Looking for the secrets of Kyoto

[yuiyoshida]

Even after picking up the pace, I was no closer to catching the mysterious pale brunette in the bustling alley. Her gait was relentless, despite being limited to baby steps by tight silken armor and chunky platform flip-flops designed in the ninth century.

The dangling flower headpiece of the geisha (or more likely a maiko, a geisha apprentice) vanished around a corner while I was aiming the camera. I could hear the measured clacking of her wooden okobo shoes, but could not get a clear view of her.

I was no closer to getting a clear view of Kyoto either.

Kyoto, the imperial, cultural and religious capital of Japan for more than a millennium, is generous with its attractions and is quick to entertain. But like the widely misunderstood geisha (whose origins are tied to these streets and districts), Kyoto seems to thrive on the mystery, the unknowable, the untouchable.

http://www.sfgate.com/travel/article/Looking-for-the-secrets-of-Kyoto-5316122.php

[Kablooie]

1. My wife is from Kyoto.

Kyo'onna they call 'em.

Wonderful city to visit.
They have one of the original raked rock gardens there at Ryōan-ji.
One of my favorite places.

[miyazaki]

2. I really enjoy it too

A misconception about the place is that it is a quaint, sleepy, historical tourist trap off the beaten path. That idea gets squashed fast upon exiting the train station. the station itself is gigantic! the city, freaking huge! Aside from its modern and ancient sides, I was warped back into time with certain sections that had the look of my seventies childhood. hard to describe. I've visited many times, and still remember vividly seeing the what must have been the most beautiful girl in my life riding across from me in the subway. One gets used to seeing such beauty in Japan, but that particular episode really endeared me to the place as well. Heartbreaking really.