A2: Spring Festivals in Kyoto

The Story

Mina arrived in Kyoto on a soft, sunny morning. The air felt warm, and the trees were full of pink flowers. She had one clear plan. First, she wanted to see the cherry blossoms. Then she wanted to visit a spring festival near the river. She opened her phone and looked at a simple map. The day felt busy, but exciting.

She walked toward Maruyama Park. Many people were already there. Families sat on blankets. Friends took photos. Mina slowed down because the path was crowded. She remembered one simple rule. In a crowd, walk slowly and keep to one side. That made it easier for others to pass. The flowers were beautiful, so she stopped often to look up.

At the park gate, Mina saw a small information stand. She asked a volunteer, “When does the festival start? ” The volunteer smiled and said, “At one o’clock. ” Mina asked one more question. “How do I get there? ” The volunteer pointed to the river path. “Walk straight for ten minutes,” he said. This helped Mina feel calm. Now she knew her next step.

Before she left, Mina wanted a snack. Near the path, a food stall was selling festival treats. She saw sweet rice cakes and hot tea. She chose one simple item first: a hot taiyaki, a fish-shaped cake with bean paste inside. The seller handed it to her quickly. Mina paid, then stepped aside. She did not eat while walking. She stood near a bench and enjoyed the warm snack slowly.

A little later, Mina reached the spring festival. She heard soft music and saw colorful paper decorations. Some people spoke loudly, but Mina kept her voice low. She knew that many visitors were there to enjoy the same space. At the entrance, a sign asked people to queue. So Mina waited in line. The line moved slowly, but it moved. Waiting quietly made the place feel friendly, not rushed.

Inside the festival area, Mina saw a trash bin near the food stalls. She kept her snack paper in her bag until she found it. Then she threw it away. This small action mattered. Clean streets help everyone enjoy the festival. She also saw a sign that said to take care near the flowers. So she stayed on the path and did not step into the garden beds. It was easy to respect the place.

As the afternoon went on, Mina sat by the river and looked back at the blossoms. The pink trees, the music, and the warm food made the day feel special. She had not just seen a famous city. She had learned how to move through it kindly. She asked for help, waited in line, kept quiet, and cleaned up after herself. That is why the day went well.

Before she returned to her hotel, Mina checked the clock. The festival had started on time, just like the volunteer said. She felt happy because her simple plan worked. She had seen spring in Kyoto, and she had learned good visitor habits too. Do you remember what she asked first, and what she bought at the food stall?

Practice