Solo Adventure Through Kyoto's Cultural Marvels

A Day of Serenity and Discovery

Today was a deep dive into the spiritual heart of Kyoto, a day filled with the vibrant vermilion of countless torii gates, the serene beauty of ancient temples, and the quiet contemplation inspired by a thousand Buddha statues. It's days like these that make me appreciate the flexibility of freelancing, allowing me to trade my Berlin workspace for the timeless beauty of Japan.

My day began early, fueled by the anticipation of exploring Fushimi Inari Taisha. After a quick and convenient train ride, I arrived at Inari Station, just a short walk from the shrine's entrance. The crisp morning air hinted at the winter chill, but the sight of the first vermilion torii gate was enough to warm my spirit.


Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto's iconic Shinto shrine famous for its thousands of vibrant torii gates and breathtaking mountain trails.

Fushimi Inari Taisha: A Thousand Gates to Enlightenment

The ascent through the seemingly endless tunnel of torii gates was nothing short of mesmerizing. Each gate, donated by individuals and businesses, is inscribed with their names and the date of the donation. The sheer number of gates, winding up the mountainside, creates a surreal and awe-inspiring experience. It felt like walking through a vibrant, never-ending corridor to another world.

The journey is the destination, and at Fushimi Inari, every step is a moment of profound beauty and reflection.

The hike to the summit and back took a few hours, and while I didn't make it all the way to the top due to time constraints, the views overlooking Kyoto were breathtaking. The lower sections of the trail were quite busy, but as I climbed higher, the crowds thinned out, allowing for moments of quiet contemplation. It was a fantastic experience, especially considering that Fushimi Inari is open 24/7 and free to visit. The winter air was crisp, and I could imagine how magical it would be to see the torii gates dusted with snow.

Before leaving the Fushimi area, I remembered reading about a popular anime character called Chiikawa and a store dedicated to it called Chiikawa Mogu Mogu Honpo located near the shrine. Although I am not very familiar with the character, I decided to check out the store, but unfortunately, admission before 1 PM was by advance reservation only. Maybe next time!

Tofuku-ji Temple: Zen and Architectural Grandeur

Next on my itinerary was Tofuku-ji Temple, a large Zen temple known for its spectacular autumn colors. Even in January, the temple possessed a unique beauty, with its serene gardens and ancient structures dusted with a light layer of frost. Founded in 1236, Tofuku-ji was designed to evoke the grandeur of the great Buddhist temples of Nara, and it certainly didn't disappoint. It's easily accessible, just a short walk from Tofukuji Station, making it a convenient stop on my temple tour.


Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Tofuku-ji Temple, a must-visit Buddhist landmark in Kyoto.

I paid the combined ticket fee to access the Hojo gardens and the Tsutenkyo Bridge. The Hojo gardens were particularly impressive, each garden surrounding the building with a different character, employing pebbles, rocks, moss, and checkered patterns. The Tsutenkyo Bridge, a covered walkway spanning a valley of maple trees, offered stunning views, even without the vibrant autumn foliage. I can only imagine how crowded it must get during peak season, but today, it was a peaceful spot for reflection.

Sanjusangendo Temple: A Thousand Arms of Compassion

My final temple visit of the day was to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to an awe-inspiring collection of 1001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple's long, wooden hall is an architectural marvel, and the sight of the thousands of golden statues is truly breathtaking. The temple was founded in 1164 and rebuilt in 1266, and it's known for its annual archery contest, which adds a dynamic touch to its tranquil ambiance. I learned that the temple is surrounded by gravel, which makes it ideal for the archery festival held each year in January.


Explore the serene Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1001 captivating Kannon statues and a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kyoto.

As I walked through the hall, I was struck by the serenity and spirituality of the space. Each statue is unique, with intricate details and a sense of divine presence. It was a humbling experience to be surrounded by so many representations of compassion and mercy. Photography is not allowed inside the hall, which only added to the sense of reverence and contemplation.

A Culinary Interlude: Dining in Kyoto

Between temple visits, I made sure to savor the culinary delights of Kyoto. For breakfast, I stopped by Hafuu, a restaurant known for its exquisite beef dishes. I opted for a quick and satisfying meal to fuel my morning explorations. I chose a beef cutlet sandwich and it was amazing!


Discover Hafuu in Kyoto: where premium Japanese beef meets culinary excellence in an elegant setting.

Lunch was at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, a teppanyaki restaurant run by a friendly couple. The lively, casual atmosphere was a welcome change of pace, and the food was delicious. I enjoyed watching the chef cook on the teppan grill, and the flavors were authentic and expertly prepared. I had gyoza, prawns, and soft shell crab.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

For dinner, I decided to indulge in a traditional tempura meal at Yoshikawa. The restaurant is part of a ryokan, and the setting was elegant and refined. I sat at the counter and watched as the chef prepared each piece of tempura with precision and care. The tempura was light and non-greasy, and the ingredients were fresh and seasonal. The meal ended with a dessert served in the lounge, which offered a view of a beautiful Japanese garden.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yoshikawa, where tradition meets exceptional flavors in the heart of Kyoto.

A Shopping Detour: Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store

In between my temple visits and culinary adventures, I decided to indulge in a bit of shopping at the Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store. As a tech enthusiast with a soft spot for anime, I was excited to check out this store, which features original goods from Kyoto Animation's series. I picked up a few souvenirs and enjoyed browsing the exhibitions based on the studio's anime. I read that the store was originally planned to be open until January 8, 2024, but was extended due to popular demand. I'm glad I didn't miss the opportunity to visit it! It was a fun and unique experience, and I couldn't resist buying a few small items to remind me of my time in Kyoto.


Explore Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store for exclusive anime merchandise and a taste of Japan's vibrant pop culture.

Tomorrow's Journey: Imperial Grandeur

As the day comes to a close, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. My itinerary includes visits to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, Kyoto Gyoen National Garden, and Nijo Castle. I'm also planning to try Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki & Teppan-yaki Kamehameha for breakfast, Katsukura Tonkatsu Sanjo Main Store for lunch, and Kikunoi Roan for dinner. And, if time allows, I might check out Bar K6 for a nightcap.

Today was a reminder of why I love to travel solo. The freedom to explore at my own pace, to linger in places that captivate me, and to discover hidden gems along the way is invaluable. Kyoto continues to surprise and delight me, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Events in Kyoto

I found out that there are many events taking place in Kyoto during January. For example, the Gion Ebisu festival is taking place on January 9-10, and the Toka Ebisu festival is taking place from January 8-12. I also learned about the Omato Archery Competition taking place at Sanjusangendo Temple, but unfortunately, it seems I missed it. It is great to see the city full of vitality from traditional events and festivals that have been passed down through the ages.

As I reflect on the day, I am grateful for the opportunity to experience the beauty and spirituality of Kyoto. The temples, the food, and the people have all left a lasting impression on me. It's a reminder that sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that nourish the soul and awaken the spirit. Good night from Kyoto!