Solo Cultural Immersion in Historic Kyoto

Echoes of Ancient Kyoto

Today was a day of ascensions – both literal and metaphorical. I set out to immerse myself in the heart of Kyoto, a city that continues to whisper tales of emperors, monks, and artisans from centuries past. My soul needed a day like today; a day of exploration and introspection away from the familiar comforts of home.



The day began with a hearty breakfast at Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION. Now, I know what you might be thinking: Kobe beef for breakfast? But hear me out! I wanted to fuel up for a day of serious walking, and what better way to do it than with a taste of Japan's most famous delicacy? The restaurant was surprisingly quiet in the morning, which allowed me to savor every bite of the exquisitely marbled beef. It was a truly decadent start to the day, and I have to admit, it set the bar incredibly high. The tenderness of the meat and the umami flavor was so intense, it was a delightful experience I will not soon forget. It was a bit more upscale than the Mouriya in Kobe, but the quality was superb. I opted for a simple sirloin, perfectly grilled, with a side of grilled vegetables. It was a great way to start the day before visiting Kiyomizu-dera.



Experience unparalleled flavors at Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION in Kyoto - a must-visit for steak lovers seeking authenticity.

With a satisfied stomach, I made my way toward Kiyomizu-dera. The air was crisp, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth – a welcome change from the sometimes-stuffy atmosphere of Montreal. As I approached the temple, the crowds began to thicken. It seems everyone, both local and tourist, was drawn to this iconic landmark. March is a popular time to visit Kyoto, with the promise of cherry blossoms hanging in the air. Although the cherry blossoms are not yet in full bloom, there are hints of their imminent arrival, with some trees beginning to show buds. I could tell that I was not the only one anticipating spring.



Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, where culture and nature harmoniously blend.

Kiyomizu-dera is perched on a hillside, offering breathtaking views of the city. The main hall, with its wooden stage jutting out over the slope, is a marvel of engineering. As I stood on the stage, gazing out at the sprawling cityscape, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe. The temple has a rich history, dating back to the 8th century, and it's easy to imagine the countless pilgrims who have stood in this very spot over the centuries. The temple was founded by the monk Enchin, inspired by the pure waters cascading from Mount Otowa. In 798, Sakanoue no Tamuramaro, a Japanese military leader, oversaw the construction of the main hall. The main hall is a National Treasure, and the temple is famous for its wooden stage.

To walk through Kyoto is to walk through centuries of history, art, and spirituality.

After exploring the main hall, I ventured down to the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three separate streams of water, each said to grant a different benefit: longevity, success in studies, and a happy love life. Of course, I sampled all three, figuring it couldn't hurt! The water was ice-cold and incredibly refreshing, and I couldn't help but smile at the simple pleasure of it all. I am not sure if it will bring me longevity, success, or a happy love life (Sophie and Émile are already making my life complete!), but it was a fun experience. It was a reminder that sometimes the simplest things in life are the most rewarding.


Leaving Kiyomizu-dera, I strolled down Sannenzaka, a charming, narrow street lined with traditional shops and teahouses. The street was bustling with activity, and I enjoyed browsing the various crafts and souvenirs on display. I picked up a few small gifts for Sophie and Émile – a delicate porcelain teacup for Sophie and a colorful wooden toy for Émile. I could imagine Émile playing with the toy when I return home. I also stopped at a small teahouse for a cup of matcha and a traditional sweet. The matcha was bitter and earthy, and the sweet was delicate and floral – a perfect combination. The shops along Sannenzaka are housed in traditional wooden buildings, and the street has been a tourist destination for centuries. The street is a great place to experience traditional Kyoto. The street is also known as Three-Year Hill.



Discover Sannenzaka, a historic street in Kyoto, where traditional charm meets stunning views and delightful local cuisine.

For lunch, I decided to try Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, a small, family-run restaurant known for its okonomiyaki – a savory pancake filled with various ingredients. I had read rave reviews about the restaurant online, and I was eager to try it for myself. The restaurant is run by a husband and wife team, and they were incredibly welcoming and friendly. It has a lively, casual atmosphere. I ordered the Kyoto-style okonomiyaki, which was filled with pork, shrimp, and vegetables. It was cooked on a teppan grill right in front of me, and it was absolutely delicious. I also had a glass of local sake, which was smooth and slightly sweet. The okonomiyaki was savory and sweet, and the sake was the perfect complement. I felt the warmth of being invited into their home as the couple took great care of me.



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

As the afternoon wore on, I decided to indulge in a bit of relaxation before dinner. I found a quiet bench in Maruyama Park and simply sat and watched the world go by. The park was filled with people enjoying the spring weather, and I enjoyed observing the interactions between families, couples, and friends. It was a reminder that even in a bustling city like Kyoto, there are still moments of peace and tranquility to be found. The park also had some early blooming cherry blossoms, which added to the beauty.


Dinner was at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO, an Italian restaurant housed in a beautifully restored traditional building. The restaurant was once the residence of a famous Japanese painter, and the interior was decorated with stunning artwork and traditional furnishings. The atmosphere was elegant and refined, and the service was impeccable. The building was built in 1929 by Seihou Takeuchi, a renowned Japanese painter. I started with a glass of prosecco, followed by a delicious pasta dish with fresh seafood. The pasta was perfectly cooked, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. For my main course, I had a grilled steak with roasted vegetables. The steak was tender and juicy, and the vegetables were perfectly seasoned. The meal was a perfect blend of Italian and Japanese flavors, and it was a fitting end to a day of cultural immersion.



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

To cap off the evening, I ventured to Bar K6, a sophisticated bar known for its expertly crafted cocktails. The bar had a cozy, intimate atmosphere, with dim lighting and comfortable seating. I ordered a classic gin and tonic, made with local Kyoto gin. The drink was perfectly balanced, and it was the perfect way to unwind after a long day of exploring. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable, and we chatted about the history of gin and the local cocktail scene. It was a pleasant end to a long day.



Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at Bar K6, where traditional Japanese drinks meet modern bar culture in a cozy setting.

As I walked back to my hotel, the city was quiet and peaceful. The lanterns cast a warm glow on the streets, and the air was filled with the sounds of crickets and distant temple bells. I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences I had today. Kyoto had captivated me with its beauty, its history, and its culture. I knew that I would never forget this day, and I was already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. Tomorrow, I plan to explore the Philosopher's Path and Nanzen-ji Temple, continuing my journey through this fascinating city. I am also planning on doing some shopping at Omiyage Kaido to bring gifts back home. I am excited to see what tomorrow brings.