A Cultural Journey Through Kyoto with My Husband

Whispers of Ancient Kyoto

Today, Hans and I delved deep into the heart of Kyoto's Higashiyama district, a place where history isn't just remembered, it's palpable. Every stone, every temple, every winding path seemed to whisper tales of centuries past. It was a day of breathtaking sights, spiritual reflection, and a deeper connection to the soul of Japan.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Komefuku. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set. It was a nourishing start to a day that promised a lot of walking.


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

Our first stop was the magnificent Kiyomizu-dera Temple. The approach to the temple was an experience in itself. The streets leading up to Kiyomizu-dera were lined with shops selling everything from traditional sweets to exquisite pottery. I couldn’t resist picking up a few small trinkets as souvenirs. As we climbed higher, the anticipation grew, and finally, the iconic red Niomon Gate came into view, flanked by imposing statues of Buddhist guardian kings.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, where culture and nature harmoniously blend.

Kiyomizu-dera, which translates to 'Pure Water Temple,' was founded in 778. The temple's history is interwoven with tales of monks, visions, and the search for enlightenment. The main hall, a National Treasure, stood proudly, its wooden stage jutting out over the hillside. I paused for a moment, taking in the panoramic view of Kyoto sprawling beneath us. The vibrant greens of the trees contrasted beautifully with the city's rooftops.

The wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera is an architectural marvel, constructed without the use of nails. Standing on it, thirteen meters above the hillside, I felt a sense of awe and wonder. The view was simply breathtaking, with the city of Kyoto stretching out before us like a living tapestry. I could see the numerous cherry and maple trees below, imagining the riot of color they must display in spring and fall.

Inside the main hall, we paid our respects to the eleven-faced, thousand-armed Kannon, the temple's primary object of worship. The air was thick with incense, and the atmosphere was one of profound reverence. I lit a stick of incense, offering a silent prayer for peace and well-being.

Behind the main hall, we explored Jishu Shrine, dedicated to the deity of love and matchmaking. It was amusing to watch people trying to navigate the two love stones with their eyes closed, hoping to find true love. Hans playfully guided me, and we both chuckled at the lightheartedness of it all.

We descended to the Otowa Waterfall, located at the base of the main hall. Here, the waters are divided into three separate streams, each said to have a different benefit: longevity, success at school, and a fortunate love life. We watched as visitors used cups attached to long poles to drink from the streams. I chose the stream for good health, hoping to ward off any travel bugs.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its temples, but in the journey between them, the stories whispered in the wind, and the echoes of centuries past.

Next, we wandered through Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, two gently sloping, narrow roads lined with traditional wooden storefronts. These charming streets are a feast for the senses, with shops selling local crafts, tea houses, and restaurants offering Kyoto's traditional cuisine. Sannenzaka, or Sannen-zaka, translates to 'Three-Year Hill', while Ninenzaka means 'Two-Year Hill'. Legend has it that if you fall on Sannenzaka, you'll have three years of bad luck, so I made sure to watch my step!


Discover the historic allure of Sannenzaka, a traditional street in Kyoto, filled with wooden architecture, unique shops, and stunning views of Kiyomizu-dera Temple.

The streets were bustling with activity, but there was a sense of tranquility amidst the crowd. We peeked into shops selling exquisite pottery, delicate paper crafts, and colorful fabrics. The aroma of freshly brewed tea wafted from the tea houses, and the sound of traditional music filled the air. I felt as though I had stepped back in time, transported to a Kyoto of centuries past.

We stopped at a small tea house for a traditional tea ceremony. The kimono-clad server prepared the matcha with grace and precision, and the bitter-sweet taste of the tea was both refreshing and invigorating. We savored the moment, watching visitors and locals strolling up and down the lanes.

Lunch was at The Cellar Kyoto. The restaurant was located in a small building, and the interior was cozy. We were led to a private room, which was a pleasant surprise. The menu was a mix of Japanese and Western cuisine, and we opted for a tasting menu that allowed us to sample a variety of dishes. The food was delicious, and the service was attentive.


Discover culinary excellence at The Cellar Kyoto - where creative cuisine meets fine wine in a stylish setting.

Our final stop for the day was Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine. Founded over 1350 years ago, Yasaka Shrine is one of Kyoto's most famous shrines, located between the Gion and Higashiyama districts. As we approached the shrine, the vermilion two-storied gate stood out against the darkening sky. The lanterns hanging from the gate cast a warm glow, creating a magical atmosphere.


Discover the serene beauty of Yasaka Shrine, a historical Shinto sanctuary in Kyoto, renowned for its stunning architecture and vibrant cultural festivals.

Yasaka Shrine is dedicated to Susanoo-no-Mikoto, a great god of storms and sea in Japanese mythology, along with his wife Kushiinada-hime and their eight children. The shrine has played a significant role in Kyoto's history, particularly as the center of the Gion Festival, which dates back to 869 AD. It was fascinating to learn about the shrine's history and its connection to the city's cultural heritage.

The main hall of Yasaka Shrine combines the honden (inner sanctuary) and haiden (offering hall) into a single building, a unique architectural style known as Gion-zukuri. In front of the hall stood a dance stage with hundreds of lanterns, each bearing the name of a local business. The lanterns were lit as dusk fell, creating a mesmerizing sight.

Before heading back to our hotel, TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by THE SHARE HOTELS, we did some shopping at Daimaru Kyoto Store. I found some beautiful silk scarves and traditional sweets, perfect gifts for friends and family back in Berlin.


Experience modern convenience at TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo, a welcoming hotel located moments from Kyoto's vibrant attractions and rich culture.


Explore the heart of Kyoto shopping at Daimaru Kyoto Store, where tradition meets modernity in a vibrant department store experience.

For dinner, we had a reservation at Kyoto cuisine Hanasaki Nishikiten. The restaurant was located in a quiet area of Kyoto, and the atmosphere was serene. We were seated in a private room with a view of a small garden. The menu featured traditional Kyoto cuisine, and we opted for a multi-course kaiseki dinner. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The meal was a perfect ending to a perfect day.


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

As we walked back to our hotel, I reflected on the day's experiences. We were surrounded by the serene beauty of Kyoto at night. The air was cool and crisp, and the city lights twinkled like stars. I felt a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to experience such a rich and vibrant culture.

Tomorrow, we'll journey to Arashiyama, a district in the western outskirts of Kyoto known for its natural beauty. We plan to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Tenryu-ji Temple. I'm particularly excited to wander through the towering bamboo stalks, immersing myself in the tranquility of nature. I'm also looking forward to trying some local delicacies in Arashiyama, such as tofu-based dishes and matcha sweets.

Good night from Kyoto!