Solo Adventure in the Cultural Heart of Japan: Exploring Kyoto

Whispers of Kyoto

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a quiet conversation with Kyoto's soul. I traded the bustling city streets for tranquil paths and ancient gardens, seeking the serene beauty that lies just beyond the well-trodden tourist routes. It was a day to reflect, to breathe, and to simply be present in the moment, letting the whispers of history and nature guide my way.



My day began with a hearty breakfast at Khaos Spice Diner. I opted for their signature curry, a delightful explosion of flavors that perfectly awakened my senses. The diner itself was a cozy, welcoming space, a little haven of warmth against the cool February air. It reminded me of some of the quirky cafes I used to frequent back in Ísafjörður, a comforting blend of the familiar and the new. Fuelled and ready, I set off to explore the Philosopher's Path.


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

Sometimes, the most profound discoveries are made not in grand monuments, but in the quiet corners of our world, where the whispers of history and nature intertwine.

The Philosopher's Path, a stone path following a canal lined with cherry trees, was calling my name. Even though it's February, and the cherry blossoms are still a distant dream [they are expected to bloom in early April], the path held a quiet charm. It was easy to imagine the philosopher Nishida Kitaro strolling along here, lost in thought. The stillness of the water, the gentle rustling of the trees, it all created an atmosphere conducive to contemplation. I walked slowly, enjoying the crisp air and the occasional glimpses of traditional houses nestled amongst the trees. I made sure to take my time and appreciate the scenery, stopping to take photos and jot down my thoughts in my travel journal. It's moments like these, away from the crowds and the noise, that I truly feel connected to a place. The path was serene, offering a quiet retreat from the city and food for thought in the many historic sites that line the way. The Philosopher's Path, or “Tetsugaku-no-michi” in Japanese, is a beautiful canal-side strolling path in northern Higashiyama, that runs between Ginkaku-ji Temple in the north and Eikan-do Temple in the south. I was definitely enjoying the quiet retreat from the city.



My next stop was Higashiyama Jisho-ji, the Silver Pavilion. Unlike its more famous golden sibling, Ginkaku-ji doesn't actually have any silver applied to its exterior. The lack of adornment makes it special. In its understated elegance, Ginkaku-ji embodies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi—the art of finding beauty in imperfection. I found myself drawn to the Zen gardens, particularly the dry sand garden known as the “Sea of Silver Sand”. The raked white sand and the perfectly formed cone were mesmerizing, creating a sense of calm and order. I learned that the sand pyramid is the mirror-image of Mount Fuji. Both sand shapes are religious metaphors for enlightenment, with the moon and its reflection symbolizing an illumination of consciousness. I spent a good hour simply sitting on a bench, gazing at the gardens and letting my mind wander. The temple is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. during these winter months.


Discover the serene beauty of Higashiyama Jisho-ji, a historic Buddhist temple and natural oasis in Kyoto, Japan.

Leaving Ginkaku-ji, I made my way to Heian Shrine. Built in 1895 to commemorate 1,100 years of peaceful relocation of the imperial capital , the shrine is a partial replica of the Imperial Palace from the Heian Period. The shrine is dedicated to the worship of Emperor Kanmu and Emperor Komei. The vibrant vermilion color of the buildings was striking against the clear blue sky. I wandered through the gardens, admiring the serene ponds, the meticulously manicured trees, and the traditional architecture. The Shin-en Garden in the main hall is considered an iconic masterpiece of Japanese styled gardens that feature a path around a pond. It was a beautiful and peaceful place, perfect for a moment of quiet contemplation. Luckily I was able to experience the Setsubun Festival at Heian Shrine. I was able to partake in the theatrical mamemaki (bean-throwing) ceremonies, where performers threw roasted beans into the crowd to cast out evil spirits. I could also see traditional dances and purification fire rituals.


Experience the tranquil beauty and cultural richness of Heian Shrine in Kyoto, a must-visit Shinto shrine surrounded by stunning gardens.

For lunch, I decided to treat myself to a teppanyaki experience at Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi. The restaurant is located in Kiyamachi-dori along the Takase river. All of our seats are counter seats and food are served over the counter, and it allows you to see a wide variety of cooking techniques performed by our chef from any seats. The chef's skillful techniques were fascinating to watch, and the food was simply divine. The wagyu beef melted in my mouth, a symphony of flavors that left me wanting more. It was a truly special and memorable meal. It was probably one of the best steaks I have ever had.


Experience Kyoto's vibrant food scene with authentic yakiniku at Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, where every bite tells a delicious story.

As evening approached, I found myself drawn to The Common One Bar Kyoto. The bar is a modern bar where you can immerse yourself in the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto. It features tatami rooms and a tea room, creating a space where tradition and modernity blend beautifully. I decided to treat myself to a carefully crafted cocktail. The bartender took his time, explaining each ingredient and technique with meticulous care. The drink was a work of art, both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. It was the perfect way to end a perfect day. The entrance is not easy to find, but thanks to that, I often use this restaurant because it has a hideout-like atmosphere and I can spend a relaxing time there. The Common One Bar Kyoto is a hidden gem that offers a unique dining experience.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at The Common One Bar, where tradition meets innovation in every cocktail.

Before heading back to my hotel, I enjoyed a delectable dinner at Premium Pound Gion. The restaurant has a Kyoto-style calm external appearance and interior that can be enjoyed by adults. All of our seats are counter seats, and food are served over the counter as Teppanyaki style, and it allows you to see a wide variety of cooking techniques performed by our chef from any seats. I was able to enjoy high-quality Japanese beef teppan-yaki while watching the chef's skillful techniques on the teppan in front of the counter. All in all, the ratings for the restaurant were amazing.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.

Tomorrow, I'm planning to delve into Kyoto's more modern side, with a visit to the Kyoto International Manga Museum and a stroll through Nishiki Market [see tomorrow's Itinerary]. But for tonight, I'm content to savor the memories of today's tranquil journey, letting the whispers of Kyoto lull me to sleep.



Kyoto continues to surprise and enchant me, revealing new layers of its beauty with each passing day. It's a city that rewards those who take the time to wander, to explore, and to listen to the stories it has to tell. And I, for one, am eager to hear more.