Kyoto, an Alley on a Rainy Morning

Kyoto sounds different in the rain. Early in the morning, after the tourists had drained away, I walked while listening to the shutters of Nishiki Market roll up one by one.

The hour the market wakes

The fishmonger grinds ice; the tofu shop sends up steam. No customers yet — only the vendors’ own rhythm fills the alley.

Coffee under an umbrella

A single hand-drip at a tiny café under a narrow eave. Coffee sipped while watching the rain fall past the window stays with you, even when the taste is nothing special.

On the way back, I stood a long while looking at the red lanterns reflected in the wet stone pavement. Sometimes one scene like that is all a trip needs.