Wild flowers in the Imperial Palace

After a 14 hour travel+commute from Kyoto to Malaysia, it just dawned on me that my trip has ended, and that I probably would not get to see my friend again for a long time.

I felt a pang of guilt as I did not go the usual tourist route when I was there. I didn’t go to all of the shrines in Kyoto (although I managed quite a fair bit), did not visit Harajuku street in Tokyo, nor the eldest shrine in Fukuoka. I didn’t go to Okinawa nor Hokkaido – I stayed put in Kyoto most of the time, and boy was I happy I did.

The caramel delight from a confectionery store called Malebranche in Kitayama, Kyoto

In between the matcha soft serves (the best one is in Gion) and the people-watching I did while on the streets of Kyoto, I treasured my solitary bike rides around town the most, apart from spending time with my bestest pal chen. I took my time and wandered into small and quaint shops, finding secondhand bookstores and even smaller yarn stores that oozed much charm. Although a bike ride into town might take me 45 minutes (the first time I took 1 hour because I lost my way), I got much better towards the end of my trip, as my legs could take the burn of going uphill and down the slopes.

The Hei An Shrine in Kyoto

The slow pace that I took actually made me sit up and notice more about the Japanese culture – their design philosophy, their outlook towards life and most of all, their resolute patience and their lovely language. I appreciate every bit of Kyoto – how there is a seamless transition between the town and outskirts, of hills and valleys, and of its streams and rivers. Bookstores such as Kinokuniya fueled my interest, as does the resident fabric shop – Nomura Tailor at Shijo Kawaramachi.

A specialty suit store for men with different heights. Because face it, men come in different sizes! :)

It was a crafty visit indeed – I visited many craft shops, but I think I came away with a lot more than what I bargained for. A little thinking out of the box is needed, and it was a thing I did not think I would have done if I had not gone to the land of the rising sun. Japan has lifted me emotionally (and not to mention, the air was wonderful for my lungs (too much time cooped up in a smoking office will get to you).

Yummy green tea soft serve right outside Hei An Shrine

And so, I present to you within the next few posts, organised by topics – the sights I’ve seen, the food I’ve tasted, and the experience I am carrying with me, that I can almost feel the cool breeze against my cheeks as I reminisce about my trip.

Hyped up and underrated, Japan is truly somewhere you have to be in to fully appreciate its beauty and its people’s passion.

Did I mention I miss Japan? ;)