Exploring Kyoto: A 15-Day Cultural Adventure with Friends

Whispers in the Bamboo

Today, Kyoto unveiled another layer of its captivating charm. It was a day of serene landscapes, ancient temples, and stepping back in time along beautifully preserved streets. The air was crisp, the skies were clear, and the spirit of adventure was high as we ventured into the heart of Arashiyama.

Our day began, as many good days do, with breakfast at Goichi Pizza. I know, I know, pizza in Japan? But sometimes, a girl just needs a taste of home, even when 'home' is Lyon. Plus, I'd heard whispers about their stone-oven creations, and I was curious. It was a small, cozy place, and the pizza was surprisingly delicious. The crust had that perfect chewy texture, and it was a welcome change of pace before diving into another day of Japanese culinary delights. It was a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring with my friends.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!

With our bellies full, we set off for the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I'd seen countless photos of this place, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer, overwhelming beauty of it. Stepping into the grove felt like entering another world. Towering stalks of bamboo reached for the sky, their leaves rustling in the breeze like whispered secrets. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the path below. It was cool, serene, and utterly magical.


Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.

In the heart of Arashiyama, time seemed to slow, allowing us to truly appreciate the simple, profound beauty of nature and the enduring charm of Kyoto's history.

We strolled along the path, lost in the tranquility of the forest. It was easy to see why this place is so revered. The air was clean and fresh, and the only sounds were the gentle creaking of the bamboo and the soft murmur of other visitors, all equally captivated by the surroundings. I made sure to take tons of pictures, trying to capture the essence of the place, but I knew that no photo could ever truly do it justice. It's one of those things you just have to experience for yourself.

Emerging from the bamboo forest, we found ourselves near Tenryu-ji, a Zen temple with a rich history. Founded in 1339, it's considered one of the Five Great Zen Temples of Kyoto, and a UNESCO World Heritage site. We decided to explore the temple grounds, and I'm so glad we did. The gardens were exquisite, a perfect example of Japanese landscape design. Every rock, every tree, every pond seemed carefully placed to create a sense of harmony and balance. The Sogenchi Garden was particularly stunning, with its serene pond and meticulously manicured greenery.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A cultural gem for every traveler.

We wandered through the gardens, admiring the delicate beauty of the cherry blossoms that were still clinging to the branches. Although peak season has passed, there were still some blooms hanging around. It was so calming and peaceful. I'm definitely not a religious person, but I could feel a sense of spirituality in the air. It was easy to understand why this place has been a source of contemplation and inspiration for centuries. Apparently they were celebrating the Kanbutsu-e (Flower Festival) today, which commemorates the birth of Buddha. We didn't participate in any of the ceremonies, but it was interesting to see the preparations and feel the celebratory atmosphere.

After Tenryu-ji, we decided to explore Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, a historic street lined with traditional machiya townhouses dating back to the Meiji period (1868-1912). It felt like stepping back in time. The buildings, now converted into quaint shops and restaurants, exuded an old-world charm. We strolled along the street, peeking into the various shops and admiring the traditional architecture. It was a lovely contrast to the bustling city center of Kyoto.


Immerse yourself in the historical charm of Saga Toriimoto Preserved Street, a serene journey through Kyoto's traditional heritage.

I couldn't resist popping into a few of the shops, and I ended up buying a beautiful handcrafted teacup as a souvenir. I can already imagine myself using it back in Lyon, sipping tea and reminiscing about my time in Kyoto. We also stopped at a small restaurant for a quick snack of local sweets. They were delicious, of course, and it was a perfect way to refuel before continuing our exploration.

Before heading back to the hotel, we made one last stop at Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store. I'd heard about this place from other travel bloggers, and I was curious to see what it was all about. It's a vintage clothing store with a focus on Japanese and Western styles. I love vintage shopping, so I was excited to see what treasures I could find. I browsed through the racks, admiring the unique and quirky pieces. I ended up buying a vintage kimono at a shockingly reasonable price. I'm not sure when I'll ever wear it, but I couldn't resist. It's such a beautiful and unique piece, and I know it will be a conversation starter back home.


Explore the vibrant world of vintage fashion at Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store, a treasure trove for unique clothing finds in the heart of Kyoto.

For dinner, we ventured to THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO. This restaurant is set in a beautifully restored traditional building, and the ambiance was as exquisite as the food. The Italian cuisine with a Japanese twist was a culinary delight. We enjoyed the SODOH COURSE, and the flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was impeccable. The service was also top-notch, making for a truly memorable dining experience. The restaurant was created by renovating the former private residence of Takeuchi Seiho, a pioneer of modern Japanese painting, and the atmosphere was just incredible.


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

As I sit here now, writing this blog post from the comfort of our cozy hotel room at Hotel KADO Gosho - Minami Kyoto, I can't help but smile. Today was a perfect day, filled with beauty, history, and delicious food. Kyoto continues to surprise and delight me at every turn. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to experience this amazing city with my friends. Tomorrow, we're heading to Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. I've heard that Kiyomizu-dera is particularly beautiful, so I'm really looking forward to it. We're also planning to check out Bar K6 in the evening, so that should be a fun way to wind down after a day of sightseeing.


Discover budget-friendly comfort at Hotel KADO Gosho in the heart of Kyoto, where modern amenities meet traditional charm for an unforgettable stay.

I'm also starting to think about some of the things I forgot to pack. A Japanese phrasebook would definitely come in handy, even though many people speak English. And an extra memory card for my camera is a must. I'm constantly running out of space, and I don't want to miss any photo opportunities. I'll make sure to pick those up tomorrow.

Until then, oyasumi nasai from Kyoto!