kyoto: matcha magic and slower life




i took the bullet train to kyoto from tokyo to get outside the city and visit another part of japan. and i'm so glad i did! kyoto was beautiful, quieter, and i got to experience more like local japan life.

i am traveling alone this trip. i haven't solo traveled for pleasure since i was transitioning between ventura and san francisco in 2013. back then i headed to the maldives, where i missed beau and was excited to start my life in sf.

while solo travel can be challenging, it's nice not to have to make any decisions with anyone else and truly do what you want to do. no arguing over directions, deciding where to eat or feeling guilty about wanting to go to bed (story of my life).

i spent my days wandering the streets, walking 10+ miles and trying lots of different foods. kyoto is FILLED with matcha everything. so many sweet treats and fun things to try. i definitely recommend matcha or black sesame ice cream and trying the foods from the food stalls and/or nishiki market.
i found the bus and train system very easy to use. pro tip: you pay when you're getting OFF. i regret that i didn't rent a bicycle when i was there... you might consider that. also always keep out a few coins so you can easily purchase sweet treats on the side of the road. 

 two days was plenty for me. there are lots of temples to see but they are start looking the same. here are some things i did that i would recommend:
Nishiki Market
Black Sesame Ice Cream from Nishiki Market
Delicious treats from Nishiki Market
Arabica Coffee in Arashiyama
View from Monkey Summit in Arashiyama
Bamboo Forest in Arashiyama
Delicious Matcha Ball thing... near Fushimi Inari
Shitty picture but these dough balls... so delicious!
Loved this hot coffee from vending machine







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