“I’m not sure if WE should get ready for Japan, or whether Japan should get ready for US.” Alex ‘Wain Train’ Wain Feb 2011
W.T.F Japan Tour: Kyoto Preview
Second Stop – March 15th
Kyoto, known to many in the Western world where the landmark ‘Kyoto Agreement‘ was signed, however, as you’re about to discover there’s a wealth of culture, history and tradition hidden behind those cherry blossoms.
Kyoto is located in a valley which forms part of the Yamashiro Basin, in the eastern part of the mountainous region known as the Tamba highlands. It’s surrounded on three sides by mountains known as Higashiyama, Kitayama and Nishiyama, with a height just above 1,000 metres above sea level. This interior positioning results in hot summers and cold winters – although more crisp than biting in March thankfully!
On a good day it has a population close to 1.5 million and was formerly the imperial capital of Japan in fact it was the emperor’s residence from 794 to 1868. Over the centuries, Kyoto was destroyed by many wars and fires, but due to its historic value, the city was dropped from the list of target cities for the atomic bomb and spared from air raids during World War II.
Countless temples, shrines and other historically priceless structures survive in the city today – which allows it to lay claim to being the most traditional city in Japan. These days it’s also known for being the headquarters of the famous video game company Nintendo (who’s own origins are equally as fascinating.)
One of the main sites in Kyoto, is the Zen Buddhist temple known as Golden Pavillion (it’s local name is ‘Kinkaku-ji’) it’s one of 17 World Cultural Heritage sites in Kyoto, which just goes to show the timelessness of the area itself. And whilst there’s the potential for us to get “temple fatigue” I genuinely believe this is one well worth seeing, not only for its design but for it surroundings, tranquil gardens and quiet lakes.
Nested up high in the mountains, is the Kiyomizu-dera Temple which offers breathtaking views of Kyoto itself. It’s one of the most icon landmarks in the region, on account of numerous Japanese artists portraying it through various forms of artwork. So we’ll be standing on that very balcony, who knows we might even see your house from there.
I’m sure you’ve all heard of or seen what a typical Japanese Geisha looks like. In Kyoto, it’s the Gion district where the famous Geisha and Maiko reside, visitors usually crowd Hanami-koji Street in hopes of seeing one. The buildings (like 90% of Kyoto) are again all traditional, there’s even cherry blossoms dotted between the streets.
I actually was under the impression that the Geisha and Maiko walk around in public, but apparently they typically try to avoid tourists who essentially act like paparazzi & mob them. Allegedly in many instances they will walk and disappear into a building or taxi so quickly that have to appreciate them with your eyes rather than your camera – but if we’re luckily enough to take a photo (respectfully of course) we’ll share it with you we promise.
As for the nightlife in Kyoto, we’ll be going to Pontocho Alley. Pontochō (先斗町) much like Gion, is famous for the preservation of forms of traditional architecture and entertainment. In fact, Geisha have existed in Pontochō since at least the 16th century (along with prostitution and other forms of entertainment).
Today the area, lit by traditional lanterns at night, contains a mix of geisha houses and tea houses, brothels, bars, and cheap eateries. So something for everyone basically! There’s even the Kaburenjō Theatre where twice a year Geisha perform the Kamogawa Odori, a combination of traditional dance, kabuki-like theatre, singing and the playing of traditional instruments. And even though we’ll probably miss those festivities, we’ll be making up for it by sampling the tea and obviously soaking up the sake!
Here’s short clip, which will help you visualise Kyoto in all its splendor.
So there you have it, serene gardens, stunning views, a rich & vivid nightlife and literally a step back in time. Whilst we’ll only be there for 24 hours, it’s probably one part of the trip I’m personally looking forward to the most – because Kyoto captures and displays very essence of traditional Japan. I can’t help but feel it will be 24 of the most eye-opening hours during the entire trip.
Kyoto then, the place where tranquility meets tradition.
