The scent of Kyoto is the same as my Soul. Kyoto symbolizes my sky and the place where my Heart rests.
It is a charming woman wrapping herself in the finest fabrics while savoring delicate foods. Noble, welcomes with elegant detachment the human beings who make the experience of her historical side.
Fantasizing about our first meeting with the city, we refer our daydream to images that build a mystic atmosphere made of temples, pagodas, sanctuaries, Samurai, Geisha, and a lot of wood. The same communication is addressed to foreigners, compatriots, and the citizens of Kyoto itself: every decoration or sound remembers them about their great ancestors.
For over a thousand years Kyoto was the capital of the Raising Sun…and don’t forget it. Today is a cultural center. Its streets and buildings were not razed to the ground from the WWII bombing and witnessed another era way of life.
“Slowness” and “wealthy” of Kyoto (that literally means “capital city”) contrast with the “speed and overabundance” characterizing Tokyo (literally “eastern capital“). The first one preserves a “human” dimension: there’s only one face and one behavior; the commercial center hasn’t boundless dimensions; orientate is so much easier here than in Tokyo (because of historical and military reasons); there’s more traffic than in the current capital.
What I like about Kyoto (and the Kansai region) is the traditional aspect: here I find the stories my Soulis thirsty for. For centuries this is the place that fed the best thinkers. Here were developed studies about Peace before the Art of War.
And I think that in Kyoto, more than elsewhere is possible to keep alive ancient traditions and arts: an opportunity is given by tourism and the consequent economic flow. Here there are individuals devoted to their art choosing a life of discipline that appears unthinkable for the modern context; these people prevent knowledge and mastery from getting lost forever.
If I can suggest, visit some of the historic areas when other people are dining. Take your time to walk alone, along empty streets and run across a random alley… it’s worth it.
If an external visit is enough for you, in the night you can see a lot of historic buildings; there are few closed gates around these places. I suggest a stop in Higashiyama where is located the Yasaka Pagoda, one of the most famous and photographed pagodas of the entire Japan: after the sunset the main street is noiseless and teems with tourists in the morning. Pretend you’re someone who lived here centuries ago: it is an easy game to play in this district where so much seems unchanged, despite the flow of time.
While walking along Gion let your imagination runs: a few hundred meters of alleys hold enchanting traditional houses, luxury ryokans and tea houses. Initially, this area was built to host travelers directed to Yasaka shrine but soon became one of the main Geisha districts of the Country. If you are lucky enough to see a Geisha or a Maiko(especially after sunset) please – for good manners and respect of tradition – do not stop them for a photo.
Imagine to be there and close your eyes for a while: your feet proceed on a stone-paved pavement; the rhythm of drums comes from distant tea houses; near your ears, the soft sound of water originated from the traditional ofuro (bath); the warm scent of food in the air.
Sit on a bench in the Maruyama Koen (a park): it’s a beautiful place to breath-in the scents of nature and fill your eyes with the colors of the sky. During the hanami (cherry blossom) this park is full of people, pink and sounds.
Don’t be afraid to get lost! Remember that you have a GPS in your phone and that you can easily reach the Kamo river that crosses the city: from here, it won’t take long to find your way again.
If it is not too late, come back to the crowded life along the river, take a moment contemplating the lights of the city reflected on the water-body, visit the near Shijō-dōri (Shijō street). Touristic shops are open until 9 PM.
Do experiences because Kyoto gives you the chance. If possible, collect as much information as you can before your departure: workshops, guided tours, traditional shows, gastronomic events, museums, rickshaw tours, spiritual experiences… the list doesn’t stop here.
What are you looking for? Nothing exceptional or maybe are you searching for something with a name that is calling loud? Spread Heart and Imagination to this city. Be gentle and caring with the things you’ll receive from her: prove to be a Spirit up to this place and enjoy your journey!
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© Photo by Irene Lorenzini
