Carmen's Solo Adventure Through the Historical Wonders of Kyoto

Kyoto's Quiet Corners

Today was a day of venturing off the beaten path, seeking out the quieter, more contemplative corners of Kyoto. As much as I adore the iconic landmarks, there's something profoundly satisfying about discovering the hidden gems, the places where you can almost feel the weight of history settling around you. These are the places where Kyoto truly whispers its secrets.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Komefuku. Opting for a traditional Japanese breakfast set the tone for a day of cultural immersion. Fuelled up, I set off to Toji Temple, eager to witness its towering pagoda. It's always a good idea to start the day with a hearty breakfast, and Komefuku certainly delivered, preparing me for the adventures ahead.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

Toji Temple: A Towering Start

Toji Temple, or the East Temple, greeted me with its impressive five-story pagoda. As I approached, the sheer scale of the structure was breathtaking. Standing at nearly 55 meters, it's the tallest wooden tower in Japan, a testament to the architectural prowess of the Edo period. The pagoda has been rebuilt several times due to fires and earthquakes, but its resilience mirrors the enduring spirit of Kyoto itself. Founded in 796, Toji Temple was one of only three Buddhist temples allowed in Kyoto when the capital was moved here. It once stood guard alongside the Rashomon Gate, protecting the city from malign influences. The temple's history is intertwined with the monk Kukai, also known as Kobo-Daishi, who established Toji as the central seminary of Shingon Buddhism. Walking through the grounds, I could feel the weight of centuries of devotion and learning.


Experience the majestic Tōji Temple in Kyoto, home to Japan's tallest pagoda and a serene escape into Buddhist history and culture.

The Kondo Hall, or Golden Hall, houses a statue of Yakushi, while the Miedo Hall is dedicated to Kobo Daishi. The temple grounds also feature a beautiful garden and pond, where turtles and koi swim peacefully. I spent a good hour wandering around, admiring the architecture and soaking in the tranquil atmosphere. It was a perfect start to the day, grounding me in the history and spirituality of Kyoto.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

Togetsukyo Bridge: A River Runs Through It

Next on my itinerary was the Togetsukyo Bridge in Arashiyama. This iconic wooden bridge spans the Katsura River, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains. The name Togetsukyo, which translates to Moon Crossing Bridge, comes from Emperor Kameyama, who, during a boating party, saw the moon appear to cross the bridge. Originally built in 836, the bridge has been rebuilt several times, most recently in the 1930s. The current structure is made of reinforced concrete, but the balustrade is crafted from cypress wood, maintaining the bridge's traditional appearance.


Discover the stunning Togetsukyō Bridge in Kyoto, where natural beauty meets rich cultural history amidst breathtaking landscapes.

Arashiyama in late February has a unique charm. While the cherry blossoms are still a few weeks away, the plum blossoms are just starting to bloom, adding a touch of color to the landscape. The mountains, though not yet adorned with the fiery hues of autumn, still possess a stark, serene beauty. I strolled along the riverbank, taking in the views and enjoying the crisp winter air. The bridge is a popular spot, but there's plenty of space to spread out and find a quiet moment to appreciate the scenery. I decided to have lunch at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma. Opting for their Dashi Shabu, it was delicious, the perfect warm meal for a day exploring Kyoto. Reviews rave about their high-quality meat and seafood. I can certainly agree, this was a culinary highlight.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors with exquisite hot pot and Kaiseki dishes at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma in Kyoto.

Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple: A Thousand Stone Faces

My final stop of the day was Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple, nestled in the hills of Arashiyama. This temple is famous for its collection of 1,200 Rakan statues, each representing a disciple of the Buddha. What makes this temple truly special is that the statues were carved by amateur sculptors under the guidance of the temple's former head priest, Kocho Nishimura. Each statue is unique, with its own personality and expression. Some are smiling, others are serious, and some are downright quirky. There's even one sporting a Sony Walkman!


Explore the serene Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple in Kyoto, home to over 1,200 unique Rakan statues and beautiful hiking trails amidst nature.

The history of Otagi Nenbutsuji is as fascinating as its statues. Founded in the 8th century, the temple was originally located in the Higashiyama area but was destroyed by a flood. It was rebuilt in the 10th century and moved to its current location in 1922. However, disaster struck again in 1950 when a typhoon caused severe damage. It wasn't until Kocho Nishimura became the head priest in 1955 that the temple began its artistic transformation. Walking among the statues, I felt a sense of connection to the people who created them. It was a reminder that art can be found in the most unexpected places, and that everyone has the potential to create something beautiful.

The temple is located a bit off the beaten path, which means it's less crowded than other attractions in Arashiyama. The Saga-Toriimoto street leading to the temple is lined with traditional houses, adding to the charm of the experience. The quaint atmosphere is especially beautiful in autumn, when the maple trees turn fiery red. I spent a couple of hours wandering around, taking photos and admiring the statues. It was a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

As evening approached, I made my way to THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant is housed in a beautifully restored traditional building with a serene garden. The Italian cuisine, prepared with local ingredients, was exceptional. It was the perfect way to end a day of exploration and contemplation. It was indeed a great way to end the day, but before going back to the hotel, I decided to check out Bar Fishbowl. The reviews promised a unique experience, and I was intrigued.


Discover the perfect blend of Italian culinary artistry and traditional Japanese ambiance at The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto.

Nightcap at Bar Fishbowl

After a day filled with temples and cultural immersion, I decided to unwind at Bar Fishbowl. This quirky bar is known for its unique atmosphere, with fish tanks built into the walls. It's a bit of an oddity, a Western-style bar with a Japanese twist. I ordered a Japanese whiskey and sat back to enjoy the ambiance. The bar was dimly lit, with the blue glow of the fish tanks creating an ethereal effect. It was a relaxing and surreal experience, a perfect way to end the day. I enjoyed a Japanese whiskey while watching the fish swim. It was a quirky and memorable way to end the day.


Discover Kyoto's nightlife at Bar Fishbowl, a cocktail haven with stunning views and expertly crafted drinks in the heart of the city.

Tomorrow, I am planning to visit Kuramadera Temple, Kifune Shrine and Kamigamo Shrine. I'm looking forward to exploring more of Kyoto's hidden gems and discovering new stories.

Today was a reminder that the best travel experiences are often the ones you don't plan. It's about embracing the unexpected, venturing off the beaten path, and discovering the hidden gems that make a place truly special. And as I reflect on my day, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to explore this beautiful and fascinating city.

I think Hans and Sofia would love this trip to Kyoto. Next time, I will definitely bring them along. It will be a great experience for all of us. I know Sofia will love Otagi Nenbutsuji Temple. She will be so excited to see all the statues and take pictures with them. And Hans will be fascinated by the history of the temples and shrines. I can't wait to share this experience with them.

For now, though, it's time for bed. Tomorrow is another day of exploration and discovery. And I can't wait to see what Kyoto has in store for me.