Solo Cultural Immersion in Historic Kyoto

Stepping Back in Time, One Page at a Time

Today was a deep dive into two very different, yet equally captivating, facets of Kyoto's cultural landscape. From the imposing presence of a shogun's castle to the colorful and expressive world of manga, it was a day of contrasts that somehow harmonized perfectly. It’s amazing how much history and art can be packed into a single day, leaving me with a profound appreciation for the depth and breadth of Japanese culture.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Masayoshi Japanese Dining. The reviews online were a bit mixed, but I found it to be a solid start to the day. It fueled me up for the historical journey that awaited.


Experience authentic Japanese steakhouse dining at Masayoshi in Kyoto—where tradition meets culinary excellence.

Nijo Castle: Whispers of Power and Intrigue

Nijo Castle was first on my list, and it certainly didn't disappoint. The castle, built in 1603 by Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo period, stands as a powerful reminder of Japan's feudal past. The sheer scale of the place is impressive, with its imposing stone walls and wide moats. As I walked through the main gate, I couldn't help but imagine the processions of samurai and dignitaries who once passed through the same entrance.


Experience the grandeur of Nijo Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history, architecture, and nature intertwine in Kyoto's cultural heart.

The Ninomaru Palace, a designated National Treasure, is the heart of the castle. Its nightingale floors, designed to squeak underfoot to warn of intruders, added an element of intrigue to my exploration. I could almost hear the whispers of secrets and conspiracies as I wandered through the tatami-mat rooms, admiring the beautifully painted sliding doors and ornate ceilings. I learned that after the Tokugawa Shogunate fell in 1867, Nijo Castle was briefly an imperial palace before being opened to the public. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.
The gardens surrounding the palace were equally stunning, offering a serene escape from the bustling city outside. Though it’s still early in March, I could see the beginnings of spring, with plum blossoms starting to bloom. Nijo Castle is known for its cherry blossoms, and I imagine it must be absolutely breathtaking later in March and April. I made a mental note to try and return next week to see the NAKED Sakura Festival, which I read enhances the natural beauty with illuminations and projection mapping after dark. It sounds like a unique way to experience hanami.

I spent a good few hours wandering the grounds, soaking in the history and admiring the architecture. It's fascinating to think that this castle was not only a residence but also a symbol of the shogun's power and authority. The Honmaru (main circle of defense) once housed a second palace complex and a five-story castle keep, but both were destroyed by fires in the 18th century and never rebuilt. I found it interesting that the palace was the Kyoto villa of the Imperial Family, moved to this location after the Meiji Restoration.

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

Lunch at Katsukura: A Tonkatsu Treat

By lunchtime, I was ready for a good meal. I headed over to Katsukura - Kyoto Porta for some tonkatsu. Located in the Kyoto Porta shopping complex near Kyoto Station, Katsukura specializes in tonkatsu, offering a Kyoto-style take on the dish. I opted for the pork tenderloin cutlet set meal. The tonkatsu was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the original sauce was delicious. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the tableware, like the Kyoto hand-knitted wire meshes used to serve the pork cutlets.


Discover authentic Tonkatsu at Katsukura - a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Kyoto offering delightful flavors in a modern setting.

Kyoto International Manga Museum: A World of Silent Stories

After lunch, I made my way to the Kyoto International Manga Museum. Housed in a former elementary school, the museum is a celebration of all things manga. With a collection of around 300,000 items, it's a paradise for comic book lovers like myself.


Explore the rich world of Japanese comics at Kyoto International Manga Museum, a cultural gem in Kyoto offering extensive manga collections and engaging exhibitions.

The museum is divided into several zones, including a gallery, a research area, and an archive. But the main attraction is undoubtedly the Wall of Manga, a 200-meter-long bookshelf filled with 50,000 manga volumes that visitors can freely read. I spent hours browsing the shelves, rediscovering old favorites and discovering new ones. It was fascinating to see the evolution of manga art and storytelling over the decades.
I explored the permanent exhibitions, including What is Manga?, which explains the history of manga in Japan, the structure of the industry, and expressive techniques. I also saw the sculpture of the Hi no Tori (Phoenix) by Osamu Tezuka. The museum also has a growing international section with manga in English and other languages. I even caught a performance of kamishibai, a traditional Japanese storytelling format that uses a combination of narration and hand-drawn paper cards.

It's interesting to note that the museum is a joint project between Kyoto City and Kyoto Seika University, serving as both a public library and a research center for manga culture. The building itself, a remodeled elementary school, adds to the museum's charm, with its retro atmosphere and colorful displays.

Shopping at Kyoto LOFT: A Treasure Trove of Japanese Goods

Before heading back to the hotel, I stopped by Kyoto LOFT for some shopping. This multi-story emporium is a treasure trove of contemporary Japanese lifestyle products, from innovative home goods to trendy stationery. I picked up a few souvenirs for Sophie and Émile, including some cute stationery items and a small toy. I also found some unique Japanese smartphone cases. LOFT is known for its collaborations with Kyoto artisans, and I was tempted to buy one of the KYO-TO-TO Embroidery creations.


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

Dinner at French Dining Top of Kyoto: A Culinary Finale

To cap off the day, I treated myself to dinner at French Dining Top of Kyoto, the revolving restaurant atop the Rihga Royal Hotel. The dress code was smart casual, so I made sure to change before heading over. The restaurant offers panoramic views of the city, and the food was exquisite. It was a perfect way to reflect on the day's adventures.


Discover the exquisite flavors of French cuisine at French Dining Top of Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets stunning views.

As the restaurant slowly rotated, I gazed out at the glittering cityscape, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience Kyoto's rich culture and history. Tomorrow, I plan to visit Kiyomizu-dera and Sannenzaka, followed by a drink at Bar K6. It should be another great day of exploration!