A Solo Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Finding Serenity on the Philosopher's Path

Today was a day of quiet reflection and sensory exploration in Kyoto. I ventured out to experience the famed Philosopher's Path and immerse myself in the serene beauty of local temples, followed by a culinary journey that tantalized my taste buds. It was a day of simple pleasures and profound moments, reminding me why I embarked on this solo adventure in the first place.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Anzukko. I was excited to try their famous gyoza, and they certainly lived up to the hype! It's a small, unassuming place, but the flavors were anything but. The limited number of gyoza per customer made me savor each bite even more. What a perfect way to fuel up for a day of walking and temple-hopping!

With a full stomach and a spring in my step, I headed towards the Philosopher's Path. The path, a stone walkway following a canal, was as enchanting as everyone says. Though it's still early in March, and the cherry blossoms are yet to fully bloom [they're expected late March to early April], there was still a quiet beauty to the bare branches reaching over the water. I could imagine how magical it must be when the sakura are in full bloom, painting the path in shades of pink. It was a peaceful walk, perfect for contemplation. I found myself thinking about Klaus and Sofia, missing them terribly, but also feeling grateful for this time to myself. It's a strange mix of emotions, being away from my family, but I know this experience will enrich my life in ways I can't yet imagine.

Sometimes, the greatest journeys are those that lead us inward.

My stroll along the Philosopher's Path led me to Nanzen-ji Temple.


Explore the tranquil beauty and rich history of Nanzen-ji Temple, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the heart of Kyoto's natural landscape.

The sheer scale of the Sanmon Gate was awe-inspiring [Built in 1628, the gate is also called “Sangedatsumon” (Gate of the Three Liberations)]. I paid the small fee to climb to the top and was rewarded with a panoramic view of Kyoto. The temple grounds were vast and varied, with beautiful gardens and impressive architecture. I was particularly struck by the Suirokaku, the brick aqueduct that seemed so out of place yet blended harmoniously with the surroundings. It was fascinating to learn that it was built in the Roman style [to facilitate the passage of water between Kyoto and Lake Biwa]. It's these unexpected juxtapositions that make Kyoto so endlessly interesting.

After Nanzen-ji, I made my way to Eikan-dō Temple, also known as Zenrin-ji.


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

This temple was just south of the Philosopher's Path, and it's known as one of the best places to view the autumn leaves. While the maple trees were still bare, I could appreciate the tranquility of the temple grounds and the unique statue of Amida Buddha looking back over his shoulder. The legend behind it is quite charming [one day, as Eikan was deep in prayer, circling the statue, the Amida Buddha statue came to life and began leading Eikan in his walking meditation]. I spent some time wandering through the temple's covered walkways and admiring the Hojo Pond , imagining how stunning it must look in the fall. It's definitely on my list to revisit during autumn someday.

For lunch, I decided to try Khaos Spice Diner, a curry restaurant I had read about.


Discover authentic Japanese curry at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto – a flavorful experience awaits you!

The place was bustling with locals and tourists alike, and the aroma of spices filled the air. I ordered a plate with a mix of three different curries, and it was an explosion of flavors. Not too spicy, just the right amount of heat and umami. The restaurant had a funky, relaxed vibe, with film posters and reggae music creating a unique atmosphere. It was the perfect place to unwind after a morning of temple visits.

In the afternoon, I decided to indulge in a bit of shopping. I stumbled upon Maiko Antiques Kyoto.


Explore the rich heritage of Japan at Maiko Antiques Kyoto, where timeless treasures await in a charming antique store setting.

[Nestled in the heart of Kyoto's enchanting Higashiyama district], a small shop packed to the brim with vintage toys, dolls, and other curiosities [Maiko Antiques in Kyoto is a treasure trove of strange and wonderful items, from vintage Japanese toys to creepy dolls and bizarre collectibles]. The owner, dressed in a bright Hawaiian shirt, was a character himself, happy to share stories about the items in his collection. I ended up buying a few small souvenirs, little trinkets to remind me of my time in Kyoto. I even saw a tattooed human hand in a jar !

As evening approached, I made my way to Jiki Miyazawa for dinner.


Indulge in an authentic Kaiseki dining experience at Jiki Miyazawa, where seasonal flavors meet exquisite presentation in the heart of Kyoto.

This Michelin-starred kappo restaurant [Jiki Miyazawa is a Kyoto-style Japanese restaurant located in the heart of Kyoto] was a splurge, but I wanted to treat myself to an authentic Kyoto dining experience. The restaurant was small and intimate, with only ten counter seats [Every seat has a great view to watch Izumi-san and his team performing magic on the plate]. I watched as Chef Izumi and his team prepared each dish with meticulous care. The food was exquisite, a delicate balance of flavors and textures. Each course was a work of art, showcasing the best of seasonal ingredients. The sake pairings were perfect, enhancing the flavors of the food. It was an unforgettable meal, a true celebration of Japanese cuisine.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much I had packed in, yet it never felt rushed or overwhelming. Kyoto has a way of slowing you down, inviting you to savor each moment. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when I plan to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Daitoku-ji Temple. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find a cozy little bar to relax in the evening. Until then, oyasumi nasai from Kyoto.

As I prepare for tomorrow's adventures, I'm looking forward to visiting Kyoto Imperial Palace and Daitoku-ji Temple. Perhaps I'll even discover a cozy bar to unwind in the evening. Until then, oyasumi nasai from Kyoto. Tomorrow, I am planning to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Daitoku-ji Temple. I might also check out Bar K6, if I'm feeling adventurous!

”Events in Kyoto” brochure is issued once in two weeks by Kyoto Tourist Information Center to introduce events held in Kyoto now, but I'll have to wait until later in the month to see what's happening then.