitchener-local-regulations-tax-info-a-coffeesnobs-messy-guide