Charming Kyoto: A Cultural Adventure with Friends

Seeking Serenity in Kyoto: A Day of Temples and Tranquil Paths

Today was all about embracing the serene side of Kyoto. After several days of bustling markets and vibrant city life, I was ready for a day of quiet contemplation amidst temples, gardens, and scenic paths. I set out with my friends, eager to immerse ourselves in the tranquility that Kyoto is so well known for.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Arancino Kyoto. This Italian restaurant, nestled in Hotel Okura, offered a delightful start to our day with its blend of European and Japanese flavors. I opted for a classic omelette, while James chose a traditional Japanese breakfast set. It was the perfect fuel for a day of exploration.

Heian Shrine: A Glimpse into Kyoto's History

Our first stop was the Heian Shrine. Built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding, the shrine is a scaled-down replica of the original Heian Palace. As I stepped through the giant torii gate, I was immediately struck by the vastness of the courtyard covered in white gravel. The architecture is striking, with its vibrant colors and traditional design. While the main courtyard felt somewhat impersonal, the paid garden area behind the main buildings was a true oasis.


Explore Heian Shrine in Kyoto for a serene experience of stunning gardens, rich history, and traditional Japanese architecture.

The gardens were a winding path of beauty, boasting weeping cherry trees, serene ponds, and intimate spaces perfect for contemplation. I spent a considerable amount of time simply wandering, taking in the beauty and snapping photos. The cherry blossoms, though past their peak, still added a touch of magic to the landscape. I could see why this spot is so popular during sakura season.

In the heart of Kyoto, amidst ancient temples and tranquil paths, lies a serenity that nourishes the soul and connects us to the timeless beauty of Japanese culture.

While the shrine itself was impressive, I couldn't help but feel a bit underwhelmed by the main courtyard. It lacked the spiritual depth I've experienced at other shrines. However, the gardens more than made up for it. They were a true highlight and a must-see for anyone visiting Heian Shrine. I think that, for me, it is important to remember that not every place will resonate with me in the same way, and that's okay. Travel is about experiencing different things, even if they don't all become personal favorites.

Philosopher's Path: A Stroll Through Tranquility

Next on our itinerary was the Philosopher's Path, a scenic stone path that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. This path, named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro who meditated here, is a quintessential Kyoto experience. We started our walk near Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) and strolled south towards Nanzen-ji. The path was indeed lined with cherry trees, though most of the blossoms had already fallen, leaving a carpet of pink petals on the canal. Still, the scenery was beautiful and serene. The gentle sound of the water flowing alongside the path, combined with the lush greenery, created a truly peaceful atmosphere.


Explore the Philosopher's Path, a serene journey through nature and philosophy in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms and historic temples.

As we walked, we passed several small temples and shrines tucked away just off the main path. We stopped at one, Honen-in, which had a particularly striking entrance gate. It was a nice respite from the walk and offered a glimpse into the more secluded spiritual spaces along the path. I also spotted a few friendly cats lounging near the canal, adding to the charm of the experience. It reminded me of my own cat, Baltis, back home in Toronto. I made a mental note to bring him a special treat when I get back.

The Philosopher's Path was a delightful experience, even without the full bloom of the cherry blossoms. It was a chance to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the simple beauty of nature. It was also a reminder of the importance of taking time for contemplation, something that I often neglect in my busy life. Maybe I should try to incorporate a daily meditative walk into my routine back in Toronto. James would definitely appreciate the calmer version of me.

Nanzen-ji: Zen Gardens and Imperial History

Our final destination for the day was Nanzen-ji, one of the most important Zen temples in Japan. Originally the retirement villa of Emperor Kameyama, it was later converted into a Zen temple in 1291. The temple grounds are vast and impressive, with multiple sub-temples and gardens to explore.


Discover the tranquility of Nanzen-ji, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, where spirituality meets stunning natural beauty.

As we entered the main temple grounds, the massive Sanmon gate immediately caught my eye. It was constructed in 1628 and climbing to the top offered a panoramic view of the city. The view was stunning, and it gave me a sense of the scale and history of Kyoto. After descending from the gate, we explored the Hojo, the abbot's quarters, which are famous for their rock gardens. These gardens, designed by Kobori Enshu in the 1600s, are considered prime examples of karesansui gardens. I spent a long time simply sitting and observing the carefully arranged rocks and gravel, trying to grasp the Zen principles behind their design. It was a challenge, but also a rewarding experience. I think I prefer my own garden back home though, with all the flowers and colours.

One of the most unexpected sights at Nanzen-ji was the brick aqueduct that runs through the temple grounds. Built during the Meiji Period, it's part of a canal system that connects Kyoto to Lake Biwa. It was quite a contrast to the traditional temple architecture, but it also spoke to Kyoto's history of innovation and adaptation. It reminded me of the engineering marvels of Toronto, like the PATH system, though perhaps not as aesthetically pleasing.

We ended our visit to Nanzen-ji with a stroll through one of the sub-temples, Nanzenin, which was once the site of Emperor Kameyama's original retirement villa. The garden here was particularly beautiful, centered around a pond and mausoleum of the emperor. It was a peaceful and reflective space, perfect for ending our day of temple exploration.

A Culinary Conclusion and Evening Drinks

After a day of exploring, we were ready for a delicious dinner. We headed to Gion Mikaku for a memorable lunch. This Wagyu specialty restaurant has been offering unbred Tajima female cattle since 1927. We savored the highest quality Wagyu, accompanied by the seasonal beauty of Shirakawa. The meal was a perfect ending to a day filled with cultural immersion and natural beauty.


Discover Gion Mikaku, where exceptional steak meets authentic Japanese culture in Kyoto's enchanting Gion district.

To cap off the evening, we ventured to Bar Fishbowl for drinks. This bar is known for its extensive selection of Japanese whiskeys and craft beers, as well as its unique atmosphere. With its large aquarium, it certainly offers a relaxing and interesting atmosphere. I enjoyed a glass of Japanese whiskey while taking in the unique surroundings. James and I enjoyed the relaxing end to 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.

As I reflect on today, I feel a sense of peace and contentment. Kyoto has a way of slowing you down and inviting you to appreciate the simple things in life. Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Gion and Hanamikoji Street, hoping to catch a glimpse of geishas and immerse ourselves in the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto's most famous district. I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings, but for now, I'm grateful for the serenity of today.

I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, where we plan to explore Gion, Hanamikoji Street, and Kenninji Temple. I'm particularly excited about visiting Hanamikoji Street, as I've heard it's a beautiful and historic area. We'll also be having breakfast at Alice On Wednesday, which sounds like a whimsical and fun place to start the day. Wish us luck in spotting some geishas!