from Tokyo
I think we have vicariously traveled and lived in Kyoto thanks to Pico Iyer. Primarily The Lady and the Monk: Four Seasons in Kyoto, but also some mentions in other books, interviews and podcasts. Kyoto has a character that is quite different from Tokyo. It is less hurried and quite laid-back, but I also felt that it tried to keep visitors at an arm’s distance. Tokyo almost didn’t care. Ironically, I observed more foreigners in Kyoto than in Tokyo. Until we figured out the spots, Kyoto’s dinner scene reminded me of Ireland – after 8PM, only drinks and bar bites! But most importantly, Kyoto is definitely prettier.
