Probably nobody needs an introduction to Kyoto (京都), ancient capital of Japan and haven for cultural tourism. Memoirs of a Geisha, the Gion river, moonlit streets, temples are familiar images on Kyoto postcards. Backpackers abound and people from all over find ways to enjoy its food, onsen (hot springs) and overall relaxed atmosphere (compared to Tokyo anyway)
A half-man, half-machine friend of mine had a conference in nearby Nagoya (名古屋) and we decided to spend a few days in Kyoto catching up. So I took an evening bullet train or Shinkansen (新幹線) from Tokyo to Kyoto--about 2 hours but made rather uncomfortable by the fact that I had to stand almost the whole way, shifting occasionally to let people go to the bathroom.
First night we had a very good dinner of Kyoto cuisine, sort of a prix fixe menu in which a tongue-numbing fish was served with chazuke (お茶ずけ) or rice-in-tea. The unappreciative, nonchalant way we wolfed down the food probably didn't please the chef, but it was a pretty good meal.
A very good way to explore Kyoto is on bicycles so the following day we rented two from the hostel and set off for the temples. SB cycled the same way he drove--without regard for life and limb as he careened furiously along the roads. "We HAVE to get there before the crowds!" he insisted. Haha it was good to forget about everything else and simply relax with a good friend.
It was a crisp autumn day, perfect blue skies and fresh air. In the Imperial gardens, trees herald the onset of Fall with a chorus of flaming colors, their last hurrah for this year before sleeping for the winter. It felt good to leave the bustle of Tokyo behind and just be a tourist. Took lots of pictures, especially some of Kinkakji (金閣寺), one of which now serves as my cellphone's wallpaper.
1999 was the last time I saw Kyoto, and it was nice to renew acquaintances. Somehow I remember little of my previous trip but at the same time, I could hear echoes of myself trudging up the slope towards Kiyomizu Dera (清水寺). The restaurant with a turtle symbol whose picture I took for ltt back then seemed to be gone. A victim of the cutthroat food & beverage business, I guess.
Didn't have a chance to walk along the Gion river this time. Next time. Maybe on my next trip I'll even catch a glimpse of a Maiko-san (舞子さん) or trainee geisha.
1 comment:
Good old SB. I am privileged enough to still enjoy his reckless driving once in a while around beantown. Anyway, I like the pictures and wish I can enjoy the same thing with you and maybe with more people as well. Should get khoo boy, howe boy, SB, ltt too.
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