Cultural Immersion in Kyoto: A Journey with My Spouse

A Day of Contrasts in Kyoto

Today was a whirlwind of experiences that perfectly captured the essence of Kyoto – a blend of ancient traditions and modern delights. Lena and I set out to explore more of what this amazing city has to offer, and it certainly didn't disappoint. From the tranquil beauty of Heian Shrine to the vibrant world of manga and a surprising rock 'n' roll scene, Kyoto continues to enchant us.



Our day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Oryori Menami. It's a cozy spot known for its *obanzai*, Kyoto-style home cooking. The moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with warm hospitality and the comforting aroma of simmering dishes. We savored a variety of small plates featuring seasonal vegetables, delicate tofu, and flavorful miso soup. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. I found myself thinking about my childhood in Foumban, where meals were always a communal affair, filled with laughter and the sharing of stories. This breakfast felt like a similar experience, a genuine taste of local culture.


Experience authentic Obanzai cuisine in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward at Oryori Menami - where tradition meets taste.

After breakfast, we made our way to Heian Shrine. The shrine is striking with its bright vermillion architecture and vast courtyard. As we approached the giant *torii* gate, I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the grandeur of the structure. The shrine was established in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto becoming the capital of Japan. It's dedicated to Emperor Kammu, who moved the capital to Kyoto, and Emperor Komei, the last emperor to reign in Kyoto.


Experience the tranquil beauty and cultural richness of Heian Shrine in Kyoto, a must-visit Shinto shrine surrounded by stunning gardens.

We strolled through the spacious grounds, admiring the intricate details of the main hall and the surrounding buildings. Although the main buildings are a scaled-down replica of the original Imperial Palace from the Heian Period, they still radiate an aura of imperial majesty. The crisp February air added to the serene atmosphere, making it easy to imagine what life must have been like during the Heian Period. Lena, with her architect's eye, was particularly fascinated by the design and layout of the shrine, noting the subtle elegance and harmony of the structures.



We also took a leisurely walk through the Heian Shrine Garden, which requires a separate admission fee. The garden is a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring ponds, bridges, and meticulously manicured plants. Though it's not quite cherry blossom season yet, I hear that the garden is especially beautiful in mid-April when its many weeping cherry trees are in full bloom, making it one of the best cherry blossom spots in Kyoto.



As we wandered through the garden, I spotted a few plum blossoms just starting to bloom, their delicate pink petals adding a touch of color to the winter landscape. It reminded me of the plum blossoms that bloom in Berlin's Tiergarten around this time of year, a sign that spring is just around the corner. I was hoping to catch the Setsubun festival at Heian Shrine, which I learned features bean throwing and a fire ritual, but it seems we just missed it. Apparently, the Setsubun-sai is usually held on February 3rd. Still, the shrine itself was more than worth the visit.

Exploring Kyoto is like peeling back the layers of an onion, each layer revealing a new and fascinating aspect of its rich cultural heritage.

From the serene world of shrines and gardens, we plunged headfirst into the vibrant universe of manga at the Kyoto International Manga Museum. As a software engineer with a fondness for technology and innovation, I was intrigued by the idea of a museum dedicated to this unique art form. The museum is housed in a former elementary school, which adds to its quirky charm. The moment we stepped inside, we were surrounded by walls lined with thousands of manga volumes, a testament to the enduring popularity of this Japanese art form.


Explore the rich world of Japanese comics at Kyoto International Manga Museum, a cultural gem in Kyoto offering extensive manga collections and engaging exhibitions.

I was particularly impressed by the museum's collection of historical manga, which offered a glimpse into the origins and evolution of the art form. Lena, who has always been interested in graphic novels and visual storytelling, was equally captivated by the exhibits. We spent hours browsing through the shelves, discovering new artists and revisiting old favorites. I even stumbled upon a manga adaptation of one of my favorite classic novels, which I promptly added to my growing collection of travel souvenirs. I learned that the museum often hosts events, and there's currently an exhibition called Preserve! Enjoy! Manga, Anime and Game Exhibition until the end of March. It looks like they also have a manga studio and offer portrait drawings on the weekends. Unfortunately, the museum is closed on Wednesdays and also from February 7th to 21st, so we timed our visit just right!



For lunch, we decided to treat ourselves to a fine dining experience at French Dining Top of Kyoto, a revolving restaurant located on the 14th floor of the Rihga Royal Hotel Kyoto. I must say, this was a unique experience, offering panoramic views of the city while we savored exquisite French cuisine. The restaurant slowly rotates, providing a 360-degree view of Kyoto's skyline and surrounding mountains. It was fascinating to watch the city unfold beneath us as we dined on beautifully presented dishes. Lena and I both opted for the five-course lunch set, which included a selection of seafood, meat, and vegetarian options. The food was delicious, and the service was impeccable. It was a welcome change of pace after our morning of cultural immersion.


Discover the exquisite flavors of French cuisine at French Dining Top of Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets stunning views.

As the sun began to set, we decided to venture off the beaten path and explore Kyoto's nightlife scene. I had heard whispers of a hidden rock 'n' roll bar called Rock Stock, tucked away in an alleyway near Kiyamachi-dori. Intrigued, we set out to find it. After a bit of searching, we finally stumbled upon a narrow alleyway with a dimly lit entrance. Hesitantly, we stepped inside and were immediately transported to another world. The bar was small and intimate, filled with rock memorabilia, vintage instruments, and walls plastered with posters of legendary musicians. The owner, Tomo, greeted us with a warm smile and a strong pour of Japanese whiskey. We spent the rest of the evening listening to classic rock tunes, chatting with Tomo and the local regulars, and soaking up the hyper-local vibe. It was a far cry from the traditional image of Kyoto, but it was a welcome surprise and a testament to the city's diverse and eclectic character.


Experience the unique charm of Rock Stock, a must-visit bar in Kyoto where local culture and vibrant nightlife merge in an affordable setting.

For dinner, we decided to stay in the Kiyamachi area and try Premium Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, a steak restaurant located along the Takase River. The restaurant has a relaxed atmosphere and all the seats are at the counter, so you can watch the chef prepare your meal. We both ordered steak, cooked teppanyaki style, and it was absolutely delicious. It was the perfect way to end a long day of exploring.


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, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible diversity of experiences we had encountered throughout the day. From the serene beauty of Heian Shrine to the playful world of manga and the gritty energy of a rock 'n' roll bar, Kyoto had once again surprised and delighted us. I am really starting to understand why people from all over the world are drawn to this city. It truly is a place where ancient traditions and modern culture coexist in perfect harmony.


Experience Kyoto's charm at Hotel Sugicho, a budget-friendly retreat with modern amenities, just steps from the city’s rich history and culture.

Tomorrow is our last day in Kyoto, and we plan to make the most of it. We're planning to visit Nanzen-ji Temple, explore the charming streets of Pontocho, and do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Kazari Nishiki. I'm sure it will be another day filled with unforgettable experiences. Good night from Kyoto!