In my second blog, let me to write about uniqueness of Kyoto.
Born and grown up in Sapporo, Northern Japan, I learned that Kyoto was a historical city. The destination of school trip at high school was where I live currently (indeed Kyoto!). At the time, I felt this beautiful city was traditional and historical. Foods were authentic!
As I tried to get a tourist marketing job overseas before, I took a free online course in tourism even I had already worked for New Zealand hotels. What I learned in the course was that Kyoto was a popular destination because of mixture of traditional and modern surroundings. It makes sense. The city is attractive for tourists from other countries who are interested in different cultures.
Struggling with finding a job where my English skills are used and contribute to a potential employer in Sapporo, my Western friend suggested me to get a job in the mainland. Searching accommodation on website of the world bestseller's travel guide, I contacted places day by day. Eventually I got a job opportunity from a traditional Japanese inn here in Kyoto. Then I made a big move from Sapporo to Kyoto in March 2015.
Once I stepped in the new city, I felt what I learned in the online course was true. I gained new sense and new views of many things. While many traditional buildings and cultures are left positively, new buildings have been established and modern technology has been developed. Even free wifi is available for the inn guests.
Around my workplaces, the traditional Kyoto Machiya townhouses are situated alongside new apartments. While many commercial buildings are situated on main streets, we can see traditional townhouses on the nearby small streets. And this kind of scene is not unnatural at all. They are all mixed and create warm atmosphere of Kyoto. Indeed beauty of Kyoto comes from the mixture of traditional and modern buildings. Then it is unique for you, I am sure because I sense as a person originally from other part of Japan.
While I was going to places to seek pictures which will tell you mixture of buildings in different years, a sign grabbed my attention. An English language school is in a traditional Kyoto Machiya house. What a mixture of the tradition of Kyoto and the different culture and language. I am impressed and surprised. Western travellers who were passing by must have been surprised too.
These days Machiya houses have been renovated as accommodation, cafes and shops, like this English school. I am writing more about Machiya in another blog soon.
Gion is a famous suburb for tourists as a great spot to see Geisha. One day I have seen traditional buildings over there and they are situated as luxury Kyoto cuisine restaurants (called Ryotei in the Japanese language). I went there today to take great shots for this blog. As finding a good spot, I completed the mission. And then I walked on the street going back to the main street, I saw only modern buildings beyond the main street. I was shocked to see such difference just between behind and beyond the main street.
As a historical city and former capital city, many temples and shrines are located throughout the city. These places are likely to attract tourists from other parts of the world. There is no city like Kyoto. I have lived several cities in my life as well as visited more places, indeed Kyoto is Kyoto and never been copied from any place in the world. And no other place has been established as a copy of Kyoto. Some cities can be called Little something, for example, Sapporo is called Little Tokyo, but nothing applies to Kyoto.
And you will have many choices for foods. Many traditional Japanese foods are available, of course. But Italian and French meals are served in traditional Machiya buildings. It is another good example of mixture in Kyoto. Ponto-cho has various kinds of restaurants where you can sit by tables stood on the outside wooden floors and enjoy seeing Kamogawa River. Dining at Ponto-cho will be your great Japanese experience.
Thank you for reading and I hope your wish to visit Kyoto is building up.
See you and Merry Christmas!
Once I stepped in the new city, I felt what I learned in the online course was true. I gained new sense and new views of many things. While many traditional buildings and cultures are left positively, new buildings have been established and modern technology has been developed. Even free wifi is available for the inn guests.
Around my workplaces, the traditional Kyoto Machiya townhouses are situated alongside new apartments. While many commercial buildings are situated on main streets, we can see traditional townhouses on the nearby small streets. And this kind of scene is not unnatural at all. They are all mixed and create warm atmosphere of Kyoto. Indeed beauty of Kyoto comes from the mixture of traditional and modern buildings. Then it is unique for you, I am sure because I sense as a person originally from other part of Japan.
Traditional Townhouse and Modern Apartment Situated Close in the Western Suburb
While I was going to places to seek pictures which will tell you mixture of buildings in different years, a sign grabbed my attention. An English language school is in a traditional Kyoto Machiya house. What a mixture of the tradition of Kyoto and the different culture and language. I am impressed and surprised. Western travellers who were passing by must have been surprised too.
An English Language School at Kyoto Machiya
These days Machiya houses have been renovated as accommodation, cafes and shops, like this English school. I am writing more about Machiya in another blog soon.
Gion is a famous suburb for tourists as a great spot to see Geisha. One day I have seen traditional buildings over there and they are situated as luxury Kyoto cuisine restaurants (called Ryotei in the Japanese language). I went there today to take great shots for this blog. As finding a good spot, I completed the mission. And then I walked on the street going back to the main street, I saw only modern buildings beyond the main street. I was shocked to see such difference just between behind and beyond the main street.
Gion District Famous for Geisha
Opposite Side from Shijo Street, the Main Street
As a historical city and former capital city, many temples and shrines are located throughout the city. These places are likely to attract tourists from other parts of the world. There is no city like Kyoto. I have lived several cities in my life as well as visited more places, indeed Kyoto is Kyoto and never been copied from any place in the world. And no other place has been established as a copy of Kyoto. Some cities can be called Little something, for example, Sapporo is called Little Tokyo, but nothing applies to Kyoto.
Yasaka Shrine Situated East of Gion
And you will have many choices for foods. Many traditional Japanese foods are available, of course. But Italian and French meals are served in traditional Machiya buildings. It is another good example of mixture in Kyoto. Ponto-cho has various kinds of restaurants where you can sit by tables stood on the outside wooden floors and enjoy seeing Kamogawa River. Dining at Ponto-cho will be your great Japanese experience.
Thank you for reading and I hope your wish to visit Kyoto is building up.
See you and Merry Christmas!
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