A Love Letter of Life

14.The Trip(Part 2)

A train had just pulled into Inari Station, bringing tours from all over Japan. Nishikata exited the carriage, trying to adjust to the bright sunlight.

"Let's go, Nishikata." Takagi came from behind and grabbed onto his hand, dragging him out of the station before he could say: "Wait!"

Unlike the central area of Kyoto, no tall skyscrapers could be seen anywhere in its southern region. Traditional and culture-filled structures instead occupied the sides of the streets, giving an impression of a small town more than a part of a large city. The leisure summer breeze and calming quiet brought out the history of the city, allowing the visitors to take it all in.

The couple made their way down the roads, and without any stops, they arrived at the entrance to their first destination. Through the square of a shrine and to the back, where a red torii gate welcomed them into a forest.

"Senbon Torii." Nishikata immediately recognized it.

"Yep!" Takagi said in excitement. "There's no way a trip to Kyoto could miss out on this!"

"Is this the special thing you mentioned yesterday?" Nishikata asked.

"No way! That would be too predictable, wouldn't it? The surprise comes much later." Takagi laughed. "Want to have a contest over this? If you can guess it before it happens then we can count it as a win for you."

"Will there be any hints?" Nishikata gulped, his instinct triggered by the idea of a contest like always.

"Nope!" Takagi said with a sly grin. "Take your time! You have a lot of them. Don't push yourself too hard and forget to enjoy the trip, though."

The two began their hike. Countless bright red torii gates densely lining up into a tunnel that was not only awe-inspiring, but giving out a mystical vibe as they were standing in it. The bright sunlight threaded through the gaps between gates, its shine acting like fairies of the lush trees that subtly peaked through. The stone paths that told their ages, and the occasional open spaces with no obstacles and a clear view to the blue sky, all adding to the fantasy atmosphere. It was as if spirits reside in the torii gates all around them.

Nishikata had completely lost himself in the simple yet elegant scene. Photos after photos, he captured the magic into his album, which one day would be dug out by his daughter, followed by some questions about 'Mommy and daddy's first trip'.

They eventually got to a cross road, where they chose to go way up. The trail changed from a small, delicate torii gate tunnel, to a broad staircase with giant, mighty torii gates lining up.

"Have you been here before, Takagi-san?" Nishikata asked.

"Twice, as a matter of fact." Takagi turned around with a huge grin. "I really love this place! The atmosphere, the scenery, everything! I'm so glad to be able to make another visit, especially now with you."

Her words immediately sent Nishikata's face into a blush. He looked away to his surroundings, trying to find something to change the subject with, but got nothing but majestic torii gates and...

A breathtaking scenery revealed itself beside them. The golden sunlight shone onto a view of the entire street view of Kyoto. The city was set on a broad plain with the backdrop being a long mountain range, the vibrant colors popping right out, seemingly showing every little detail from the tall buildings of the city to the individual trees of the mountain.

"Wow..." Nishikata was at a loss for words.

"Let's take a picture here." Takagi found a tourist and asked him a favor. She then swiftly got next to Nishikata, clinging onto his arm, squeezing another bright red blush out of his cheeks.