Hey beautiful friends and enemies~
It has been quite a while now, but I wanted to share some happy moments from January. I was really busy with my spouse visa for Korea, and honestly… I was so done with it at some point. Like, I seriously just wanted to give up. But at the same time, something good actually came out of that whole situation. Because of the visa stuff, I ended up going to Japan — and I have to admit that I was happy about that part of the struggle ahaha. [BTW, the spouse visa process was… an experience. We basically had to prove that we “love” each other through screenshots 😀 which was honestly both ridiculous and kind of funny at the same time. Like, digging through chats trying to find the most convincing evidence of emotions?? very normal. We also had to prove that we didn’t just get married for the visa (which, fair enough, but still slightly humbling haha). And the irony of it all… after all that stress, documents, and emotional damage from the submissions — I finally got the visa, happy ending, right? Well. The very next day. Literally the next day. Minjun got a job offer in Lithuania. So yeah… 😀 you can imagine. New life chapter in Lithuania it is, I guess?]
I went to Kyoto since the tickets were pretty affordable (winter perks, I guess), even though it was quite cold. But I didn’t even mind it that much. There’s just something about Kyoto. And also… You know I kind of fell pretty hard for Kyoto again. I had been there before with my mum, and I think that trip stayed with me more than I realized. Going back felt familiar but also different at the same time. Like revisiting a place you already love, but seeing it in a new mood — quieter, colder, slower. So yeah… even though I was stressed and tired because of the visa process, Kyoto made it all a bit better.
It was actually kind of a big but fun challenge for me. I don’t really enjoy being in crowded places alone, like eating out alone, that’s really not my thing. Galleries and cafés are fine though, those are actually my favorite places to spend time alone. Guess I’m a pretty introverted person, not in a “I hate people” way, or I kind of do but.. no, I actually really like people… just the ones I already know, all others not so much. And it takes me so long to get close to someone that most of the time I just don’t even bother, it’s simply way more chill like this way. So yeah… very shy personality (even though no one ever believes it?? why tho lol). But this short two-night, three-day trip pushed me a bit out of my comfort zone, and I ended up doing things I normally wouldn’t do, like going out for dinner alone at a more popular place, even talking to random people (okay I didn’t initiate the convo, but I responded and we’re choosing to call that progress and be proud of it haha), or grabbing a drink by myself at a bar, which is funny because I actually really enjoy Japanese gin (like omg… gin is the best, yes). So yeah… small things, but for me it actually felt like a pretty big step.
I stepped out of the plane and immediately made sure not to leave my phone anywhere (learned that the hard way last time), then took the HARUKA (はるか) towards Kyoto (京都駅), grabbing some snacks for the ride on the way. I had been busy all morning doing last-minute changes to my dissertation before sending it to the reviewers, so I didn’t really have time to eat anything, which is probably why that combo of beer and a riceball felt like the most delicious meal on the planet haha, and omg my favorite chocolate… obviously had to get some immediately, zero self-control. After arriving at Kyoto station it was only about a 25-minute walk to my hotel, so honestly why even bother with the metro when you can just walk, especially considering I somehow always manage to mess up directions or trains 😀 better not risk it.
I chose a kind of hotel/hostel right in the heart of Kyoto (thanks to my Booking.com points and discounts haha), which was modeled like a traditional home — tatami (畳), bed-futons (布団), a mini-mini bathtub that was honestly more cute than practical, and even tea and snacks as a welcome, which immediately made it feel very much my style. I stayed at Saju Kyoto (茶住 京都), and it honestly turned out to be such a good choice — the whole concept is basically “living in a tea room,” which sounds a bit poetic but actually fits perfectly, very calm, minimal, slightly modern but still with that quiet Kyoto vibe. The location was also kind of ideal, right in Shimogyo (下京区), just a few minutes from Shijo Street and about a 5-minute walk to Nishiki Market (錦市場), with Kawaramachi and even Gion (祇園) within walking distance, but still tucked away on a quieter street so you don’t feel like you’re constantly in the middle of chaos.
And the person in charge of the hotel was honestly such a big help. I asked for some recommendations and he suggested a local restaurant, and then even walked with me there (it was literally right next to the hotel) to help make a reservation, which I was actually really thankful for, because he clearly noticed I was giving off slightly confused and intimidated energy and decided to step in. It still felt a little awkward though, especially when they kind of hinted that I don’t really seem like the type who enjoys eating alone… which, well… extremely accurate. I had to admit that even when I travel alone, I usually go to places where I have friends, so this was one of the first times it was actually just me. In the end there was no free spot, but they told me if I waited about 55 minutes they could squeeze me in at the bar, so I took that as my cue for a dramatic little solo stroll. I ended up by the Kamo River (鴨川), and even though it was already dark, there were still so many people around, some wearing kimono (着物), all looking effortlessly cute.I caught myself thinking… I kind of want to try that too. I mean, technically I could, right? Even on my own… Maybe tomorrow… we’ll see.
Eventually dinner. It was pretty good I had to admit.
After my little solo dinner adventure, I decided to go for a 2cha (2차) — which in Korea basically means “second round,” like moving on to another place after your first stop, usually for drinks. It’s kind of a whole culture there, going from 1차 to 2차 (and sometimes even more…), and somehow that energy followed me all the way to Kyoto. I had already spotted a few places earlier during my pre-dinner walk, so I knew exactly where to go next. I ended up standing between two very different options: one was this super fancy place with an open terrace, full of very well-dressed people who all looked like they had their lives perfectly together, very high-end, very intimidating… and the other one was a small, more private-looking bar, run by an older gentleman in a black suit, much quieter, much less crowded, almost like a hidden spot. Guess which one I chose? 😄 And eventually I even went to 3차 a bat which sitted in my google map hearts for the longest time – Kingdom.
Next day I woke up and first things first — coffee, obviously.
Which somehow turned into a little stroll that slowly led me to Gion (祇園), and well… once you’re there, you really can’t ignore it, kimono rental places everywhere. So yeah… guess what I did. I gave in, rented one, and suddenly found myself walking around alone in a kimono like a full-on tourist, visiting all the cute little streets and spots. I did feel slightly ridiculous at first, not going to lie, but also kind of loved it at the same time. The only problem it was freezing, and I was, well… just in a kimono. No real winter protection, just vibes. Still worth it haha. What truly made my day, though, was something completely unexpected… I was stopped by a street photographer who, using Google Translate, asked if he could take a few photos of me (apparently my kimono caught his eye which was not gonna lie much flattering). I was a bit shy, but I said yes, and I’m so glad I did as he send me the photos afterwards.
Eventually my little adventure came to an end and it was time to head back to Seoul. Of course I woke up a bit earlier, just so I could walk to Kyoto Station (京都駅) one more time and take the airport line again, trying to stretch those last moments just a little longer. At the airport I treated myself to some last-minute snacks and a coffee (as if I hadn’t already had enough), and just like that, my first real solo trip came to an end — honestly, in the best way possible. If anything, it only made me fall even more for Kyoto and quietly start planning when I could come back again.
P.s. Being in Japan and seeing kanji (漢字) and hiragana (ひらがな) everywhere always reminds me that I once boldly decided to learn Japanese in my second year at university… (where I by the way met my lovely Cemile ❤ and Nana) only to be personally defeated by kanji. And by defeated I mean: instead of going to the exam, I went to a café and ordered an iced americano like it was a life decision. Truly a moment of character development. I still get teased by my mom about it (rightfully so, honestly), but I haven’t completely given up… one day I’ll return, face the kanji again, and hopefully not choose coffee over my education this time…………
And for now…
…stay tuned
Au revoir
– M
Miseongii 