Kyoto / Nara
Kyoto, a place of old and new. It felt as if there was a battle happening around me. Between holding onto tradition and history or embracing unavoidable change. Maybe it’s a battle we can relate to in some way or another.
We spent our time in Kyoto checking out the major attractions. One morning I woke early and Gary and myself jumped on a bus to see Kinkaku-ji (Golden Temple). It also happened to snow that morning, the first snow I have see in about thirteen-ish years!
Just around the corner from our accommodation was the Hōkanji Pagoda. It was a nice landmark to look for if ever I was to get lost! About a fifteen minute walk and we were in the main part of town and the traditional streets of where we were living had transformed into modern shops and restaurants. We ended up spending most of our evenings in the main part of town. Usually the nights consisted of dinner and then walking around exploring till our feet felt it was time to start heading home.
An hour on the train and we were in Nara with the deer. As much as I enjoyed the experience, being surrounded by such beautiful creatures, I could not help but feel shameful. Was it right? Were we helping or ruining life for these animals. I took many photos and will never forget my time in Nara, but I cant help but feel the deer have become dependent on human interaction.
Finally on our last full day in Kyoto I decided to go and see Fushimi Inari Taisha (the orange gates)! I had my doubts about the gates knowing it was going packed with people, however as we climbed to the summit the crowds started to thin. By the time we reached the top I felt a sense of attainment. Despite the many people we passed on our journey to the top, it was still an experience I would do again. Standing at the viewing point looking over Kyoto, it was a nice moment to reflect on our time here. Kyoto was definitely one the most unique places I have ever been and as much as I enjoyed the traditional architecture, I could not help but feel a sense of unrest. The battle between holding onto history and accepting the uncontrollable change of the world. Perhaps the unrest was an internal feeling that I was battling. Perhaps your view on Kyoto may differ to mine.
I have now moved on to Kanazawa. We are staying here for three nights. I look forward to our next chat and I hope you are well, thank you for reading.
Till next time.
Charlie.
