Tuesday’s report will offer some insights into life in Kyoto for Westerners in the age of Covid. The city, the old capital of Japan, was not affected by the nuclear disaster that ended the Pacific War in 1945, as some American politicians felt it was culturally too important to the Japanese (resource). It is a large city (1.5 million inhabitants) situated in a valley surrounded by fairly high mountains to the north, east and west. I live near Kyoto University’s Yoshida campus, one of the best higher education institutions in the world. My house is nearby- camo ——The north-south direction running through the east side of the city.
We bought a used bike (cheap) from a nearby store and they were a lifesaver – the increased mobility has greatly increased our range.
It’s a bike friendly city and even offers large bike parking areas throughout. So instead of parking, you ride your bike into the park, which costs about 100 yen (variable) for parking on the day.
The river is very important and offers magnificent paths along its banks for running, walking or cycling. I can run many kilometers in either direction along the trails, although they get wet when it rains.
Apparently, in ancient times, they turned Kamo to the east, to the east of the imperial palace, to avoid the sense of disunity in the capital.
Anyway, if you run (walk) upstream from near the high people bridge where I live to under the next bridge (Kamo Bridge), the river will split into a Y shape, Kamo on the left and Komei River on the right Suburbs will end soon Now, you’re running in the country.
highly recommended.
The Botanical Garden is located on the east coast of Kamo, just past Kitaoji Dori, where we visited last weekend.
The 200 yen admission ticket is definitely worth it.
Here I was at the Kyoto Botanical Garden last weekend for a brain recharge.
Watch out for the mask!
The Japanese have a lot of respect for each other, and most people (a very high percentage) wear masks because they know they can reduce the spread of respiratory diseases like Covid-19.
I noticed this last weekend while riding in certain places (like- Philosopher’s Wayon a hill on the east side of town), many Western tourists do not wear masks.
I may add a sign of disrespect and ignorance.
We also cycled into the hills east of Kyoto and walked past:
1. Nanzenji area
2. Yoshida Shrine and green space
3. Higashiyama Shōji Temple
All are spectacular.
There was a mini festival near us last Sunday, with some marchers in traditional costumes ringing bells on tall sticks and pushing a large cart with a mini shrine.
I deduce it was to reassure the gods to prevent the volcano on Mount Fuji.
There are great- Taiko drum – The percussionist played, we were invited to try one of the “chū-daiko” drums that you hit with two thick sticks, quite exemplary.
With the impact of percussion, accompanied by the beautiful flute melody, the loud rumbling sound.
Everyone seems to be enjoying the morning ritual.
October 22 is a festival with thousands of years of history in Kyoto. We want to watch the parades depicting all the different historical eras that go back to the capital here.
Speaking of which, if you’re a runner, the Old Palace and Gardens is a great place to be. It’s right across from the Kojin Hashi bridge where I live, and once through the gate, there’s a great runway, especially in the northern part of the garden where there’s a mini forest.
It is very peaceful inside the old city walls, completely different from the busy roads that surround it on the north, west and south sides.
You can run several kilometers around the palace, it’s so big.
All in all, have fun.
