21st Century Necromancer-Chapter 890 - 884 Yasaka Shrine
Chapter 890 -884 Yasaka Shrine
After leaving Kiyomizu-dera, they continued along the crowded path, and soon they would arrive at another famous site, Yasaka Shrine.
The group had originally planned to walk there, but after leaving Kiyomizu-dera, Jounouchi Hiromi mentioned that she was feeling a bit tired. Considering her pregnancy, everyone decided to take a rickshaw instead.
This rickshaw ride is one of the unique and preserved traditions in Japan, typically found in Kyoto and Tokyo. It’s a relic from a bygone era.
China also had similar rickshaws in the past, referred to as “rickshaws” or “pedicabs.” In Lao She’s *Camel Xiangzi*, Xiangzi was a rickshaw puller whose greatest aspiration was to own a rickshaw of his own.
These rickshaws can only seat two people and are entirely powered by the puller’s strength. As a result, they are usually ridden by couples or young women out for fun. A scene like Chen Yu’s, with a married couple together, is somewhat rare.
For Chen Yu, this was his first time in a rickshaw. He didn’t find it particularly special.
However, Jounouchi Hiromi sighed almost regretfully, saying, “It’s such a shame I’m pregnant and out of shape; otherwise, if I rented a kimono and rode in a rickshaw like this, it would feel like a romance straight out of the Taisho era!”
“Taisho romance? Hiromi, do you really like the Taisho era?” Though the remark was made offhandedly, Chen Yu found himself intrigued by Jounouchi Hiromi’s words.
“I wouldn’t say I’m a huge fan. I just kind of like the aesthetic of that era,” Jounouchi Hiromi tilted her head thoughtfully, not particularly invested in the topic. “After all, that was Japan’s most prosperous era in modern history. Many of Japan’s modern literary giants flourished during that time. And, dear husband, don’t you think the fashion back then was really attractive?”
Hearing this, Chen Yu thought of the Taisho-era schoolgirl outfits he’d seen before and couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can’t quite picture you dressed in Taisho-style fashion, Hiromi. But if you like it, we could have a Taisho-style kimono custom-made for you later.”
“A Taisho-style kimono? No, thank you! I’m already married; wearing something like that would be inappropriate—it’s for young girls!” Hearing Chen Yu’s suggestion, Jounouchi Hiromi quickly shook her head.
She understood that Chen Yu was referring to the outfits often worn by Taisho-era schoolgirls: kimonos paired with long hakama and leather boots. While her looks and figure could certainly pull it off, as a married woman who was about to give birth, wearing such a retro ensemble felt far too embarrassing.
Shifting the conversation, Jounouchi Hiromi glanced back at Minami, seated in the rickshaw behind them, then turned to Chen Yu and asked, “Honey, you invited everyone to Kyoto this time to set up Minami and Mr. Naoki, didn’t you? But earlier at Kiyomizu-dera, you didn’t seem to do much. Why’s that?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve got it all planned. Today is just for sightseeing and relaxing. When we go to Inari Taisha tomorrow, I’ll make sure they get some alone time,” Chen Yu didn’t hide his intentions from Jounouchi Hiromi. He even entrusted her with a task: “When the time comes, I might need your help distracting Kaori so she doesn’t interrupt Minami.”
Understanding what Chen Yu meant, Jounouchi Hiromi gave a small nod in agreement.
Kiyomizu-dera wasn’t far from Yasaka Shrine—a walk would take about twenty minutes. Riding the rickshaw was faster, so they had only exchanged a few words before they arrived at the entrance of Yasaka Shrine.
After paying the fare, Chen Yu helped Jounouchi Hiromi down from the rickshaw. They stood at the entrance of Yasaka Shrine, waiting for the rest of the group to catch up.
As they waited, Chen Yu couldn’t help but glance up at the famous gates of Yasaka Shrine.
Noticing Chen Yu staring intently at the shrine’s gates, Inomata Naoki, who had arrived ahead of the others, leaned in and teased, “Brother Yu, you’re staring at Yasaka Shrine so intently—are you wondering if the geishas or oiran from nearby Gion come here to pray?”
Inomata Naoki’s remark wasn’t entirely a joke, given that Yasaka Shrine isn’t far from Gion, Kyoto’s most famous geisha district. It takes less than a thirty-minute walk to get there.
So, the idea that geishas or oiran from Gion might visit Yasaka Shrine to pray wasn’t far-fetched at all. ƒгeewёbnovel.com
As for Inomata Naoki’s quip, Chen Yu merely smiled and responded, “That kind of question doesn’t interest me. If you’re curious about oiran or geishas, I’ve already booked us a ryotei for tonight. There won’t be any oiran, but we’ll have geishas, at least.”
Hearing this, Inomata Naoki’s eyes lit up, but he quickly glanced back at Tokairin Yuko, who was chatting with Jounouchi Hiromi, and put on a nervous smile.
Seeing Inomata Naoki’s hesitance, Chen Yu scoffed and teased, “Naoki, you’re still the same as ever! Back when you bought an H-magazine, you claimed you’d only borrowed it. Now you’re curious about geishas but scared of your girlfriend. Is it really that bad?”
“Brother Yu! Have mercy, have mercy!” Hearing Chen Yu bring up his embarrassing past, Inomata Naoki immediately pleaded for leniency.
Although he was indeed curious about seeing geishas, he harbored no disloyal intentions toward his girlfriend and didn’t want to create any misunderstandings.
Chen Yu, of course, understood this as well. His teasing was just a joke at Inomata Naoki’s expense.
After some playful banter, the rest of the group gradually arrived.
Though it was nearing midday, the streets near Yasaka Shrine, historically formed to accommodate pilgrims, were filled with eateries, and countless stalls sold snacks.
Chen Yu asked everyone’s opinion and, seeing that no one wanted a proper lunch, they each bought a small snack to nibble on as they walked.
“Honey, do you know who Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to?” Jounouchi Hiromi suddenly brought up the question as they entered the shrine.
“I’m not sure. Let’s ask someone about it later. All I know about Yasaka Shrine is that it hosts the annual Gion Matsuri.” Chen Yu was unaware of the answer but knew that Yasaka Shrine organizes the Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s three major festivals, which draws countless visitors every year.
Mentioning the Gion Matsuri immediately piqued Kohinata Kaori’s interest. She turned to Chen Yu and asked, “Senior, isn’t the Gion Matsuri happening around this time? Did you come to Kyoto specifically to see it?”
“It’s purely a coincidence,” Chen Yu shook his head, avoiding the question.
