Exploring Kyoto: A Cultural Adventure with Friends

Kyoto's Sacred Echoes

Today was a deep dive into the spiritual heart of Kyoto, a day filled with the vibrant energy of vermilion gates, the serene presence of a thousand-armed goddess, and the quiet contemplation amidst Zen gardens. It was a journey that awakened the senses and stirred the soul, a reminder of the profound beauty and rich history woven into the fabric of this ancient city.

Our day began early, with a hearty vegan breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. Maximilian, always the early bird, was especially keen to try their famous vegan pancakes. I opted for the Kyoto Katsu Burger, wanting to try something uniquely local. Astrid, of course, just wanted pancakes, and who could blame her? The restaurant was a charming little place tucked away from the main streets, a peaceful haven with the most delicious plant-based food. It's wonderful to find places that cater so well to different dietary needs; it makes traveling with friends so much easier.


Discover exquisite vegan delights at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO – where culinary creativity meets sustainable living.

Fueled and ready, we set off for Fushimi Inari Taisha. I had read so much about this iconic shrine, famous for its thousands of vermilion torii gates winding up a mountainside. As we approached, the sight was truly breathtaking. The sheer scale of the gates, snaking their way up Mount Inari, was awe-inspiring. The bright red color against the green of the forest created a striking contrast.


Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of vibrant torii gates, where tradition and breathtaking beauty await every visitor.

The climb was invigorating, even in the cool February air. The path was lined with countless smaller shrines, each dedicated to Inari, the god of rice. Foxes, considered Inari's messengers, were everywhere – in stone, in ceramic, and in effigy. Some wore red bibs, adding a touch of whimsy to the sacred atmosphere. I couldn't help but think of Icelandic folklore and the Huldufólk, the hidden people, as we passed each small shrine. It felt like stepping into another world, a place where spirits and nature intertwined.

The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step, and the path to enlightenment is paved with reverence and reflection.

We didn't make it all the way to the summit, but we climbed far enough to escape the crowds and find a sense of tranquility. The higher we went, the quieter it became, and the more we could appreciate the beauty of the surrounding landscape. The views of Kyoto stretching out below were simply stunning. I took countless photos, trying to capture the essence of this magical place.

Next on our itinerary was Sanjusangendo Temple, a completely different experience from the vibrant energy of Fushimi Inari. This temple is famous for its main hall, which houses 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. I had read about it, but nothing could have prepared me for the sheer spectacle of seeing them all lined up in perfect formation. Each statue was unique, with its own distinct expression and pose. The craftsmanship was incredible, each one carved from wood and covered in gold leaf.


Explore the serene Sanjusangendo Temple, home to 1001 captivating Kannon statues and a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kyoto.

The atmosphere inside the hall was hushed and reverent. It felt like stepping into a sacred space, a place of profound peace and contemplation. I spent a long time simply gazing at the statues, trying to absorb the sense of calm and compassion that emanated from them. Photography was not allowed inside, which I appreciated; it encouraged a deeper, more personal connection with the space. Maximilian was particularly moved by the statues of the Wind and Thunder Gods, their fierce expressions a stark contrast to the serene faces of the Kannon statues. Astrid, surprisingly, was captivated by the sheer number of statues, whispering about how many wishes they could grant.

Our final temple visit of the day was to Tofuku-ji, known for its Zen gardens. By this time, the sun was beginning to dip in the sky, casting long shadows across the meticulously raked gravel. The gardens were designed to promote meditation and contemplation, and they certainly lived up to their purpose. I found myself lost in thought as I gazed at the patterns in the gravel, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. The stark simplicity of the gardens was a welcome contrast to the ornate splendor of the temples we had visited earlier.


Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Tofuku-ji Temple, a must-visit Buddhist landmark in Kyoto.

As we wandered through the gardens, I thought about the purpose of these sacred spaces. They were not just places of worship, but also places of refuge, places where people could come to find solace and connection. In a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming, these temples offered a reminder of the importance of stillness and contemplation.

For lunch, we ventured to Komefuku, a tempura restaurant I had found during my research. I was eager to try their tempura, which I had read was fried in 100% rice oil, giving it a light and crispy texture. We indulged in the Large Tempura Prawn Donburi, and it was absolutely delicious! The prawns were perfectly cooked, and the tempura batter was light and airy. It was a delightful and satisfying meal, a perfect way to refuel after a day of exploring temples. Maximilian, who isn't usually a fan of fried food, was pleasantly surprised by how light and flavorful the tempura was. Astrid devoured her prawns, declaring them the best she had ever tasted.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

In the evening, after Astrid had gone to bed, Maximilian and I decided to experience a bit of Kyoto's nightlife. We ventured to Bar K6, a cozy bar known for its expertly crafted cocktails and jazz-infused atmosphere. The bar was dimly lit and intimate, with a sophisticated ambiance. We settled into a comfortable corner and ordered a couple of cocktails. Maximilian chose a classic whiskey sour, while I opted for a more adventurous concoction with local sake. The drinks were expertly made, and the jazz music created a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. It was a perfect way to end a day of temple hopping and cultural immersion.


Discover the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at Bar K6, where traditional Japanese drinks meet modern bar culture in a cozy setting.

As I sipped my cocktail, I reflected on the day's experiences. From the vibrant energy of Fushimi Inari to the serene presence of Sanjusangendo, Kyoto had truly captivated me. It was a city of contrasts, a place where ancient traditions blended seamlessly with modern life. I felt grateful for the opportunity to explore its sacred spaces and to connect with its rich cultural heritage.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Nijo Castle, the Kyoto Imperial Palace, and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. I am particularly excited about exploring the Kyoto Imperial Palace, as it offers a glimpse into the lives of Japan's imperial family. Before that, we'll have breakfast at Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki & Teppan-yaki Kamehameha. I've also penciled in a visit to Kyoto LOFT, as I am hoping to find some unique souvenirs to bring back home. Before we call it a night, we're planning to have dinner at Saishuan Shiraki, a restaurant that specializes in Kaiseki cuisine. I'm looking forward to experiencing this traditional multi-course Japanese meal.

Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to have dinner at Premium Pound Gion. The restaurant was located in the Gion district, known for its geishas and traditional teahouses. Premium Pound Gion specializes in Kobe beef, which is famous for its high quality. We had a wonderful teppanyaki experience, where the chef cooked the beef right in front of us on a hot iron plate. It was a delicious and memorable meal, a perfect way to end our day in Kyoto. We opted for the A5 Kuroge Wagyu Course. The beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the chef's skill was evident in every bite. It was a truly special dining experience.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.

Back at the hotel, I felt a deep sense of contentment. Kyoto had exceeded all my expectations. It was a city that awakened the senses, stirred the soul, and left me with a longing to return. As I drifted off to sleep, I dreamt of vermilion gates, golden statues, and Zen gardens, all bathed in the soft glow of the Kyoto moonlight.