I was lucky to have lived in Kyoto when I was 19 and 20 - I arrived in Feb 1970. I did not know a word of japanese and no one then spoke English. I ended up working at a landscape architecture office in Osaka (how I did that was amazing - lots of interviews in spotty Japanese). I commuted every day from Kyoto. A female gaijin at an all male office. And there were no tourists to speak of. None. What a different time.
Your comment is so perfect, Chris. My wife and I have visited Kyoto almost every year since 2007 and we usually stay in a machiya in Gion. While certain areas have indeed become much more crowded, we have taken your advice and we avoid them entirely or visit at off-peak times. We love Kyoto and a hatchet job like this article is a gross misrepresentation of one of the best places in the world.
Although I've not been yet to Kyoto (we go in October and are staying in one of your recommendations in Gion) I was born and lived in New York for many years. Your comparison is, I'm sure, spot on. Sure, NYC is a beehive of energy with tourists galore, but it is also a fabulous place to explore. We worked with one of your consultants planning where to stay in Kyoto and we have hired her for our first full day in Kyoto to show us around. I am certain Kyoto will prove to be wonderful.
I agree with you! Kyoto offers so much more!
well done.
I was lucky to have lived in Kyoto when I was 19 and 20 - I arrived in Feb 1970. I did not know a word of japanese and no one then spoke English. I ended up working at a landscape architecture office in Osaka (how I did that was amazing - lots of interviews in spotty Japanese). I commuted every day from Kyoto. A female gaijin at an all male office. And there were no tourists to speak of. None. What a different time.
When I read the article I wasn't sure it wasn't parody, for the same reasons you addressed in your comment.
Your comment is so perfect, Chris. My wife and I have visited Kyoto almost every year since 2007 and we usually stay in a machiya in Gion. While certain areas have indeed become much more crowded, we have taken your advice and we avoid them entirely or visit at off-peak times. We love Kyoto and a hatchet job like this article is a gross misrepresentation of one of the best places in the world.
Greetings, Chris,
Although I've not been yet to Kyoto (we go in October and are staying in one of your recommendations in Gion) I was born and lived in New York for many years. Your comparison is, I'm sure, spot on. Sure, NYC is a beehive of energy with tourists galore, but it is also a fabulous place to explore. We worked with one of your consultants planning where to stay in Kyoto and we have hired her for our first full day in Kyoto to show us around. I am certain Kyoto will prove to be wonderful.
Fiddlesticks on that article!
Really thoughtful response! As a new yorker, I loved the note you sent them.
Well said Chris. Thank you for your insight.