Summer Travel in Kyoto

I fell in love with Kyoto like my guide-friend, Himoto thought I would be. The Harmony of opposition was very interesting. People in the old world and the modern world can live together happily, an uncle making charcoal, an aunt at a bathhouse, and many young man with colorful hair with young girls in a very short skirt riding bicycles. If you look for an elder, you might see them in a western suit going to see an opera or you might see them in kimono (the traditional costume) in a subway, acting like it’s a normal cloth but it’s not normal for us. It’s a fancy.

Himoto used to live in Kyoto many years. She was a guide for me. She can explain about the wealth of culture in Kyoto. She thanked me for being her partner in this trip, but I am the one who had to thank her for bringing me to Kyoto. However we both fell in love in Kyoto and couldn’t wait for this trip!

Philosopher's road in the northern district of Sakyo - Kyoto

Himoto borrowed two bicycles from her Japanese friend for us. There was no better way to get to know Kyoto by bicycle. We started at the university and Botanical Garden, the Northern of Kyoto. We rode along the Philosophy Road. There were no Sakura flower in the summer, but we could see the leafy Sakura tree instead and that’s not bad. I remembered walking on a Sakura flowers which falling and lying like the most softness carpet ever in spring. I had no doubt why philosophers liked to walk and think on this street. Nature is the only one that gave the best power to our brain and our heart.

We rode bicycles slowly from the Northern of Kamo river. There are many old food shops along this small road. Especially Demaji Futaba, it was a famous Mochi shop. Even a fierce guy, looking like a mafia had to stop his car and line up to buy some Mochi. Himoto was absolutely a fan of this shop. She used to eat Mochi from this shop and can’t wait to taste it again. We stopped our bikes and stand in a line waiting for our turn. The second when I had the first bite of Mochi. It made me smiled happily. I told Himoto that I would not forget this deliciousness and from now on I would think of Demji Futaba forever.

Shijo - Kawaramachi road - Kyoto

That day our last stop was Shijo road. We walked aross Teramachi, Shinkyogoku, ended at Kawaramchi road. We ate and shopped around this area. There are brand name shops, local designer shops, second hand shops, Sage bar, and tons of restaurants. Himoto knew where to eat, where to shop, what to eat and what to shop, but she messed up with the direction. I was good at direction when I traveled. So I was her map and she was my detail. We were a perfect couple!

A few days are not enough to know all about Kyoto. Many years for Himoto are not enough to get to know all about Kyoto, either. It’s like she said “No matter how long you live in Kyoto, It’s impossible to know all about this city.”