Go to Kyoto now. No, seriously. #japanlife #travel #japantravel #kyoto #kyototrip

SUMMARY

Paul, a 20-year long-term resident of Japan, shares his recent trip to Kyoto and Hiroshima with friend Patrick, a Japan newbie, discussing over-tourism, hidden gems, and whether it's worth visiting amid summer heat and anti-foreigner sentiments.

CORE INFORMATION

Paul introduces himself as a long-term foreign resident in Japan for 20 years, creating videos on Japanese society, life, and culture. He recounts a recent trip with his American friend Patrick, who visited Japan for the first time without prior interest or expectations, prompted solely by Paul's invitations. They traveled to Kyoto and Hiroshima, two hotspots for over-tourism complaints, and Paul aims to share their itinerary, experiences with crowds, local sentiments, and personal rankings of sites. He addresses rising anti-foreigner feelings due to tourists disregarding Japanese norms, questioning if they encountered hostility. Paul references an earlier video interviewing Patrick's unfiltered newbie perspectives and promises rankings for both a veteran resident and a complete novice, making it relevant to various viewer experiences.

Paul boldly claims it's the best time to visit Kyoto despite over-tourism reports, explaining that foreign tourists flock to the "golden route" like Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari, leaving other areas empty. Japanese locals are avoiding Kyoto to evade crowds, resulting in serene off-route spots. Their top-ranked Kyoto site was a temple where they were nearly alone, with only a chanting monk and elderly vendors present, enhancing the magic. Starting from chaotic Kyoto Station, filled mostly with foreign tourists, their experience improved outside it. Staying in Gion district, they walked south to Sanjusangendo Temple, famous for 1,000 Kannon statues, passing a lesser-known shrine en route. Paul recommends books like "Deep Kyoto Walks" and "Kyoto" for historical context, plus "Another Kyoto" by Alex Kerr for architectural insights, emphasizing how prior reading deepens appreciation beyond surface beauty.

The itinerary continued with an early 5 a.m. visit to Fushimi Inari, avoiding crowds for magical morning light, cats, and serene exploration, ranking it second. They then headed northeast to Seikanzen-in Temple, exemplifying Shinto-Buddhist syncretism, which fascinated Patrick from a Western monotheistic background; they chose between Shinto or Buddhist stamps for their go-shuincho book and enjoyed a monk's sutra chanting in solitude, ranking it first. Ascending Mount Hiei to Enryaku-ji, a historic Buddhist complex burned by warlord Oda Nobunaga to curb its power, they noted its reduced size (one-eighth original) yet 70+ buildings, cooler summer breezes, and mostly Japanese visitors without crowds. In Hiroshima, they visited Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) with its floating torii and deer, ranking high for Patrick; the somber Peace Park and Museum, unranked due to gravity, drew quiet crowds; and tried Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, which Paul prefers less than Osaka's simpler version. Overall, no rudeness or bad tourist behavior was observed, attributing issues to media amplification and suggesting spreading tourism to mitigate problems.

IDEAS

Foreign tourists cluster on Kyoto's golden route, leaving off-path areas deserted for unique experiences.
Japanese locals shun popular Kyoto sites due to over-tourism, creating serene spots for mindful visitors.
Early morning visits to Fushimi Inari avoid crowds, revealing cats and magical dawn light unspoiled.
Books like "Deep Kyoto Walks" unlock hidden historical shrines, transforming trips into cultural deep dives.
Sanjusangendo's 1,000 Kannon statues evoke personal connections, like spotting familiar faces among them.
Seikanzen-in Temple blends Shinto and Buddhism seamlessly, challenging Western monotheistic religious boundaries.
Enryaku-ji's destruction by Oda Nobunaga highlights power struggles between warlords and warrior monks.
Hiroshima's Peace Museum induces profound silence and sobs, confronting humanity's capacity for destruction.
Miyajima's floating torii gate appears stunning only at high tide, unlike low-tide mudflat disappointments.
Syncretism in Japanese religion allows fluid mixing of Shinto and Buddhist practices in daily customs.
Goshuincho books feature customizable stamps, choosing between Shinto or Buddhist calligraphy at temples.
Kyoto's northeast corner is mythically guarded against demons by protective Buddhist complexes like Enryaku-ji.
Warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi's shrine features a burial mound of severed Korean conquest ears, eerily unique.
Patrick, a Lutheran, likened Sanjusangendo statues to a heavenly choir rehearsal in Buddhist context.
Hiroshima okonomiyaki's added noodles overload flavors compared to simpler Osaka versions preferred widely.
Avoiding Kyoto Station chaos by heading to lesser-known sites immediately alters over-tourism perceptions.
Mount Hiei offers cooler summer escapes with breezes, contrasting Kyoto's oppressive heat below.
Media amplifies isolated tourist misbehaviors, creating exaggerated fears of Japan's tourism decline.
Spreading tourism beyond hotspots reduces concentrated litter and rule-breaking in tourist bubbles.
Patrick's lack of expectations as a Japan newbie led to unbiased, positive discoveries in historic sites.
Elderly vendors at remote temples sell omamori charms, adding authentic local interactions to visits.
New Year's holidays close Japanese museums, causing missed opportunities like Paul's first Hiroshima trip.
Itsukushima Shrine's deer are sacred, enhancing the island's spiritual and natural allure for visitors.
Enryaku-ji's 70 remaining buildings hint at its former vast power, reduced to one-eighth original size.
Gion district hotels provide easy access to southern Kyoto walks, bypassing central tourist hordes.

INSIGHTS

Off-route exploration in over-touristed areas like Kyoto yields solitary, profound cultural immersion.
Prior historical reading elevates temple visits from visual spectacles to meaningful narrative journeys.
Japanese religious syncretism fosters eclectic spirituality, contrasting rigid Western faith divisions.
Early or late timings transform crowded icons into peaceful, authentic experiences for travelers.
Media hype distorts tourism realities, ignoring smart strategies that ensure positive Japan visits.
Spreading tourist flows prevents bad behavior concentrations, preserving local harmony and sites.
Newbie perspectives without preconceptions reveal Japan's charms more purely than enthusiast biases.
Somber sites like Hiroshima Museum demand unranked reverence, prioritizing reflection over enjoyment.
Warlord legacies in shrines reveal Japan's turbulent history, blending glory with dark conquest remnants.
Summer mountain ascents provide natural heat relief, enhancing physical and spiritual temple explorations.

QUOTES

"Right now is the best time to visit Kyoto."
"Foreign tourists visiting Kyoto all go to the same places."
"Japanese are avoiding Kyoto currently."
"We were the only two people there."
"If you look at them long enough, you will find the face of someone you know."
"It's kind of like choir rehearsal."
"You're going to be some of the only people there."
"It's such a beautiful spot... absolutely a magical place."
"Mixing Buddhism and Shintoism over the history of Japan."
"Do you want the Shinto version or do you want the Buddhist version?"
"He put the place to the torch."
"It's a monument to what humankind is capable of inflicting upon each other."
"It was a party in my mouth, but it was a party that got out of control."
"Kyoto is not over-touristed and we did not experience any kind of rudeness."
"Social media and traditional media amplifies all of that."
"How do we spread the tourism out of it?"
"You could still safely travel in Japan and have a great experience."
"I prefer the toned down Osaka version."
"Everyone just kind of somberly files through."
"It's worth visiting if you manage to make it to Japan."

HABITS

Wake at 5 a.m. for early temple visits to avoid crowds and capture serene mornings.
Read guidebooks like "Deep Kyoto Walks" before trips for historical context and hidden spots.
Carry a goshuincho book to collect temple stamps and calligraphy as travel mementos.
Walk south from Gion district to explore lesser-known shrines and temples on foot.
Choose off-golden route sites in Kyoto to ensure solitary, magical cultural experiences.
Visit sites at dusk for lantern-lit atmospheres after daytime crowds dissipate naturally.
Pester friends persistently to visit Japan, fostering newbie perspectives without expectations.
Ascend mountains like Hiei in summer for cooler breezes and heat escape during explorations.
Interview travel companions for unvarnished thoughts to enrich video content creation.
Avoid New Year's for museum trips, knowing closures are common in Japanese holidays.
Opt for high-tide timings at Miyajima to witness the floating torii's full scenic beauty.
Rank visited places separately for veterans and newbies to guide diverse viewer interests.
Stumble upon recently read-about shrines for spontaneous, book-informed discoveries.
Listen attentively to monks chanting sutras during temple visits for immersive spirituality.
Try local foods like okonomiyaki but compare regional variations for personal preferences.
Film and photograph early morning cats at Fushimi Inari before they flee tourist crowds.
Seek syncretic temples to grasp Japan's blended Shinto-Buddhist religious practices deeply.
Walk slowly through Kyoto, limiting sites to five over two days for unhurried appreciation.
Reflect on heavy sites like Peace Museum without ranking to honor their somber gravity.
Share trip logs on YouTube to discuss over-tourism realities and counter media exaggerations.

FACTS

Paul has resided in Japan for 20 years as a foreign resident documenting its culture.
Kyoto Station appears overwhelmingly filled with foreign tourists upon Shinkansen arrival.
Sanjusangendo Temple houses 1,000 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy.
Fushimi Inari features shrine-associated people feeding cats in early mornings.
Kyoto's northeast is mythically seen as an entry for demons, protected by Enryaku-ji.
Seikanzen-in Temple offers choice of Shinto or Buddhist stamps in goshuincho books.
Enryaku-ji was burned by Oda Nobunaga, reducing it to one-eighth its original size.
Enryaku-ji complex retains over 70 buildings despite historical destruction in 1571.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's shrine includes a mound of severed ears from Korean conquest.
Hiroshima's Peace Museum draws somber crowds, with visitors sobbing through exhibits.
Itsukushima Shrine's torii gate floats on water only during high tide conditions.
Miyajima is reached by 20-minute train and 5-minute ferry from Hiroshima Station.
Japanese museums often close during New Year's holidays, limiting access opportunities.
Hiroshima okonomiyaki uniquely includes noodles, differing from Osaka's simpler style.
Japanese religious syncretism mixes Shinto and Buddhism in structures and customs.
Mount Hiei provides cooler temperatures and breezes in Kyoto's summer heat.
Patrick, a first-time visitor, ranked Miyajima second among all trip highlights.
Anti-foreigner sentiment rises in Japan due to tourists ignoring local manners.
Over-tourism reports cause Japanese to avoid popular Kyoto sites like golden route.
Media amplifies isolated tourist bad behaviors, exaggerating Japan's tourism issues.

REFERENCES

Video interview with Patrick on his unvarnished newbie thoughts about Japan.
Book: "Deep Kyoto Walks" for unique historical walks and hidden shrine discoveries.
Book: "Kyoto" for cultural birthplaces like Buddhist sects and tea ceremony origins.
Book: "Another Kyoto" by Alex Kerr for detailed architectural insights in Kyoto.
Shrine dedicated to warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi with severed ears burial mound.
Sanjusangendo Temple with 1,000 Kannon statues and heavenly choir-like arrangement.
Fushimi Inari Shrine for early morning cats and lantern-lit night visits.
Seikanzen-in Temple as prime example of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism in structures.
Enryaku-ji on Mount Hiei, site of Oda Nobunaga's destruction and warrior monks.
Hiroshima Peace Park and Museum for atomic bomb history and human infliction exhibits.
Itsukushima Shrine (Miyajima) with floating torii, sacred deer, and high-tide beauty.
Toyotomi Hideyoshi's interment site on Miyajima with giant rice scoop ornaments.
Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki featuring noodles, compared to Osaka's toned-down version.
Goshuincho temple book for collecting calligraphy stamps from Shinto or Buddhist choices.
SakuraCo gift boxes of Japanese snacks using code EXJAPTER for $5 discount.
Japonin online Japanese lessons with code exjapter for 2 free trial sessions.
Etsy shop PrintsyGalore for original Japanese woodblock prints curated by Paul.
Patreon page /exjapter989 for direct support of Paul's video content.
Instagram @exjapter for Paul's personal updates and Japan life shares.
Upcoming Yokohama videos on Japanese society and expat experiences.

HOW TO APPLY

Arrive at Kyoto Station via Shinkansen and immediately exit to avoid tourist chaos.
Book a hotel in Gion district for convenient access to southern Kyoto explorations.
Walk south from Gion to visit Sanjusangendo Temple and nearby hidden shrines.
Read "Deep Kyoto Walks" beforehand to identify and appreciate obscure historical sites.
Stumble upon shrines like Toyotomi Hideyoshi's for spontaneous, low-crowd discoveries.
Wake at 5 a.m. to tour Fushimi Inari, capturing early light and interacting with cats.
Seek syncretic temples like Seikanzen-in to study blended Shinto-Buddhist elements.
Choose Shinto or Buddhist stamps when getting goshuincho signed at mixed-religion sites.
Ascend Mount Hiei by cable car or trail to explore Enryaku-ji's 70+ buildings slowly.
Visit Hiroshima Peace Museum on weekdays to minimize Saturday crowds and somberly reflect.
Time Miyajima trip for high tide to see the floating torii gate in full scenic glory.
Take 20-minute train from Hiroshima Station followed by 5-minute ferry to Miyajima.
Try Hiroshima okonomiyaki but compare it to Osaka versions for flavor preference insights.
Avoid golden route spots like Arashiyama to ensure solitary temple experiences in Kyoto.
Limit daily sites to 2-3, taking slow paces over two days for unhurried Kyoto appreciation.
Interview travel companions post-visit for fresh perspectives to enhance trip reflections.
Use book knowledge to contextualize architecture, turning visits into meaningful narratives.
Plan summer trips with mountain ascents for natural cooling during hot, oppressive days.
Counter over-tourism by spreading visits to off-path areas, reducing concentrated impacts.
Share experiences online to discuss and recommend non-crowded gems in touristy regions.

ONE-SENTENCE TAKEAWAY

Visit Kyoto now by avoiding golden routes for serene, crowd-free cultural immersion despite over-tourism fears.

RECOMMENDATIONS

Explore Kyoto off the golden route to discover empty temples and avoid foreign tourist hordes.
Read "Deep Kyoto Walks" prior to trips for guided hidden historical sites and deeper context.
Arrive at Fushimi Inari at 5 a.m. for magical, uncrowded mornings with visible cats.
Visit Seikanzen-in Temple to witness Shinto-Buddhist syncretism and choose custom stamps.
Ascend Mount Hiei in summer for cooler Enryaku-ji explorations and historical warrior monk insights.
Time Miyajima for high tide to photograph the stunning floating torii gate properly.
Reflect somberly at Hiroshima Peace Museum without ranking, honoring its heavy human lessons.
Try Hiroshima okonomiyaki but prefer Osaka's simpler noodle-free version for balanced flavors.
Spread tourism by choosing lesser-known sites to minimize litter and bad behavior concentrations.
Interview newbies like Patrick for unbiased views, enriching your own Japan travel perspectives.
Carry a goshuincho book to collect personalized calligraphy from syncretic religious sites.
Avoid New Year's for Hiroshima visits, as museums close during Japanese holiday periods.
Walk slowly in Gion, limiting to five sites over two days for unhurried Kyoto enjoyment.
Counter media hype by smart planning, ensuring safe, positive experiences amid over-tourism.
Seek syncretic structures to grasp Japan's fluid religious mixing beyond Western monotheism.
Use early or dusk timings for iconic sites like Fushimi Inari to evade peak crowds.
Pester uninterested friends to visit Japan, fostering fresh discoveries without preconceptions.
Learn from books like "Another Kyoto" to understand architectural meanings during visits.
Plan post-museum diversions like Miyajima to balance heavy reflections with scenic reliefs.
Share trip logs online to recommend non-touristy gems, helping others avoid overcrowded areas.

MEMO

Why Kyoto Beckons Despite the Crowds

In the sweltering summer heat, with reports of over-tourism plaguing Japan's ancient capital, Paul, a 20-year expat resident, insists it's the ideal time to visit Kyoto. Joined by his American friend Patrick—a complete novice with no prior interest in Japan—the duo embarked on a two-day itinerary that sidestepped the infamous "golden route" of Kiyomizu-dera, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Kinkaku-ji, and Fushimi Inari. Instead, they uncovered serene hidden gems, proving that strategic planning can transform a much-maligned destination into a personal paradise. Paul's channel, focused on Japanese life from a foreigner's lens, documents this journey to debunk myths of hostility and overcrowding.

Their adventure began amid the chaos of Kyoto Station, a sea of international visitors that reinforced over-tourism narratives. Yet, checking into a Gion district hotel, they veered south to Sanjusangendo Temple, renowned for its 1,000 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. En route, they stumbled upon a shrine to warlord Toyotomi Hideyoshi, eerily marked by a mound of severed ears from his Korean conquest—a morbid footnote that ranked low on their list. Sanjusangendo, though busier with foreigners, allowed unhurried pacing, with Patrick likening the statues to a heavenly choir. Paul credits pre-trip reading from books like Deep Kyoto Walks and Kyoto for unlocking such sites' historical depth, elevating visits beyond Instagram snapshots to profound cultural encounters.

Dawn broke at 5 a.m. for Fushimi Inari, where torii gates gleamed in soft light, free of daytime throngs and revealing elusive shrine cats. Ranked second for its magic, it exemplified how timing tames tourist traps. Northeastward, they explored Seikanzen-in Temple, a pinnacle of Shinto-Buddhist syncretism that puzzled Patrick's Western monotheistic background; they even chose between religious stamps for their goshuincho book amid a chanting monk's solitude—their top-ranked spot. Ascending Mount Hiei to Enryaku-ji, a once-mighty complex torched by Oda Nobunaga to dismantle its warrior monks, offered cooler breezes and mostly Japanese visitors, far from the crowds Paul dismisses as media-amplified exaggerations.

Shifting to Hiroshima, the pair ferried to Miyajima's Itsukushima Shrine, its floating torii and sacred deer shining at high tide—Patrick's new favorite. The somber Peace Park and Museum followed, unranked for its gravity, where quiet sobs echoed humanity's darkest capacities; Paul, visiting the museum for the first time, urges it as essential reflection. Even Hiroshima's noodle-laden okonomiyaki sparked debate, with Paul favoring Osaka's restraint. No rudeness or litter marred their trip, underscoring that spreading tourism beyond hotspots preserves Japan's harmony. As Paul films by Lake Kawaguchi, he affirms: Kyoto and Hiroshima remain vital, accessible escapes for the savvy traveler.

Ultimately, Paul's bold claim holds: by avoiding the beaten path and arming with knowledge, visitors can sidestep over-tourism's pitfalls. Japanese avoidance of crowded sites further empties off-route treasures, fostering authentic connections. For newbies and veterans alike, this approach counters anti-foreigner sentiments, ensuring Japan remains a welcoming haven. As Patrick’s unbiased awe attests, even the uninterested find magic here—proving persistence in exploration yields timeless rewards.