Kyoto Calling

Part 1 of a series.

"If you've seen a little bit of Tokyo, then you must make some time to go and see Kyoto. You see, Kyoto is nestled in a valley that is practically surrounded by mountains. It has a rich history - being the center of Japan for over one thousand years. In fact, the people of Kyoto refer to the people of Tokyo as young children because Tokyo has only been the center of Japan for about one hundred and fifty years. If you go, you will get a much better understanding of Japan and her people."

These words were not directed towards me, but I was in the same room when they were spoken. Instead of going in one ear and out the other, the word stuck around in my head for a while and they formed an echo. Kyoto was calling me. The calendar's pages kept turning and I didn't have a lot of time before returning to New York. I decided to answer the call and visit Kyoto as soon as possible.

I knew someone who grew up in Kyoto. "I recommend that you visit Kyoto. Definitely," he said with a smile. We went online and looked for hotel rooms. It turns out that July 21 is a holiday in Japan. With the three day weekend, many people in Japan must have heard Kyoto calling too; only $350-per-night hotel rooms were the ones answering our call for reservations. In the meantime, I was told about wonderful things to see and do in Kyoto - the shrines and temples, the castles, the "Philosopher's Walk", the food, the global warming, the museums, the shopping... "Wait, what? What do you mean, global warming?"
"Oh, since Kyoto is surrounded on by mountains, the heat doesn't really leave Kyoto once it arrives for the summer. And in the winter, the weather is much colder in Kyoto for similar reasons. The cold is trapped in Kyoto for the winter."

Global warming or not, I was not interested in spending an exorbitant amount of money for a hotel or looking for an affordable Ryokan where I could share floor space with others. I mean, what if I missed when stepping over someone in the middle of the night? What could I possibly say, no matter what the language? No, I could not share floor space and I could not afford a pricey hotel. Perhaps my visit to Kyoto would have to wait.