Solo Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Whispers of Ancient Kyoto

Today, Kyoto unveiled more of its captivating soul to me. It was a day of wandering through history, touching the stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, and feeling the gentle pulse of a culture that cherishes its past while embracing the present. I savored every moment, from the serene temples to the bustling streets, and found myself falling deeper in love with this remarkable city.

My day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Hanasaki. The restaurant had a refined taste and it was clear that they had put a lot of effort into the meal. The delicate flavors of the tofu and the perfectly brewed green tea were a gentle awakening. It was the perfect way to prepare for a day of exploration. As I savored each bite, I reflected on how different this experience was from my usual mornings in Delft. There, Jan and I often have a simple breakfast of yogurt and fruit, a far cry from the intricate culinary artistry I was now enjoying. The restaurant was located in Shijo Karasuma, and had the style of an old townhouse. I took a moment to appreciate the peaceful hideaway.


Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at Hanasaki in Kyoto - where tradition meets artistry in every delicious dish.

First on the agenda was Kiyomizu-dera, a temple that has stood for over 1250 years. As I approached, the vibrant red and white Niomon Gate made a striking impression, guarded by statues of Buddhist kings. The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the Kita-Hosso sect, adding another layer of intrigue to its already rich tapestry. The main hall, a National Treasure, was constructed without the use of nails, which I found incredible. The wooden stage jutted out from the hillside, offering a panoramic view of Kyoto. Even though it's March, and the cherry blossoms are yet to fully bloom, the landscape was still breathtaking. I took a moment to appreciate the view and the sounds of the city below.


Discover the historical beauty of Kiyomizu-dera, a stunning Buddhist temple offering breathtaking views and serene surroundings in the heart of Kyoto.

As I stood on the stage, I couldn't help but think of Layla. She would have loved this view, and I imagined her capturing the scene with her keen eye for photography. I made a mental note to find a postcard for her, something that would capture the essence of this moment.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its temples and gardens, but in the way it invites you to slow down, to breathe, and to connect with something ancient and profound.

The Otowa Waterfall was next. The water is divided into three separate streams. Each stream's water is said to have a different benefit, namely to cause longevity, success at school and a fortunate love life. However, drinking from all three streams is considered greedy, so I chose the stream for longevity, hoping for many more years of shared adventures with Jan. I also took a moment to appreciate the dragon statues, which are viewed as divine creatures associated with water and rain, believed to bring good fortune and protect against demons entering a temple.

After Kiyomizu-dera, I wandered down to Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka. These streets are lined with traditional wooden storefronts, shops, tea houses and restaurants offering Kyoto traditional items and food. It felt like stepping back in time. I explored the shops, admiring the craftsmanship of the local artisans. The streets are said to date back to the early beginnings of Kyoto's imperial history. Sannenzaka means slope of three years, while Ninenzaka translates to slope of two years. There is a myth that tells that if you slip and fall on any one of these streets, you will be dead in 2 years, in case of Ninenzaka and 3 years with Sannenzaka. I made sure to watch my step, as I navigated the stone steps.


Discover the enchanting Sannenzaka in Kyoto, where ancient history meets vibrant culture amidst stunning architecture and scenic beauty.


Explore Ninenzaka, a historic street in Kyoto filled with traditional shops, tea houses, and stunning architecture that brings the past to life.

Lunch was at Yasakadori Enraku. It's known for offering a tourist-oriented program where anyone can watch maiko dances and experience their traditional entertainment. The restaurant carefully selects a variety of high-quality ingredients every day, such as Kyoto seasonal vegetables, Kyoto beef that has passed strict inspection, and tofu. The menu changes according to the season, so you can enjoy Kyoto's seasonal delicacies. As I savored each dish, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to experience such a unique and beautiful culture.


Experience the artistry of Kaiseki dining at Yasakadori Enraku in Kyoto – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

In the afternoon, I visited the Kyoto Shibori Museum. I have always been fascinated by textiles, and this museum was a true delight. The museum specializes in shibori, a Japanese dyeing technique that involves binding, stitching, folding, twisting, compressing, or capping. The museum has been producing shibori works in this location since 1940. It was fascinating to see the intricate patterns and the skill required to create them. I learned about the different techniques and the history of shibori in Kyoto. I was particularly impressed by the Kyo-Kanoko-Shibori, the shibori technique which is specific to the Kyoto area. I considered taking a class, but I was short on time. However, I did purchase a beautiful shibori scarf as a souvenir.

Before dinner, I decided to do a bit of shopping. I stopped by the Kyoto Shibori Museum, which was close to Nijo Castle. It is the only museum in Japan that specializes in shibori. The museum preserves these techniques by exhibiting beautiful works of shibori as well as passing on knowledge and skills required to the later generations to keep the art of shibori alive. They had a variety of shibori tools available for purchase. I made sure to check out their online store for more details.

Dinner was at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya. This teppanyaki restaurant is run by a husband and wife team. The couple's friendly personalities have many fans, and the restaurant has a lively, casual atmosphere. The restaurant is very popular among foreigners, and some days more than half of the restaurant is filled with foreign customers. The offerings are Teppanyaki wagyu beef, gyoza, pork balls, yakisoba and yakisoba. Vegetarian and vegan options are also available, making it a good choice for entertaining foreigners with dietary restrictions. The wagyu steak was out of this world, and the gyoza was equally delicious. The husband and wife team were wonderful hosts, and I felt the warmth of being invited into their home. I enjoyed watching Hideki cook, and Naoko took great care of me with all her heart and we had a great time. The presentation was beautiful and we were given little shovels to cut sections off to eat. One bite and I immediately fell in love, it was so amazing with a mix of savory and sweet. And it was topped with little Taco! Definitely one of our favorite new Japanese dishes.


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

To end the evening, I ventured to The Common One Bar Kyoto. This modern bar features tatami rooms and a tea room, creating a space where tradition and modernity blend beautifully. The attentive service from the bartenders and the creative food offerings, such as smoked snacks, provide visitors with a special experience. It was a bit difficult to find, but that added to its charm. The bar had tatami rooms and a tea room, creating a space where tradition and modernity blend beautifully. I ordered a brandy-based cocktail, which was very tasty, with the unique aroma of brandy and the refreshing flavor of the fruit. I enjoyed the atmosphere and the attentive service from the bartenders.


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

As I walked back to the GRAN Ms KYOTO, I reflected on the day. I felt a deep sense of connection to this city and its people. Kyoto has a way of seeping into your soul, leaving you with a sense of peace and wonder. I am already looking forward to tomorrow, when I plan to visit Arashiyama and its bamboo forest. I have heard so much about the beauty of this area, and I am eager to experience it for myself. I know Jan would have loved to explore the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest with me. He always appreciated the beauty of nature, and I can imagine him taking countless photographs of the towering bamboo stalks. I will be sure to take extra photos for him.


Discover GRAN Ms KYOTO, a tranquil retreat offering modern comforts, wellness services, and easy access to Kyoto's cultural treasures.

Tomorrow, I plan to explore Arashiyama, including the Tenryu-ji Temple and the famed Bamboo Forest. I’m also looking forward to browsing Maiko Antiques Kyoto and perhaps ending the day at Bar Fishbowl. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

The Hanezu Odori Dance Festival will be held on March 30th. The Kyoto Oimo Daisakusen event at Umekoji Park is a celebration of the versatile sweet potato, and last year's event drew in. The NAKED Sakura Festival will be held from March 14th to April 13th. The Reikanji Temple Camellia Event will be held from March 20th to April 15th. The Thomas the Tank Engine Exhibition will be held from March 15th to May 6th. The Monet: The Water Lilies exhibition will be held from March 7th to June 8th. The Nagashi-bina at Shimogamo Shrine is an event associated with the traditional Doll Festival celebration. Kodaiji Temple is known as a famous spot for weeping cherry blossoms, and it's crowded with many tourists every spring. Cherry blossom illuminations are one of the best ways to enjoy spring nights. Lanterns are placed along the lanes and roads of the area, all converging on Maruyama-koen Park, where various light sculptures and installations are on display. This will all be happening in Kyoto during March of 2025.

Kyoto is truly a city that nourishes the soul. Goodnight from Kyoto.