Kyoto’s old world district

Kyoto’s old world district

by Arlene Rafiq

The God of rain was obviously cooperative as I walk to explore the nostalgic path this traditional village evoked. Gion is Kyoto’s famous old world and entertainment district. It is filled with traditional wooden houses called machiya. While these types of homes can be seen all over Japan, it’s mostly typical in the historical district of Gion in Kyoto. Looking around Gion, you can say that it has maintained and saved its architectural treasures.

Gion creates nostalgia while leisurely strolling the historic town. I even felt happy spirits that seem to be present in the air. Perhaps I am just feeling the good energy of the people of the past centuries having a good time especially when night falls and all the lanterns are lit.

While the evenings have an air of romance, there are also many interesting things to see during the day. I can just sit in a corner and observe which took me to a world of silence. To Japanese culture, silence is golden. My eyes wandered around and I see quite a number of vending machines with all kinds of beverages and snacks. Women and men in kimonos not really sure if they are locals until I saw them entering a kimono rental shop and coming out in their normal clothes. Walked up the hilly road and rows and rows of shops on both sides of the road selling all kinds of things Japanese, from fans, knick-knacks to kimonos. Lots of food stalls are also in vibrant business. I tried the famous rice crackers called senbei and they were addictive. From nori covered senbei to soya sauce with sesame seeds… all flavours were yummy up to the last bite. To my wonderment, an antique looking Starbucks coffee shop suddenly became part of the scenario… that was unexpected!

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