Whisked Away While in Kyoto: Illuminating Japan's Nightlife with Love Stories

So, I promised the continuation of the proposal story… 

 

But like any well-crafted story, sometimes we need to explore the events that led to that magical moment. So, let's rewind to the night before. After visiting the Yasaka shrine in Kyoto, we ventured into Kyoto's downtown, where we stumbled upon a world of contrasts. Among the touristy hustle, we discovered hidden gems—quaint bars that catered to every imaginable taste. Our adventure led us to an anime-themed bar, where they showcased a vibrant collection of figures and played theme songs, though slightly tainted by the thick fog of smoke. This was an alluring den that unfortunately catered to smoke enthusiasts. The haze was more than my lungs could gracefully handle.

Swiftly, I proposed an escape, and then, next, we found ourselves in a Jamaican Rastafarian bar—an unexpected sanctuary in the heart of Japan. The atmosphere was surreal, a fusion of Japanese hospitality with the laid-back vibes of Jamaican culture. As we entered, a chill Japanese bartender, sporting locks and a bucket hat, welcomed us into a haven adorned with the reggae rhythms of yesteryear. The bar exuded the genuine feel of an old Jamaican shack, complete with a menu boasting jerk chicken, fish, and ital salad. A DJ booth held court in the center, surrounded by Jamaican flags. The midweek quietness only amplified the intimacy, making it one of my most cherished experiences in Japan. Lost in my thoughts, I marveled at the depth of Japanese embracement. Whether it's a dance, a style, or an entire culture, the Japanese possess an innate ability to envelop it entirely, adopting it as if it were part of their own upbringing. It's this endearing quality that has become my favorite aspect of their ways—an invitation to connect beyond the familiar and embrace the beauty of diversity.

 

Fast forward to the next morning, where we had a hankering for those delicious fluffy pancakes that everyone is obsessed with. We met up at a tiny breakfast spot. The day held promises of a light festival in Nagoya, a two-hour journey from Kyoto. Boarding a swift bullet train around 3ish, we seamlessly transitioned to a bus and arrived at our destination by 5:30, just as the sunset painted the sky. The entrance, now cloaked in darkness, welcomed us with an enchanting display—every tree covered in lights, casting hues of blue, green, and starry white. A flower park, known for cherry blossoms in spring, was transformed into a winter wonderland, illuminated by the warm glow of lights on orange and red-leaved trees. The fog lingering over the lake added a touch of serenity to the scene. 

As we strolled, my boyfriend suggested a detour, starting from where the crowd ended. Being the "go with the flow" person that I am, I agreed. His friend, armed with video and digital cameras for "inspirational" photos, joined our escapade. Under the tunnel of lights, the meticulous craftsmanship of Japan unfolded, a spectacle of intricate beauty that left me in awe. 

Attempting to capture the moment, I requested a photo with the tunnel as our backdrop. Little did I know, this was the setup for an extraordinary moment. As we posed, my boyfriend, seemingly tying his shoe, revealed a massive wooden box. I was a little confused, as it wasn’t the conventional size of an engagement ring box. Kneeling down, he unveiled the most stunningly beautiful and, dare I say, gigantic ring, housed within a thoughtful music box. 

 

The song was a melody from our favorite anime, "One Piece, and inside was an inscription that posed a question rising above the ordinary: “Do you wanna to turn the world upside down with me?” It wasn't just a quote; it was an invitation to embark on a journey, much like the one undertaken by Roger and Rayleigh in the world of One Piece. 

In the world of pirates, where the seas are uncharted and dreams are limitless, Roger asked Rayleigh that very question. It wasn't a proposal of love, but a proposition of camaraderie, a declaration of trust, and a shared purpose. My fiancé, in his infinite creativity, took that sentiment and transformed it into a symbol of our union. The choice of this particular quote speaks volumes about us. It's not a traditional proposal line, but it encapsulates the essence of our relationship. Just like Roger and Rayleigh, we stand together, ready to face the unknown, to challenge norms, and to turn our world upside down. In One Piece, this phrase signifies a commitment to adventure, discovery, and rewriting the rules. 

For us, it symbolizes the promise to navigate life's uncharted waters hand in hand, to embrace the unknown, and to create our own unique story. It's a reminder that love, like the Grand Line, is an unpredictable journey filled with challenges and treasures. 

 

In that pivotal moment, time seemed to stand still, and even among the bustling crowd, that momentarily faded away. Locking eyes with him, my response echoed, a resounding YES echoing through the vast expanse of every possible universe— IN EVERY UNIVERSE, YES. Gratitude overwhelmed me; I was humbled that he chose me to share this journey. The night unfolded like a dream, each moment leaving me suspended in surreal bliss.

 

The post-proposal euphoria accompanied an enchanting light show, commencing with Egyptian pyramids and a harmonious soundtrack that cast a spell of magic. A symphony of lights danced, crafting intricate shapes that seamlessly fused with the music. As the performance reached its peak, darkness enveloped us, intensifying the thrill. It became, unequivocally, the best night—a lasting memory engraved in the magical landscapes of Nabana No Sato. 

 

I extend my thanks to those who meticulously crafted those structures, turning a night into a magical collage for all who gathered and immortalizing our precious moment.

Side Note: 

— I'll title these small side notes:

A Collection of Little Moments.

 

[unseen treasure]

 

As we attempted to capture post-proposal photos, in our quest to find willing photographers, we stumbled upon this cute young couple. In a delightful exchange, we offered to take their photo in return. Despite the language barrier, my limited Japanese vocabulary bridged the communication gap, remembering the word "shashin," which means photograph. Their kindness knew no bounds; they ensured our satisfaction with the captured moments, even offering a retake if needed. Needless to say, their warmth and enthusiasm left us more than pleased.

 

Following this encounter, we stayed in the park, soaking up the atmosphere before we departed and an impulse to commemorate the place led me to purchase a gift. Funny enough, as we boarded the bus to leave, serendipity struck. The same endearing couple, still wrapped in each other's arms, prepared to head home as well. Them recognizing us brought forth a sweet wave, a gesture of shared connection. Exiting the bus, an amusing coincidence unfolded—we found ourselves heading toward the same train. 

 

Observing their love on the train, they radiated an effortless and genuine bond, laughing together and providing comfort after a seemingly long day of exploration while leaning on one another. It felt like a mirrored reflection, a universal testament to the similarities of love across cultures. Love, indeed, is universal, transcending boundaries and singing a timeless tune that echoes universally around the world.

 

P.S:

What started as a single post evolved into an unforeseen three-part saga.

 

Stay tuned for the next one.