Kyoto Chaos: Rain, Ramen, and Really Weird Neighbors
okay, so like, i’m pretty sure i’m running on fumes and lukewarm green tea. kyoto. it’s… a lot. i just checked and it's...there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. 17.09 feels like 16.55, temp min is holding steady at 17.09, max is still 17.09, pressure’s a solid 1018, humidity’s hovering around 65 - basically, perfect for getting lost in a maze of *temples and accidentally stumbling into a tea ceremony.
seriously, i landed yesterday and immediately felt like i’d stepped into a watercolor painting. all muted greens and browns, the smell of damp moss and something vaguely sweet… like burnt sugar. i’m staying in this tiny guesthouse near Gion, which is… intense. the neighbors are a collection of retired geishas, a guy who collects antique umbrellas, and a very opinionated bonsai artist named Mr. Tanaka. he keeps yelling at pigeons. it’s wild.
my phone’s dying, my feet are killing me, and i’m pretty sure i just ate something that contained fermented soybeans, but honestly? it’s amazing. i spent the morning wandering through Fushimi Inari Shrine, which is basically a never-ending tunnel of red torii gates. it’s a bit of a trek, but the views are insane. i almost tripped over a monk, which, you know, standard.
someone told me that the best ramen is at Ichiran - seriously, don’t miss it. i heard that they have individual booths so you can really focus on the noodles. i’m going to try that tonight. i’m starving. i need to find a decent coffee shop, though. this instant stuff is brutal. check out some local recommendations here: https://www.yelp.com/search?keyword=coffee+kyoto
and speaking of local, i stumbled upon this tiny shop selling handcrafted paper fans. they’re gorgeous. i bought three. don’t ask. i just… bought them. i also found a really cool vintage kimono shop - seriously, the selection is insane. i’m thinking of getting a whole new wardrobe. check out this place: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g294565-d12383339-Reviews-Kyoto_Kimono_Shop-Kyoto_Kyoto_Prefecture_Kansai_Region.html
Someone overheard me complaining about the humidity and said, "Kyoto’s got a soul, you know? It’s like a damp, mossy hug." I’m not sure I entirely agree, but it’s a nice thought.
okay, quick gear list for anyone planning a trip: waterproof everything, comfortable shoes (seriously, you’ll be walking a lot*), a portable charger, and a phrasebook. japanese is… challenging. i’m mostly just pointing and hoping for the best.
if you get bored, Osaka is just a short drive away. it’s a total contrast to kyoto - super modern and bustling. i’m thinking of heading over tomorrow.
seriously, the rain is starting again. it’s a light drizzle, but it’s persistent. it’s kind of beautiful, actually.
A local warned me about the "spirit houses" - tiny shrines that guard every house and business. Apparently, you shouldn’t step on them. I’m pretty sure i almost stepped on one this morning, but luckily, Mr. Tanaka yelled at me before i could.
i’m going to find some ramen. seriously, ramen.
check out this map of the area:
seriously, i need to sleep. or at least find a decent matcha latte.
check out some more local spots here: https://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurants-g294565-Kyoto.html
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