A Cultural Journey Through Kyoto with My Husband

A Day of Reflection and Indulgence

Today, Hans and I embarked on a journey through Kyoto that touched both our souls and our taste buds. It was a day filled with quiet contemplation amidst ancient temples and the delightful exploration of Kyoto's culinary offerings. From the meticulously raked gravel of Zen gardens to the savory delights of local cuisine, every moment was a harmonious blend of serenity and flavor.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Tategami. It was a traditional Japanese breakfast that set a perfect tone for the day. The restaurant was lovely, and the food was delicious. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of temple hopping.


Experience authentic Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine at Tategami - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.

We started our temple visits at Ryoan-ji, famous for its enigmatic rock garden. I've always been drawn to Zen gardens; there's something incredibly calming about their simplicity. It's amazing how a few rocks and carefully raked gravel can evoke such a sense of peace. I found myself lost in contemplation, trying to decipher the garden's meaning. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the engineering of it all, wondering how they managed to keep the gravel so perfectly smooth.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Ryōan-ji in Kyoto, a renowned Zen temple known for its iconic rock garden and rich cultural heritage.

The garden at Ryoan-ji is indeed a masterpiece of minimalist art. The fifteen rocks are arranged in such a way that at least one is always hidden from view, no matter where you stand. It's a subtle reminder that perfection is unattainable, and perhaps, not even desirable. The cherry blossoms are mostly gone by now, but some late bloomers were still around. The weather was amazing, a beautiful sunny day.

The beauty of a Zen garden lies not just in its aesthetics, but in its ability to quiet the mind and awaken the spirit.

Next on our itinerary was Daitoku-ji Temple, a sprawling complex with numerous sub-temples. Founded in 1315, this temple was destroyed by fire during the Onin War (1467-1477). Daitoku-ji was subsequently restored by the famous priest, Ikkyu. We wandered through the grounds, peeking into the various sub-temples, each with its unique character and history. It was fascinating to see the different interpretations of Zen gardens, from meticulously manicured landscapes to more naturalistic settings. I particularly enjoyed the sense of discovery as we stumbled upon hidden courtyards and tranquil tea houses.


Explore the serene beauty and spiritual heritage of Daitoku-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, Japan.

Daitoku-ji has a strong connection to the history of the Japanese tea ceremony. We learned that the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu, who was the teacher of warlords Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, had a significant influence on the temple. After Oda's death in 1582, Toyotomi had his predecessor entombed in Sokenin, one of Daitokuji's sub-temples. We didn't get to see Sokenin, as it's not regularly open to the public, but it was interesting to learn about the temple's connection to such influential figures in Japanese history.

For lunch, we headed to Katsukura - Kyoto Porta, a restaurant known for its tonkatsu. After a morning of serene contemplation, the crispy, golden-brown cutlets were a welcome indulgence. What sets Katsukura apart is the quality of the ingredients and the care taken in the preparation. The pork was tender and juicy, and the breading was light and crisp. I also appreciated the interactive element of grinding my own sesame seeds to add to the tonkatsu sauce. It's these little details that elevate a meal from good to memorable. The miso soup was delicious and Hans loved the pickled vegetables.


Discover authentic Tonkatsu at Katsukura - a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Kyoto offering delightful flavors in a modern setting.

Our final temple visit of the day was to Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, dedicated to Sugawara no Michizane, the god of learning. As we approached the shrine, we saw many students praying for success in their studies. The shrine was first built in 947 to appease the angry spirit of bureaucrat, scholar and poet Sugawara no Michizane, who had been exiled as a result of political maneuvers of his enemies in the Fujiwara clan. The shrine became the object of Imperial patronage during the early Heian period. It was a Saturday, so there were a lot of people visiting the shrine.


Experience the serene beauty and rich cultural heritage of Kitano Tenmangu Shrine, a must-visit Shinto shrine in the heart of Kyoto.

The main hall, with its intricate carvings and vibrant colors, was a sight to behold. We took a moment to admire the architecture and soak in the atmosphere of reverence and hope. As we wandered through the grounds, we noticed the numerous statues of oxen, which are considered sacred to Tenmangu shrines. I learned that Sugawara no Michizane was believed to have been born in the year of the ox and that after his death, an ox led the way to his burial site.

Before dinner, we stopped by Kyoto Star Bar. It was a great place to relax and enjoy a few cocktails. The bartender was very skilled, and the drinks were delicious. The bar has a very classy atmosphere. The bartender was wearing a kimono, which is quite rare. The bar is known for its Japanese-Western fusion.


Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and coffee at Kyoto Star Bar, a stylish retreat in the heart of Kyoto's vibrant nightlife.

For dinner, we decided on Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, a steak restaurant located along the Takase River. The setting was intimate and romantic, with counter seating that allowed us to watch the chefs at work. We both ordered the premium steak, which was cooked to perfection and melted in our mouths. The service was attentive, and the overall experience was top-notch. It was the perfect way to end our day of cultural and culinary exploration.


Experience Kyoto's vibrant food scene with authentic yakiniku at Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, where every bite tells a delicious story.

As we walked back to our hotel, TSUGU Kyoto Sanjo by THE SHARE HOTELS, we reflected on the day's experiences. We both agreed that Kyoto had exceeded our expectations. The city is a harmonious blend of ancient traditions and modern sensibilities, offering something for everyone. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow, when we plan to visit Eikando Temple, the Kyoto Shibori Museum, and Kodaiji Temple. I'm also excited to explore the local shops and perhaps find a few souvenirs to take back home to Berlin.


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

I'm especially looking forward to visiting the Kyoto Shibori Museum, as I've always been fascinated by the art of textile dyeing. And of course, I'm excited to try some new restaurants. Hans suggested we try Premium Pound Gion for dinner tomorrow, which I'm definitely on board with. But first, we need to get a good night's sleep to prepare for another day of adventure in this amazing city.

Quote of the day:

Travel is not just about seeing new places, but about opening your mind to new perspectives.

Good night from Kyoto!

Tomorrow we are planning to visit Eikando Temple, the Kyoto Shibori Museum, and Kodaiji Temple. I'm also excited to explore the local shops and perhaps find a few souvenirs to take back home to Berlin. We will have breakfast at Mezopotamia Kebab House and will have dinner at Premium Pound Gion.