A Reflection of my First Journey to Kyoto
Heian Shrine, Kyoto, Japan, 2008
Our tour of Asia continues!
Today, we find ourselves reminiscing about Kyoto, a city I ventured into solo in 2008.
Originally planned as a journey with companions, fate intervened, and one by one, they withdrew. Faced with a choice to postpone or embark alone, I opted for the latter—a decision that would redefine my travels. From that first solo foray, amidst Kyoto's temples and bustling streets, a passion for solitary exploration grew. With burgeoning confidence, I soon traversed jungles, deserts, and mountains across continents.
Stepping off the bullet train at Kyoto’s central station, I felt an instant leap back in time—immersed in the echoes of Miyamoto Musashi’s swordsmanship, the elegance of geishas, and the authority of emperors and shoguns.
Reflecting on the images I captured 16 years ago, Japan’s allure remains undiminished. A poignant memory lingers in the serene embrace of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove, where the rustle of leaves whispered the wisdom of ages.
As a novice photographer on this solo journey, every corner revealed a wealth of history and mystery, which I found to be a captivating experience as a curious traveler.
Join me in rediscovering these moments through a series of images from my two-day trip to Kyoto.
NOTE TO SELF: Make sure to organize a trip for you and the kids to Kyoto. Use this as a form of inspiration.
