Source
https://ncode.syosetu.com/n6016io/82/
After leaving Fushimi Inari, we took the train to Gion. We got off the train at Gion-Shijo Station and headed straight east on Shijo Dori toward Hanamikoji.
“There are so many people here.”
“It’s the main street in Kyoto after all.”
There were so many people that it was like a packed train. By the way, I’m walking hand-in-hand with Kano san so that we don’t get separated by the crowd.
I know it’s no use to say anything to Kano san, so I’m not even making a comment about it anymore. After walking for about five minutes, we arrived at our destination, Hanamikoji.
“It’s a very elegant and beautiful street, isn’t it?”
“Yeah, this is exactly what Kyoto is like.”
The scenery of old-fashioned Kyoto townhouses on stone pavement with red lanterns swinging from the eaves makes one feel as if one has time-traveled back to the Edo period. Well, it seems that Hanamikoji was completed in the early Meiji period (1868-1912), not the Edo period (1603-1868).
“Let’s have lunch first before we go sightseeing.”
“Right, it’s a good time to go sightseeing in Fushimi Inari. By the way, have you decided where to have lunch?”
“Yeah, I’ve researched the area well in advance.”
I started to head to the restaurant with Kano san’s guidance. We arrived at a retro-looking traditional restaurant a short time later. The signboard said [eel,] so I guessed that was the main dish.
“I feel like it’s been a while since I’ve had eel.”
“I was looking for a lunch recommendation on Hanamikoji, and this place looked good and was highly rated, so I picked it.”
Good choice as always. As I was thinking about this, Kano san opened her mouth with a grin on her face.
“Also, I have to get Yuito to eat some eel and keep his energy up, I’m sure you’ll be sweating a lot afterwards, and your energy will be drained.”
“No, no, what are you trying to say !?”
I’,m starting to wonder if Kano san was planning to do something like that with me afterwards.
“I meant to say that eating eel will counteract the summer heat, but did I say something wrong?”
“….I see, so that’s what you meant.”
Apparently I was just being too hasty. I’m so embarrassed that my face feels like it’s going to catch fire.
“What do you think I meant by that, Yuito?”
“T-that’s…..”
“Ah, maybe you take it in a sexual way?”
“I exercise my right to remain silent.”
“I don’t see how that’s any different than confessing.”
Kano san was staring at me with a smirk. She must have been deliberately trying to be misleading so that she could enjoy watching my reaction.
After that exchange, we went into the restaurant and ordered our food. All the dishes were quite expensive, but since my father and mother had given us enough money to cover the cost of the bullet train to and from the restaurant, it was no problem.
“Not only the exterior, but also the inside of the restaurant has a nice atmosphere.”
“I can see why this place is so popular.”
The interior, with its Japanese style, is truly stylish, and I enjoyed just looking at it. don’t usually come to formal restaurants like this, so I felt a little superior.
Needless to say, the eel dish that came out a while later was absolutely exquisite. Satisfied with our meal, we started strolling along Hanamikoji.
“Oh, isn’t that a Maiko?”
“It looks like the real deal when you see that movement.”
In fact, most of them are tourists who are experiencing the Maiko experience.
It is surprisingly easy to tell them apart because of their slow walk and wigs. The Maiko in our view is a real one for sure, as she walks with dignity and beauty.
“It’s a shame that we can’t take a picture together.”
“It’s bad manners to talk to or take pictures of Maiko, so there’s nothing we can do about it.”
“Well, I know it’s a nuisance when someone talks to you while you’re working.”
It must be hard for popular tourist spots because some areas have banned taking pictures in the first place due to bad-mannered tourists. With this in mind, Kano san and I wandered around Hanamikoji together.
“What would you like to buy as a souvenir?”
“I heard that yatsuhashi and kyo-baamu are the most popular souvenirs in Kyoto, but I also heard that gofun nail polish and oil-absorbent paper are also popular among women.”
“I didn’t know that was an option.”
“I’m sure you know this, Kano san, but if you’re going to buy souvenirs, please keep them for yourself and keep them hidden.”
If she’s buying souvenirs from Kyoto and it gets out that she’s here with me, all bets are off.
“I know, I remember that I’m supposed to be in Osaka with my friends.”
“Good.”
I think it will be okay since we’ve already done something like this before, but I can’t help but feel anxious. Although there’s nothing I can do about it, I have no choice but to trust Kano san.
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