Kyoto, Japan: Cherry Blossoms & Cat Videos (and a Tiny Bit of Chaos)

okay, so i'm still processing. kyoto. it's… a lot. like, a lot of temples and gardens and people dressed like they’re auditioning for a historical drama. i just checked and it's… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. the weather is incredibly humid, and it's all shades of green and beige. i swear the humidity is actively trying to steal my brainwaves.

i’d say the air smells like incense and something vaguely floral, even though it's not really blooming cherry blossoms yet. i heard someone say the best time to see them is late March/early April, but i’m embracing the slightly less-picturesque vibe for now. mostly because i'm trying to save money. budgeting is a whole thing in japan, let me tell you. hostels are surprisingly cute, though. seriously, check out Piece Hostel Kyoto - it’s a little chaotic, but in a good way.

so, what’s the deal with the neighbors? Well, if you get bored, osaka and nara are just a short train ride away. everyone seems really polite, though. maybe too polite? it's hard to tell who's genuine and who's just practicing their customer service skills.

i spent a good chunk of yesterday wandering around gion, the geisha district. it's super touristy, obviously, but there’s a certain… magic to it. i actually saw a geiko (Kyoto geisha) hurrying to an appointment. it was fleeting, like a dream. someone told me that it's crucial to be respectful and not stare, especially if you spot one. it’s not a photo opportunity, it’s a profession.

Someone told me that the best ramen shop in Kyoto is a tiny place down a side street in the Pontocho alley. It’s cash only and the queue is always insane. But the broth… oh, the broth.

i did get some drunk advice from a local at a tiny bar - he said avoid the major tourist traps in the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. Apparently, it gets packed. he suggested going early in the morning or late at night. i'm trying that tomorrow. another rumor i heard is that there's a hidden garden tucked away behind Kiyomizu-dera Temple. i’m hoping to find it.

the food! i've been trying to stick to local specialties. i had the most amazing matcha ice cream today. seriously, the best i've ever tasted. and i'm attempting to learn how to make okonomiyaki (savory pancake). it's a complete disaster, but it’s fun!

i’ve also been practicing my japanese. it's slow going, but i’m making progress. just managed to order a coffee without accidentally asking for a horse. i repeat, did not ask for a horse. which is a win.

i’m thinking of heading to Nara tomorrow to see the wild deer. apparently, they're super friendly… also, super annoying. someone warned me that you have to buy crackers from a specific vendor to feed them, or they might get aggressive.

the whole experience has been… intense. but in a good way. i’m feeling so full of amazing memories and ridiculously delicious food. i'm definitely going back.

Kyoto Guide. Timeout Kyoto. TripAdvisor Kyoto. Yelp Kyoto.

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