In brief
In Kyoto, a travel writer reflects on the joy of uncovering local treasures but faces the dilemma of keeping them secret to avoid overwhelming the beloved city.
As I traipsed through Japan from Nagasaki to Tokyo last September, the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes captivated me. I soaked in serene onsens at Mount Aso and shared sushi with kind locals in bustling Tokyo. But one unexpected highlight was a small bar in Kyoto, where locals revealed the city's little-known gems. For seasoned travel writers like Pico Iyer, who has lived near Kyoto for 30 years, this poses a dilemma: Should these hidden treasures remain secret, or should they be shared with the world? Iyer highlights the challenge of promoting lesser-known spots while considering the effects of tourism on local communities. As more people flock to these “juicy” places, the unexpected prices and chaos come with it.On my journey, I noticed signs throughout Kyoto cautioning tourists about encroaching on private spaces and urging them to use public transport instead of overcrowded buses. Wandering amongst throngs of visitors at sights like Kiyomizu, I shifted from trailblazer to just another face in the crowd—a sign of the delicate dance between travel enthusiasts and local residents. It's a matter of pondering what it means to explore a new place authentically while maintaining a respectful distance; something worth considering for any traveler.
