Day 20: Tranquility in Kyoto
Tonight is my third night in Kyoto, and I am feeling quiet relaxed here, and the weather continues its decline towards a proper autumn. The narrow street my guest house is on. This ease and relaxation I feel here is certainly in part from simply being in Japan long enough that the stress of everyday things has largely waned. But I also feel a difference in style and tone here that also helps set me at ease. Today, despite a sore foot (a story for another time), I was able to casually wander the streets near my guest house and explore nearby temples and shops. I received my first two-page Goshuin from Hozoji temple. Kyoto is less dense, less crowded and very visually more traditional in style than Osaka. Life here feels just one step slower that it did in Osaka, and I appreciate that subtle difference. My stay here has also been made very welcoming with the discovery of a bustling and happy guest house, which I feel very lucky to have booked. In stark comparison to m...