KYOTO, JAPAN- The geishas stream past in the afternoon sun. One or two, clopping down the stone walkway. Kamo River runs through the heart of town, and since it is a nice day out, the people stroll along the bridge and underneath. Maybe I’m imagining it, but everyone seems to be in a forward mood today, leaping out more than their tight kimonos will allow them. The skyscrapers make up the shell of this region, but even further, they fade out, into the green of the mountains. There, the trains run occasionally, but even it stops before reaching the mountain roads.
A man walking his husky dog is strolling his evening blues away. There is only one family left in the ryokan’s dining area. Slippers line the walkway into the interior. It is quiet, though; one may never guess there are other guests. Maybe the slippers have always sat there. Cartoon Xiao Wanzi plays on the T.V. in original language.
The sunlight in the morning air is a welcome reprieve. It is quiet in the way countrysides are, with the songs of the birds and crickets ringing out. It can feel like we are a league away from the city, but once on the train, the cityscape flashes past in no time. The yellow light melts the aluminum into a warmth many of us seek in the mornings.
Omurice can be found throughout Japan; in Kyoto, there are a few well-known shops. Sweeping through the back alleys of the central region, it was quiet. If one had not looked for it earlier, it would have been easy to walk past this famed shop, and walk past it several times I did!
It was a delicious meal, especially after a long trip. The cream mixed with eggs seemed to seep deep down into one’s toes. The interesting fact was that all around the table, none were from Japan. It was an irony if I ever did see one. The space was cozy and warm on an autumn evening as this.
The buses run in a circle to the temples, the most famous of which is the Kinkaku-ji. The exterior walls are covered in gold. The lush greenery provide shade on the walkway in the humidity of early September. A sesame moichi taken at the exit can be eaten later on the train ride outbound from Kyoto with these lovely memories to hold onto.
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