Exploring Kyoto: A 15-Day Cultural Adventure with Friends

A Day of Serenity and Surprises

Today in Kyoto was a beautiful blend of the old and the new, the serene and the utterly adorable. It's amazing how this city manages to hold so much history and culture while still embracing the fun and whimsical. I felt like a kid in a candy store, but instead of sweets, I was surrounded by temples, gardens, and Hello Kitty!

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Tategami. I decided to be adventurous and try their traditional Kyoto-style breakfast set. It was a beautiful assortment of small dishes, each bursting with flavor. Jean-Pierre opted for something a little more familiar, but even he was impressed by the presentation and the quality of the ingredients. Fuelled up, we were ready to explore.


Experience authentic Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine at Tategami - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.

Our first stop was Rengeji Temple, a small, serene temple tucked away in a quiet corner of Kyoto. It was exactly the kind of peaceful escape I needed. The temple's garden was stunning, a perfect example of Japanese landscape design. The meticulously placed stones, the vibrant moss, and the gentle sound of water created a tranquil atmosphere. I spent a good while just sitting on the veranda, soaking it all in. It was so quiet and peaceful, a world away from the bustling city.


Discover tranquility and rich cultural heritage at Rengeji Temple, a hidden gem in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, perfect for spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its grand monuments, but in the quiet corners where history and nature intertwine.

From there, we ventured to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Getting there involved a bit of a trek on the train and a short bus ride, but it was well worth the effort. The villa itself is a sprawling complex of gardens and buildings, built in the 17th century by Emperor Gomizuno. The scale of the place was impressive, and the gardens were simply breathtaking. We joined a guided tour, which was incredibly informative. I learned so much about the history of the villa and the emperors who used it as a retreat. The audio guide was a lifesaver, as the tour was in Japanese. It’s amazing to think that local farmers still work the surrounding fields, preserving the landscape as it was centuries ago.

One of the highlights was the Yokuryuchi Pond in the Upper Villa. The pond, with its small islands and meticulously arranged stones, was stunning. I could just imagine Emperor Gomizuno strolling through these gardens, finding solace in the beauty of nature. The teahouse overlooking the pond offered panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

After immersing ourselves in imperial history, we decided to switch gears and head to Eikan-dō Temple. This temple is known for its stunning autumn colors, so while the vibrant reds and golds weren't on display this time of year, it was still a sight to behold. The temple grounds were expansive, with various buildings connected by wooden corridors. I particularly enjoyed the Tahoto Pagoda, nestled in the trees on the hillside. The climb up to the pagoda was a bit steep, but the view from the top was incredible. You could see the entire city of Kyoto spread out before you.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Eikan-dō Temple, a must-visit Buddhist sanctuary in Kyoto, Japan, surrounded by stunning gardens.

The most unique aspect of Eikan-dō was the statue of the Amida Buddha with his head turned sidewards. Legend has it that the priest Eikan was walking through the temple when the statue turned to him and spoke. It's a fascinating story, and the statue itself is quite striking.

By this point, we were starting to feel a bit templed-out, so we decided to indulge in a little retail therapy. Our destination: the Sanrio Gallery Kyoto. Now, I know what you're thinking: Hello Kitty in Kyoto? But trust me, it was a delightful experience. The gallery was a riot of color and cuteness, filled with all sorts of Sanrio merchandise. Sophie, of course, was in heaven. She spent a good hour browsing the shelves, picking out keychains, stickers, and plushies. Even Jean-Pierre couldn't resist a smile as he watched her squeal with delight.


Discover the enchanting world of Sanrio at Sanrio Gallery Kyoto, where kawaii characters come to life in a delightful shopping experience.

I must admit, I found myself drawn to the limited-edition Kyoto-themed Hello Kitty items. There was something so charming about seeing these iconic characters dressed in traditional Japanese clothing. I ended up buying a small Hello Kitty in a kimono as a souvenir. It's the perfect reminder of our day in Kyoto, a blend of tradition and modernity, serenity and playfulness.

For lunch, we stopped at Kyoto cuisine Hanasaki Nishikiten, a restaurant near Nishiki Market. It was a wonderful experience, and I was able to try some of Kyoto's unique seasonal vegetables. The restaurant had a peaceful and elegant atmosphere, making it a perfect spot to relax after a busy morning of sightseeing. The presentation of each dish was exquisite, almost too beautiful to eat.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Hanasaki Nishikiten—where tradition meets culinary artistry in every exquisite dish.

As the day drew to a close, we headed to Gion for dinner at Gion Mikaku. This restaurant is known for its Wagyu beef, and it did not disappoint. The beef was cooked teppanyaki style right in front of us, and it was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The chef was incredibly skilled, and he put on quite a show as he prepared our meal. It was a truly memorable dining experience.


Discover Gion Mikaku, where exceptional steak meets authentic Japanese culture in Kyoto's enchanting Gion district.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore more of Kyoto's hidden gems, including Hōnen-in Temple and the Philosopher's Path. I'm also looking forward to trying a new bar called Concrete Bar – something tells me it'll be a completely different vibe from today's serene temples!

Before heading back to the hotel, I couldn't help but reflect on the day. Kyoto has a way of surprising you. Just when you think you've seen it all, you stumble upon another hidden sanctuary, another quirky shop, another delicious meal. It's a city that rewards exploration and embraces both tradition and innovation. I'm so grateful to be sharing this experience with my friends and Sophie, creating memories that will last a lifetime. And, of course, I can't wait to share it all with you, my dear readers! I am exhausted but very happy.

As I sit here writing this, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. Who knows what hidden gems we'll discover next? One thing's for sure: Kyoto never fails to amaze.

I am also happy to report that I am slowly but surely getting the hang of using chopsticks. I can now pick up most foods without too much trouble. Jean-Pierre, on the other hand, is a natural. He's been practicing for years, and he can eat anything with chopsticks, from slippery noodles to tiny grains of rice.

And Sophie? Well, she's somewhere in between. She can manage the basics, but she still occasionally resorts to using her fingers. But hey, she's only seven. She's got plenty of time to master the art of chopsticks. For now, I am going to hit the hay. Sayonara!

On a side note, I am still kicking myself for forgetting my Japanese phrasebook. It would have been so helpful during our temple visits and when trying to navigate the local buses. I'll definitely make sure to pack it for our next trip to Japan.

Another thing I realized I should have brought was an extra memory card for my camera. I took so many photos today that I almost filled up my first card. Lesson learned: always be prepared!

Until tomorrow!