Exploring Kyoto: A 15-Day Cultural Adventure with Friends

Lost in the Timeless Beauty of Gion

Today was a day of wandering through living history. I've always felt a pull towards places where the past feels palpable, and today, Kyoto's Gion district didn't disappoint. It's like stepping back in time, with every corner whispering stories of geishas, ancient traditions, and the heart of old Kyoto. After six days in this captivating city, I'm finding myself even more enchanted by its unique blend of history and modern life.

Our day began with breakfast at Oryori Menami. It's funny, even though I live in Lyon now, I still sometimes crave a good old American-style breakfast. But here in Kyoto, I'm all about embracing the local cuisine. Oryori Menami offered a delightful array of traditional Kyoto-style small dishes. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. I particularly enjoyed the delicate flavors and the emphasis on seasonal ingredients – a true taste of Kyoto.

With full stomachs and eager hearts, we headed straight for Gion, Kyoto's most famous geisha district. The area is located between the Kamo River and Yasaka Shrine. The narrow, winding streets were lined with preserved wooden machiya townhouses, creating a timeless ambiance. It felt like stepping into a movie set, but this was the real deal.

Wandering through Gion, I couldn't help but imagine what life must have been like centuries ago. The district dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served weary travelers and pilgrims visiting the nearby Yasaka Shrine. It later flourished as an entertainment district, becoming synonymous with geisha culture. It is said that Gion originated in teahouses that catered to visitors to the Yasaka-jinja Shrine.

I tried to picture geishas gracefully gliding through these streets, their elaborate kimonos rustling softly, on their way to entertain guests at exclusive tea houses. While I didn't spot any geishas today, the atmosphere alone was enough to transport me to another era. It's a place where the elegance of geisha culture and Kyoto's rich history continue to thrive, attracting visitors from around the world.

The beauty of Gion lies not just in its picturesque streets, but in the stories etched into every corner, a testament to a culture that has gracefully withstood the test of time.

Next on our itinerary was a visit to Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine. This beautiful Shinto shrine, with its vibrant colors and intricate details, is a major landmark in the Gion district. Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka Shrine is not just a significant religious site but a symbol of Japanese culture and tradition. It enshrines Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a great god of storms and sea in Japanese mythology, alongside his wife and their eight children. The shrine is famous for its street-facing two-storied vermilion gate, which is a district landmark.

As I stood before the main hall, I couldn't help but feel a sense of reverence. The air was thick with history, and the scent of incense lingered in the air. It was fascinating to learn that Yasaka Shrine was initially known as “Gion Shrine” and played a key role in the religious practices of the region. It is the center of the Gion Matsuri, one of Kyoto's most important festivals. The Gion Festival began in 869 with the aim of appeasing the gods during an epidemic. Today, the Gion Matsuri is one of the largest and most famous festivals in Japan, attracting millions of visitors each year in July.

After soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of Yasaka Shrine, we decided to explore Pontocho, another of Kyoto's atmospheric dining and entertainment districts. This narrow alley runs parallel to the Kamogawa River and is known for its traditional wooden architecture, intimate restaurants, and lively nightlife.


Discover the enchanting Pontocho Alley in Kyoto, where tradition meets culinary delight amidst historic wooden machiya houses.

As we strolled along the cobblestone street, I was captivated by the charming atmosphere. Lanterns cast a warm glow on the traditional wooden buildings, and the sound of laughter and conversation filled the air. Pontocho is one of Kyoto's five geisha districts and has been an entertainment district since the Edo Period. It is packed with restaurants on both sides offering a wide range of dining options from inexpensive yakitori to traditional and modern Kyoto cuisine, foreign cuisine and highly exclusive establishments that require the right connections and a fat wallet.

For lunch, we chose Kikuichimonjushirokanenaga honten, a restaurant that has been on my list since I started planning this trip. The restaurant is known for their exquisite Japanese cuisine, and I was eager to experience it firsthand. It seems like Nara is also known for a knife shop with custom engraving with the same name. I wonder if there is a connection? The meal was a true culinary adventure, with each dish a work of art in itself. I savored every bite, appreciating the delicate flavors and the artistry of the presentation.

After lunch, we spent some time browsing the Kyoto Crafts Store, a treasure trove of traditional Japanese crafts. I was immediately drawn to the intricate details and the craftsmanship of the items on display. It was fascinating to learn about the history and techniques behind these crafts, and I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs to take back home.

I found myself particularly drawn to the Kyoto inlay, one of Japan's oldest traditional crafts with a history of over 1000 years. In Kyoto's distinct style, metals like pure gold and silver are inlayed into boxes, creating delicate works of art with beautiful shining gold and silver detail on jet-black surfaces. The Kyoto Handicraft Center is a popular spot to see and purchase the diverse range of Japanese items from traditional craft works through to exquisite kimonos.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Masayoshi Japanese Dining for dinner. After a day of traditional exploration, it was nice to try a place that puts a modern spin on some classic dishes. The restaurant is known for its steak and beef dishes, and I was eager to see what they had to offer. It was a truly satisfying meal, and the perfect way to end our day in Gion.

Tonight, as I reflect on our adventures, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude. Kyoto has a way of captivating the soul, and I feel so fortunate to be able to experience its beauty and charm with my friends. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we'll be exploring Heian Shrine, the Philosopher's Path, and Nanzen-ji. Until then, I'll be dreaming of geishas, ancient temples, and the magic of Kyoto.

I'm so glad I decided to bring my camera on this trip. I almost forgot my Japanese phrasebook and an extra memory card for my camera, but thankfully I remembered them just in time! I would have been so bummed if I hadn't been able to capture all these amazing memories. I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you all!

Tomorrow, we are planning on visiting Heian Shrine, Philosopher's Path and Nanzen-ji Temple. I heard the Philosopher's Path is especially beautiful this time of year with all the cherry blossoms in bloom. I can't wait to see it for myself!

I'm also excited to try some new restaurants tomorrow. We're planning on having breakfast at Khaos Spice Diner, lunch at Antonio, and dinner at Chihana. I've heard great things about all of them, so I'm sure we're in for some delicious meals.

I'm also hoping to check out the Turquoise Bar tomorrow night. I'm not a huge drinker, but I do enjoy a good cocktail every now and then. Plus, it'll be a fun way to relax and unwind after a long day of exploring.

It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel. The chance to immerse myself in a different culture, to learn about its history and traditions, and to connect with people from all walks of life – it's an experience that enriches my soul and broadens my perspective. And to share these experiences with my friends, makes it that much better. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I'm also thinking of Jean-Pierre and Sophie. I wish they could be here with me to experience all of this. Maybe someday we can all come back together.

Until tomorrow, sayōnara!