As almost anyone who is interested in Japan and in history at the same time, one of my top places to visit in Japan was Kyoto (ideally for hanami (cherry blossom viewing) and in a kimono. And in April I finally made my dreams come true. You know, sometimes all you have to do is start and then everything follows. Sometimes, you yourself get surprised how easy it is.
The trip was arranged in a way that ensured I could be there with my friend who’s also doing a YA, but in Tokyo, making Kyoto the halfway point. We decided to take night buses, a decision we came to regret later, in my case as soon as I got on the bus. I don’t know what I expected, but definitely it wasn’t a cramped space where one can barely fit. The window seat was much colder than the aisle seat, but you couldn’t use both even if the seat next to you was free, oh no. For privacy reasons, there was a lovely cardboard wall, making the space even smaller.
But somehow, I arrived in Kyoto. Since the time we were supposed to arrive differed by maybe 5 mins, we decided to meet at the station. The only thing is, I am probably in need of a new pair of glasses, because I couldn’t find it! It definitely wasn’t the largest building around, no, why? And I certainly didn’t pass by it like three times, going up and down, trying to make sense out of the Google map’s directions. But, 10-15 mins later, I managed. Applause everybody!
But what does one do at 6am in a city that wakes up and opens up at around 9? Well, you get to your hotel, leave your luggage there and do your hair and makeup in the hotel bathroom for about an hour, until the staff that let you in forgets about your existence. You’re welcome. And why make hair and makeup, you might wanna ask? Well, because it’s the kimono day, indeed!
Booking the kimono at the earliest time possible, because you get to wear it the whole day, yet the price stays the same and you don’t know yet if it’s really as uncomfortable as everyone says and you’re not including your tiredness from the awful, awful bus ride. So you get there, take your sweet time deciding which one to go for, because you and your friend are the embodiment of indecisiveness. But it doesn’t matter because you’re the first one there (which also means you get more options – double-edged sword). Now, a pro tip: when you’re getting dressed, breathe in and hold your breath as much as you can, especially when they’re wrapping all the layers around your belly, if you want to keep breathing during the day. Thank me later. And one more thing, be ready to wear Japanese “flip-flops” with special “flip-flop socks”. I really like the socks, I don’t know why. I guess I’ve always been a weird one.
Anyway, as soon as we got dressed, the photoshoot could begin. The leftover Sakura flowers, the lovely river and temples and shrines. And old Japanese people who want to take a picture with you saying how cute and pretty you look. Don’t get me wrong, it’s nice to get compliments, but it does get old after a while.. the first 10 minutes. So what did we see on the first day? Nanzenji temple, Heian-jingu with its lovely garden and the most traditional thing ever – a Mexican restaurant where we had lunch. You gotta do whatcha gotta do, am I right? And since walking when you can barely breathe (luckily, thanks to the mentioned technique it wasn’t my case) and in those shoes you’re not really used to, we just sat down and talked. And you know, that’s also nice. Then said goodbye to our lovely kimonos and headed back to the hotel, this time for a proper check in. and that’s when I took on a big mission – to convert my friend into an onsen-lover.
For Japanese people and probably other Asian cultures it’s normal to go to a public bath completely naked, but for Westerners it’s kinda unheard of, especially going with people you know but don’t normally see naked. But you know, it’s worth it. Once you do it, it’s hard to go back. And I think I successfully converted my friend. Just make sure you don’t stay too long in the hot water. Have a nice cold drink and go to bed, because there’s another fun day awaiting you! Hopefully…
