This article is written based on my diary in Japanese on September 24 2018.
First
According to an article in Kyoto Shinbun on September 23 2018, the ratio which Japanese junior high schools chose Kyoto as the destination of their school excursion has accounted for nearly 70%, except students living in Kansai and Tokai region who can go to Kyoto by a day trip or an overnight stay. That turns out most Japanese visit there once until they become adults. But I wonder if Kyoto is so attractive city for us. I do not have a pure affection for the site.
I do not find Kyoto's old history romantic.
If I ask you why you like Kyoto, most of your reasons are "Kyoto is an ancient city " and " The city is filled with historical buildings and arts". Kyoto is known for its long history.
I was born and brought up in Osaka next to Kyoto. Giving geographical condition, I guess that I have been to the ancient city more times than average Japanese people. However, many my visits made me know that I am not interested in old Japanese history so much.
Due to a lack of understanding the history, some Japanese may criticize me. But it is not right that I am not interested in Japanese history completely. Take examples, modern Japanese history, especially after WＷⅡ, intrigues me, while even if I see many actual old temples and shrines, the former history does not let me have romantic feeling because I may not have good imagination.
When I was a child, I believed I could not figure out the historical worth because it was too early for me to understand. But when I became an adult, I tried to like Kyoto some times because people around me often praise the famous city, nevertheless, my efforts failed and finally I realized that Kyoto as a historical town does not match me.
Do you find values to go to crowded Japanese temples and shrines?
As I do not find the old history valuable, temples and shrines in Kyoto having congestion and high admission fees do not attract me. Speaking of an crowded city, Tokyo is more attractive than Kyoto.
Tokyo is changing too speedy for map production firm to follow, but it is exciting that we can face the dizzying changes. Furthermore Nara is also known to an ancient city located near Kyoto but the town is not so crowded that it is suitable to explore easier than Kyoto.
Kyoto's appeal points for me
But, when I am told "You do not like Kyoto, do you?" I cannot always say so. I like by-products of Kyoto that the ancient city has generated.
Take examples, due to an ancient city, Kyoto has much amount of knowledge since hundreds of years ago and many universities. Moreover, these facts attract more young people nationwide. Therefore I am interested in Kyoto as the town of university students because I like universities in Kansai region.
Next, more visitors come to Kyoto and rare shops and facilities where I have never seen in Osaka sometimes open in the city. This point also could give me an opportunity to visit there.
For example Kyoto has a famous railway museum and that is a positive point that Osaka does not have.
Finally
Not all visitors are interested in Kyoto's history and come to the city. As long as I am not interested in the old history, I may have my cynical affection for Kyoto.
