Touching down in Kyoto felt like stepping into a portal between centuries. After the controlled chaos of Tokyo, Kyoto instantly felt quieter, softer—like the city had secrets and was waiting for you to listen. Jet lag hadn’t quite worn off, but the excitement overpowered it. The air smelled faintly of incense and spring blossoms. My first stop was the neighborhood of Gion. Yes, it’s the one in all