Lost in the Labyrinth of Kyoto: A Whirlwind & Weather Report
okay, so i just landed in kyoto. the flight was… something. a lot of crying babies and questionable airplane coffee. but hey, we’re here. and the numbers i saw before i left? 1263311 and then 1356238859. no clue what they mean, but it felt important, you know? like a secret code to unlock the city.
temp: 11.04, feels_like: 9.51. kinda crisp, like a good autumn day. the pressure’s at 1014, humidity’s a decent 50%. it’s not scorching, not freezing - just that in-between zone where you can actually walk around without melting or turning into a popsicle. i just checked and it's… surprisingly dry, which is a nice change. hope you like that kind of thing.
my first impression? sensory overload. it's like stepping into a painting, but a painting that’s also bustling with life and the smell of… well, everything. incense, street food, something floral i can’t quite place. the air itself feels thick with history. i’m staying in a little guesthouse near *Gion, which is supposedly a good spot to try and spot a geiko - i’m not holding my breath though.
gear-ish things i brought (because i’m a bit of a packrat):
a ridiculously oversized backpack (always a good idea)
a journal and a pen (for documenting the chaos)
comfortable walking shoes (seriously, don't skimp on these)
a universal adapter (duh)
a phrasebook (my japanese is… limited)
a portable charger (essential for all the photos)
and then there’s the weather. it’s that kind of autumn where the leaves are just starting to turn, all shades of red and gold. it’s beautiful, but also a little melancholic, you know? like the city itself holds a thousand untold stories.
i wandered through Nishiki Market today - wow. it’s a riot of colors and smells. pickles, seafood, mochi… honestly, i don’t even know what half of it is. i grabbed some takoyaki (octopus balls) which were surprisingly delicious. someone told me that the best takoyaki stall is usually the one with the longest line, so i joined the queue.
“Don’t be afraid to get lost,” a grumpy old man selling green tea told me. “That’s when you really discover a place.”
the neighbors here are pretty quiet. mostly just the gentle murmur of conversations in japanese and the occasional temple bell. i heard a local mention that the bamboo forest in Arashiyama* is especially magical this time of year. if you get bored, Osaka is just a short train ride away, apparently. i’m definitely planning a day trip there soon. i’ve been reading some recommendations on Yelp for good ramen spots - fingers crossed!
it's funny, isn't it? how a string of numbers can feel like a starting point. like a digital key. i’m not sure what 1263311 and 1356238859 unlock, but i’m hoping it leads to a whole lot of interesting moments. i heard that the Fushimi Inari Shrine is particularly stunning at sunset - i’m making that a priority. i'm also considering a cooking class - there are some great options listed on TripAdvisor.
wish me luck exploring! i’m off to find some more hidden alleyways and maybe a decent cup of coffee. (seriously, i’m a coffee snob.) you can find more travel inspiration on sites like Lonely Planet.
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