Ok so the Kyoto Japan bucket list has seriously been living in my brain rent free lately like I cant stop thinking about it. Im typing this right now from my tiny apartment in the states feet on the couch thats covered in crumbs from last nights takeout and its raining again outside the window making everything gray and depressing. I keep opening tabs of flight prices at like 2am instead of actually sleeping or doing laundry like a responsible adult.
Full honest truth I havent even been to Japan yet this whole thing is me geeking out from my couch while my real life is just endless Zoom meetings and trying not to blow my budget on another overpriced latte down the street. But Kyoto bucket list just feels like the one thing that might actually fix my seasonal mood crash or something idk maybe Im being dramatic.
Why the Kyoto Japan Bucket List Feels So Damn Urgent for Me Right Now
Look I love some American road trips dont get me wrong Ive driven to a few national parks and eaten way too many gas station snacks but they always end up crowded and kinda samey after a while. Kyoto Japan travel though? It hits different from everything I read and watch at night. All those old temples and quiet paths sound like the reset button I need because my days here are just traffic and forgetting where I parked my car again.
I mean seriously why am I still here scrolling when I could be saving for that instead. Anyway heres a decent planning site that doesnt hype it too much https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2158.html if youre actually serious about going.
Fushimi Inari Those Red Torii Gates That Would Probably Break Me
Ok the Fushimi Inari Shrine with the endless orange gates snaking up the hill thats the pic that always pops up first whenever I google Kyoto Japan bucket list. Id probably start strong then huff and puff halfway and sit on some steps pretending to take artsy shots while really just catching my breath like the out of shape American I am.
Those fox statues everywhere too Inaris thing I guess Id talk to one out loud by accident and feel embarrassed but who cares.
Here some real photos I actually searched up tonight that look exactly like what I imagine (the tunnel ones especially get me)
Arashiyama Bamboo Grove The One That Looks Like a Zen Movie Set
Then the bamboo grove in Arashiyama tall green stalks swaying with sunlight sneaking through the top its like a screensaver but real. Compared to my usual walks here where someones always blasting music or a dog is barking nonstop this would be actual peace I think.
Id go stupid early like everyone says because crowds ruin everything fast and yeah Id probably trip over my own shoelaces staring up too long.
Found these when I searched that capture it perfect the upward ones especially
Kinkaku-ji Golden Pavilion Shiny Enough to Make My Backyard Look Sad
And dont even get me started on the Kinkaku-ji the whole top covered in real gold leaf sitting there reflecting in the pond with fall leaves all around. In autumn it must look insane Id just stand there jaw dropped comparing it to my rusty grill back home and feeling personally attacked by how pretty it is.
Id take like a hundred bad photos then drop my phone probably.
These searched ones from tonight nail the reflection vibe I keep dreaming about
Theres more stuff like maybe spotting geisha in Gion (but be normal about it dont be weird) or drinking matcha till I cant anymore or just wandering random streets getting lost on purpose. The whole Kyoto Japan bucket list isnt about ticking boxes its about finally feeling that wonder thing I havent had since my last half assed vacation years ago.
Im not pretending Im some expert here half my travel ideas fall apart because I overthink the cost or get lazy and just order pizza instead. Prices spike my bank account would probably cry but whatever lifes short right.
