Kisshoin

In Kyoto's south ward there is a neighborhood in between Katsura River and Kamo River called Kisshoin. There aren't any famous sights in Kisshoin so there aren't any tourists wandering about on the streets. The area has plenty of farm land, however, it also has the features of a city mixed in so it might be hard to know if it can be called the countryside or not. Industrial facilities, agriculture and homesteads are intermingled in the area. An amusement complex tower over the farmland next to the river, and the neighboring car dealership has shiny red cars lined in front. At the same time, the very next street is lined with planted flowers and school children peacefully stroll home with umbrellas over their heads. Band practice can be heard from inside the local high school out on the street.

There are parks in the resident areas. Children play together both in the park and out on the street outside their houses. On a weekday noon the area is quiet. Since the children are at school there is no one playing on the playground. The local shrine is also quiet. Such a day is perfect for a walk alongside the Katsura River. The riverside is covered in farmland, birds sing from above and different insects can be found among the vegetables. An old man sits by the river and fishes.

There is also a footpath alongside the Nishitakase River to the East. You cannot hear the bustling trafik of the highway on the other side from the footpath. You can sit down here and watch the herons and carp. The Nishitakase River is actually a water drain and washed down trash can be found in the drainage meanwhile the drain floor is covered in stinky mud. It goes without saying that it's not a playground. In case someone falls down there are escape ladders alongside the walls.

When the sun sets behind the mountains in the west, bats come out and their silhouettes flatter in the sky. Some teenagers rev their bikes so it can be heard in the whole neighborhood and the sound of a catfight can be heard. The streetlights' reflection dance gently on the flow of the river under the stars. The illumination from the big apartment building makes it look like a white castle and carp streamers flatter in the night. The people of Kisshoin have gone to bed.