City TRIP

Kyoto

Kyoto is not only the anagram but also the opposite of the capital of Japan. While Tokyo is a prime example of the modern world, Kyoto is considered the imperial, intellectual and cultural capital. And as the center of Japanese tea and temple traditions, gardens, shrines, maiko and geisha.

It's going quietly in Kyoto. The imperial city lies – surrounded by impressive mountains – at the foot of the Hiei peak and is crossed by several small rivers that partly separate the eleven districts. 

In the east is the Higashiyama district, where you think of mysterious geisha and with a little luck you might meet them. In the north-east, more precisely in the Sakyo district, the Silver Pavilion Ginkaku-ji presents itself in all its modesty. It is less pompous than its golden counterpart – the Kinkaku-ji – in the northwest of Kyoto, in Kita-ku. 

The streets in the city centre are arranged like a chessboard. Almost all of them run from north to south or from east to west. So you can find your way around quickly – especially by bicycle. Because Kyoto is a bicycle city. Pedestrians and motorists always stop to let cyclists pass first.

Kyoto still seems deeply connected to the past. In many corners of the city, one is reminded of ancient Japan. Sometimes obvious and recognizable at first sight. Sometimes hidden and only recognizable on closer inspection. 

Cultivated, ordered and still a little mysterious. This is Kyoto. Just the way we love it.

Japan, November 2019. | All words and photos by The Sturgheons.