The book The Night Is Short, Walk On Girl, which captivated all of Japan with its uniquely archaic yet absolutely humorous and entertaining writing style, was officially published in Taiwan this September and subsequently sparked a “Japanese-style, nature-infused, whimsical romantic fantasy” craze. Described in a Japanese book excerpt as “a pure and adorable romantic novel about a boy falling for a naturally quirky girl in Kyoto,” the story combines the author Mori Wake Tomihiko’s anime-and-game-inspired whimsical imagination with a narrative that blends fantasy and reality, and a pacing that takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster. One moment you’re immersed in the protagonist’s Werther-like pining and melancholy, and the next page might have you burst out laughing at the story’s unexpected twists.
With his witty pen, Mori Wake Tomihiko unfolds what is essentially an ordinary love story — “when an otaku meets a strappy-shouldered girl” — while also reinterpreting Kyoto, a city seen by many as elegant and classical. In this ancient capital where the story unfolds, as the seasons change along with the plot, readers follow the protagonist’s devoted pursuit of the heroine and not only experience a series of whimsical adventures but also feel as if they’ve traveled through Kyoto’s different seasonal moods. The story takes readers through key locations such as Kyoto University, Kawaramachi, the Philosopher’s Path, Shimogamo Shrine, and the banks of the Kamo River. Many have since been inspired to visit Kyoto, with thoughts of exploring its attractions starting to take root. Now that autumn has arrived and Kyoto’s maple leaves blaze like a calling, if you haven’t had the chance to fly north just yet, why not take a mental trip to Kyoto following in the footsteps of Mori Wake Tomihiko? ◎ Kiyamachi Street Scene Kiyamachi Street plays a pivotal role in the entire story. Had the protagonist not happened to meet the heroine on a late spring evening in Kiyamachi, the gripping and astounding tale would never have unfolded. In real life, this small street was an important transit hub for goods like coal and lumber during the Edo period, lined with shops and businesses. Though its logistical role has faded, it remains one of Kyoto’s most bustling and vibrant streetscapes, dotted with numerous izakayas and small restaurants — perfect for a night out or late-night snack.
Kiyamachi :: Bean Water Building Kiyamachi Main Branch
◎ Shimogamo Shrine · Tadasu no Mori Tadasu no Mori is one of Kyoto’s iconic scenic spots and the place where the protagonist in the book deliberately visits a summer afternoon flea market in hopes of “encountering” the heroine. Adjacent to Shimogamo Shrine, Tadasu no Mori is jointly listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Shimogamo Shrine is the oldest shrine in Kyoto, while Tadasu no Mori boasts over 20,000 square meters of dense, pristine woodland. Additionally, the 350-meter-long approach to Shimogamo Shrine’s main hall forms a stunning tunnel of red leaves in autumn, making it one of Kyoto’s most celebrated maple-viewing spots.
Kyoto :: Shimogamo Shrine
◎ Kyoto University · Main Campus Mori Wake Tomihiko, a graduate of Kyoto University, naturally seized the opportunity to vividly depict memories from his student days. November is the season for university festivals in Japan, and in reality, these festivals are a highlight of late autumn. In the story, the protagonist goes all out in pursuit of love during the campus festival, joined by memorable characters like the “Underpants King” and the “Stubborn Prince,” adding youthful energy and excitement to what is already a colorful and lively event. It even makes one wonder: are Kyoto University students really as unexpectedly quirky as described in the novel? ◎ The Philosopher’s Path in Winter In the story, during a winter plagued by the god of colds, the heroine — unaffected by the virus — meets up with friends. The cherry blossom-lined Philosopher’s Path and Ginkaku-ji Temple come into play. The winter air is silent and desolate, in stark contrast to the dreamy spectacle of cherry blossoms that bloom like candy. In reality, the Philosopher’s Path is not only one of the best walking routes in Kyoto but also a renowned spot for both autumn foliage and cherry blossoms. In autumn, the path is painted with crimson leaves; by late winter and early spring, over 500 Somei Yoshino cherry trees burst into bloom, offering another breathtaking view.
Kyoto :: Philosopher’s Path
Text excerpt: The Night Is Short — Follow Mori Wake Tomihiko into Kyoto !
Further reading: Sweet Tooth Alert!? Yatsuhashi’s “Nakamochi,” a Must-Try in Kyoto (Provided by Tripass Attraction Home)
