It’s an overcast sunrise on our final day in Kyoto as I pace down still and sombre streets towards the Lawson (hail, Lawson!) next to Kyoto Station. Despite teetering on the brink of total exhaustion and with only four hours sleep at best, I’ve somehow managed to get myself out of bed on time to take first pick of the freshly delivered goods at the combini. I proceed to stuff my backpack with everything that catches my eye, knowing I’ll need all the energy I can to get me through the rest of the day.
It’s Mt. Inariyama today and it’s the first time since touching down in Japan that I’m alone.