I loved Kyoto, for its laidback, personable and relaxed vibe, even though it attracts a gazillion tourists a day. I avoided places like the Arashiyama bamboo forest and Fushimi Inari gates, choosing quieter alternatives instead. This way, I got a slice of Kyoto that I had always wanted. Aside from the treacherous uphill journey to see the monkeys, Kyoto was a charming city to explore.
Bamboo is everywhere and so are tourists in kimonos. Arashiyama district is filled with them. It is always an interesting sight, watching kimono wrapped tourists take tentative steps in their geta sandals, while navigating the busy streets. Some find themselves the nearest bamboo trees for a photo session. A few make it to the zen garden, where they sit for a bit on the tatami covered floor, thinking about their life choices. I have to say, most of them wore beautiful kimonos that seemed to somehow correct their postures and made them look graceful.
There is so much to see in Arashiyama, and it really does deserve a day or two of exploration. Gion is lively, and word to the wise, please don’t take photos of geishas. It’s invasive and encroaches on their privacy. It’s no wonder that some areas in Gion have the no photo signs up. Well done, tourists.
I will be posting photos from Kyoto in separate posts, because they really do deserve their own space.