New Spirit from the Old Capital

I am writing this starting 12:29 am of October 10 on the bus heading back to Yokohama. Unfortunately, I don't have internet connection here so most probably, this will be posted few hours after, when I'm finally home.

I dared myself once again on an out-of-my-comfort-zone adventure, that is to go to Kyoto, 8 hours away from Tokyo via expressways, alone.

Ok, being alone is in my comfort zone, but being at least 8 hours away from anyone you know, that makes my nerves shiver. But because I took my own challenge, let me share to you some of my impressions.

I remembered a professor of mine telling us that Kyoto is just the reverse of Tokyo - the country's capital.

Yes it might be true. Kyoto is exactly the opposite of Tokyo.

It seems that Kyoto people are more laid back. Hurrying seems to be new to them. They stand on the right side of the escalator and walk on the left (but walking on the escalator is not the normal thing to do, unlike in Tokyo).

Buildings here are mostly not that high, which makes the feel like that of a rural area. But unexpectedly, this rural city has heavy traffic. This might be because the city has so many tourist and everyone is using the bus system most of the time.

But Kyoto should not be regarded as just mere reverse of the capital. For once, and for a long time, this city houses the most powerful persons in this country. It was the capital, the seat of throne to the emperor and the land of the feudal lords and shogun.

Rich in culture beautifully preserved, one must see this city to really apreciate Japanese history.

The beauty of this city - a mixture of nature and cultural heritage - is not comparable to the present capital.

And although on this trip I realized I belong to the big city and not to small town, Kyoto had made my stay here in Japan complete. And yes, it refreshed me from the stress of the big city.

PS: no sir, Kyoto is not just the reverse of Tokyo. They are two different cities. And their names don't correspond to the reverse of the other. Tokyo, the eastern capital and Kyoto, the capital metropolis are not the same.