Solo Cultural Immersion in Kyoto

Finding Peace in Kyoto's Heart

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a soothing balm to the soul amidst the vibrant tapestry of Kyoto. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of the Park Hotel Kyoto, I ventured out, eager to discover the serene beauty that lay hidden in plain sight. It's funny, isn't it? How sometimes the most profound experiences are found not in grand gestures, but in the quiet moments of observation and reflection.


Discover the charm of Kyoto at Park Hotel Kyoto, a cozy accommodation with modern amenities and easy access to top attractions. Perfect for travelers seeking comfort and culture.

My first stop was the magnificent Heian Shrine. As I approached, the giant torii gate, painted in a vivid vermillion, stood majestically against the clear February sky. It felt like stepping into another world, a world of ancient traditions and timeless beauty. The shrine was built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's establishment as the capital, and it's dedicated to Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei. It’s a partial replica of the Imperial Palace from the Heian Period.


Experience the tranquil beauty and cultural richness of Heian Shrine in Kyoto, a must-visit Shinto shrine surrounded by stunning gardens.

Wandering through the grounds, I was struck by the vibrant colors and the meticulous attention to detail. The buildings, painted in the same striking vermillion with green glazed tiles, seemed to glow in the soft sunlight. The air was filled with a sense of reverence and tranquility, a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of the city. I took my time, admiring the architecture and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. I even saw preparations for the Setsubun festival which I sadly missed by a few weeks. The bean-throwing ceremony sounded like quite the spectacle!

In the heart of Kyoto, amidst ancient shrines and serene gardens, I found a quiet corner to reflect, reconnect, and rediscover the simple joys of solo travel.

After spending a blissful morning at Heian Shrine, I decided to immerse myself in the natural beauty of the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. A short subway ride brought me to this urban oasis, a sprawling landscape teeming with life and color. Despite it being February, the gardens were surprisingly vibrant, with pockets of early plum blossoms adding a touch of delicate beauty to the winter landscape. It was opened in 1924 as Japan's first public botanical garden.


Explore the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, a tranquil oasis showcasing diverse flora and stunning landscapes in the heart of Kyoto, Japan.

I strolled along winding paths, admiring the diverse collection of plants from around the world. The greenhouse, one of the largest in Japan, was a particular highlight, housing a fascinating array of tropical and subtropical species. The air was thick with humidity, and the scent of exotic flowers filled my senses. It was like stepping into a different climate altogether.

I was particularly taken by the Japanese garden, a meticulously manicured landscape of ponds, streams, and carefully placed rocks. It was a miniature world of perfect harmony, a testament to the Japanese appreciation for nature and balance. I sat on a bench, gazing at the scene, and felt a sense of deep contentment wash over me. It's moments like these, when I can truly connect with nature, that make traveling so rewarding. Seems like I just missed the plum blossom festival at Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, but the gardens were a good alternative.

As the afternoon drew to a close, my stomach began to rumble, reminding me that it was time for lunch. I had a few restaurants in mind, and after consulting my trusty travel guidebook, I decided to try Arash's Kitchen. It's an Iranian restaurant that serves Persian and Indian Halal food, and I was intrigued by the prospect of trying something a little different. It was a bit of a walk from the gardens, but I figured the exercise would do me good.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

The restaurant was cozy and inviting, with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The owner, Arash, greeted me with a smile and showed me to a table. I ordered a selection of dishes, including kebab and biriyani, and they were all absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich and complex, and the portions were generous. It was exactly what I needed after a long day of exploring.

For dinner, I was torn between Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura and Premium Pound Gion. Both had excellent reviews, but I eventually settled on Premium Pound Gion, a Teppanyaki restaurant tucked away in the Gion district. I was drawn to the idea of watching the chef prepare my meal right in front of me, and the promise of high-quality Japanese beef was too tempting to resist. It is located near Yasaka Shrine in Gion.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.

The restaurant was small and intimate, with only a handful of counter seats. The chef, a friendly and engaging man, welcomed me warmly and explained the menu in detail. I opted for the Kobe beef steak, and it was cooked to perfection. The meat was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the accompanying vegetables were fresh and delicious. It was an unforgettable dining experience, and one that I would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kyoto. The chef even spoke a few words in Spanish, Italian and French!

Before heading back to the hotel, I made a quick stop at Kyoto LOFT, a multi-story emporium of contemporary Japanese lifestyle products. I love browsing through these kinds of stores, discovering unique and innovative gadgets and designs. I picked up a few souvenirs for Saoirse and Hans, and a couple of little treats for myself. It's always nice to bring a little piece of my travels back home with me.


Explore Kyoto LOFT: A vibrant general store with cosmetics, home goods, and unique novelties in the heart of Kyoto.

As I walked back to the Park Hotel Kyoto, my mind was filled with the memories of the day. From the serene beauty of Heian Shrine and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, to the culinary delights of Arash's Kitchen and Premium Pound Gion, it had been a day of unexpected pleasures and quiet discoveries. It's these kinds of days that make traveling so worthwhile, reminding me of the beauty and diversity of the world, and the simple joy of being alive.

Tomorrow, I'm planning to visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion) and Ryōan-ji, another Zen temple famous for its rock garden. I might even treat myself to a drink at the Kyoto Star Bar in the evening. Until then, oyasumi nasai from Kyoto!