Vivid shades of red on the leaves, on the store across the street, and the quaint post office box down the sidewalk. And it’s quiet. It’s a still night. I can’t see anyone walking. Certainly not any rickshaws. Just a streak of taillights at the intersection way over there. If you want to enjoy the picturesque beauty of autumn in Kyoto you saw on a travel blog or your travel agent’s website, night may be your only option. The temples typically close their doors around 5 p.m., but at least you can stroll along this scenic street in peace.
ウィズコロナ時代になって観光の回復に触れるニュースを見たら、この道が出たかも。でもその映像は観光者と力車だらけの昼。夜はやっぱりその正反対。ピースフル。静か。モミジの色とレトロの風景をゆっくりと目で楽しめる。お土産屋さんは閉まってる。アイスクリーム屋さんも閉まってる。天竜寺も閉まってる。だらかこの時間帯が特別。
©︎Alexander Farrell