I arrived in Kyoto laden like a pack horse with more stuff than I seemed to remember having than when I arrived in Japan - did I really buy that much stuff in Osaka or had I just packed poorly.
I’m staying in the heart of Gion, the district of Kyoto that’s famous for the elusive Geisha. I’m too early to check in so I head straight out on the train to Arashiyama and the bamboo groves that adorn the front-cover of my Lonely Planet guide - the sun was shining and it was going to be a good day.
On my return to the station I catch a glimpse of two Geisha hurriedly walking down a street. Now’s my chance to steal a photo of these elusive beauties, so I run to catch up to sneak a quick photo before they vanish - I keep my distance and manage to get a decent enough shot. The speed in which they move and the lack of cellphone are good indications that these are the real deal but I’m later told that they’re Meiko - young Geisha in training.
Just as the sun begins to set I hurry back to the hostel and out in time for a walking tour of Gion and the Geisha District - I learn much about the history and culture of Kyoto and the Geisha.
Kyoto is a fantastic city filled with history and culture. It feels a lot more spread out than Osaka with attractions dotted all about the city. The shrines and temples are first class and so unique. The endless vermilion tori gates of Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine to the south and the lustrous golden palace in the north, separated by the castle in the middle of town - this makes cycling the best way to get a taste of the city and also do as the locals do; and is how I manage to find my way about town.
It’s an immensely fascinating city with so much to see and so much good food to eat and sake to drink; which is a great way to meet locals as well as other backpackers.
My Kyoto photos are all on Flickr here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/14859193@N07/sets/72157636715454773/