Cultural Exploration in Kyoto with Friends

Whispers of Ancient Echoes

Today was an immersion into the spiritual heart of Kyoto, a day of vibrant vermilion gates, serene temple gardens, and a journey through a thousand years of artistic and religious history. It was a day that reminded me why I traded the familiar streets of Berlin for this adventure, and how much I love sharing these experiences with my friends.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Masayoshi Japanese Dining. It was a great way to prepare for the day. I had read some reviews about the quality of their steaks, and I was not dissapointed. The atmosphere was serene, perfect for setting a mindful tone for the day's temple visits.

Our first stop was the breathtaking Fushimi Inari Shrine. The seemingly endless path of vibrant torii gates snaking up the mountainside was an absolutely incredible sight. Each gate, donated by businesses seeking prosperity, created a tunnel of vermilion that seemed to stretch into infinity. The higher we climbed, the quieter it became, the crowds thinning out to a peaceful trickle. I paused often, camera in hand, trying to capture the essence of the place – the sunlight filtering through the gates, the moss-covered stones, the sense of ancient reverence. It was a photographer's dream, and I felt completely in my element.


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

I learned that Fushimi Inari is the head shrine of Inari, the Shinto god of rice and prosperity. The shrine was established in 711 AD, and for over 1300 years, people have come here to pray for bountiful harvests, business success, and the safety of their families. Foxes are considered Inari's messengers, and their statues are everywhere, holding keys, scrolls, and jewels in their mouths.

The hike to the summit took us through dense forest, past smaller shrines and stone monuments. My friends and I took our time, stopping to admire the views of Kyoto sprawling below. The air was crisp and cool, a welcome contrast to the warmer temperatures we'd experienced earlier in the week. We even saw a few wild monkeys scampering through the trees, adding a touch of unexpected wildlife to our spiritual journey.

Reaching the top was a rewarding experience, a sense of accomplishment mixed with the tranquility of the mountaintop shrine. We rested for a while, soaking in the atmosphere before making our way back down, the descent offering a different perspective on the mesmerizing torii gate path.

The journey through the vermilion gates of Fushimi Inari is not just a walk through a shrine; it’s a passage through the hopes and dreams of generations, a vibrant tapestry woven with faith and perseverance.

Next on our itinerary was Tofuku-ji Temple, a Zen temple known for its stunning gardens and impressive architecture. Founded in 1236 by Kujo Michiie, it combines elements of Todai-ji and Kofuku-ji temples in Nara, hence the name Tofuku-ji.


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

The temple's Sanmon Gate, the oldest of its kind in Japan, was truly awe-inspiring. The sheer scale of the structure, dating back to 1425, gave me a sense of stepping back in time. We wandered through the Hojo Garden, a unique landscape surrounding the head priest's former living quarters on all sides. Each garden had a distinct character, using pebbles, rocks, moss, and checkered patterns to create a serene and contemplative space. I found myself particularly drawn to the northern garden, with its neat checkerboard of stones and moss, a perfect example of Zen simplicity.

The temple was once much larger, boasting 70 buildings, but was reduced to 25 during the Meiji era. Despite this, the remaining structures are a testament to the temple's rich history and architectural significance. It was fascinating to learn that Tofuku-ji was designed as a replica of Chinese public monasteries from the 13th century, reflecting the close ties between Japan and China during that period.

Our final temple visit of the day was to Sanjusangendo Temple, home to an absolutely breathtaking collection of 1,001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy. The temple was founded in 1164 by Taira no Kiyomori for Emperor Go-Shirakawa. The main hall, rebuilt in 1266 after a fire, is Japan's longest wooden structure, measuring an impressive 120 meters. The name Sanjusangendo refers to the 33 intervals between the building's support columns.


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

Stepping inside the hall was like entering another world. The sheer number of statues, each slightly different, created an overwhelming sense of serenity and power. In the center sat a large, wooden statue of the 1000-armed Kannon, flanked by 500 statues on each side, arranged in ten rows. The craftsmanship was exquisite, each statue made of Japanese cypress and covered in gold leaf. Although they are called 1000-armed Kannon, each statue has 42 arms and 11 heads.

Photography was not allowed inside the hall, which made the experience even more profound, encouraging us to truly observe and connect with the space. It was a humbling experience, a reminder of the power of faith and the enduring legacy of Japanese Buddhist art.

After a day of exploring temples, we were ready for a change of pace. For lunch, we went to AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. I had read about their vegan take on Japanese dishes, and I was eager to try it. The restaurant was tucked away on a quiet backstreet, creating a cozy and intimate atmosphere. I opted for the vegan teriyaki rice bowl, and it was absolutely delicious. The flavors were rich and satisfying, and it was a great way to refuel after our temple visits. My friends had the vegan pancakes, which looked amazing. It's great to see more and more vegan options popping up, even in traditional cities like Kyoto.


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

As evening approached, we decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner at Gion Mikaku, a teppanyaki restaurant known for its high-quality Wagyu beef. The restaurant is located along the Shirakawa River, offering beautiful views of the surrounding scenery. The chef prepared our meal right in front of us, showcasing his impressive culinary skills. The Wagyu beef was incredibly tender and flavorful, and the entire experience was a true delight. It was a perfect way to celebrate our day of cultural exploration.


Discover Gion Mikaku, where exceptional steak meets authentic Japanese culture in Kyoto's enchanting Gion district.

The night wasn't over yet! To cap off our evening, we ventured into the heart of Kyoto in search of L'Escamoteur, a hidden cocktail bar known for its magical atmosphere and creative drinks. Finding it was an adventure in itself, tucked away in an attic of a narrow brick building. The bar had a quirky, steampunk vibe, with wooden furnishings, dim candlelight, and a display of glass bottles lining the bar. The owner, Christophe, was a true showman, mixing cocktails while performing magic tricks. The cocktails were inventive and delicious, and the atmosphere was lively and fun. It was the perfect spot to unwind and reflect on our incredible day.


Discover L'Escamoteur, Kyoto's enchanting cocktail bar where artistry meets mixology in a whimsical atmosphere. Unforgettable drinks await!

February 14th also happened to be Valentine's Day, and I noticed some shops offering special chocolates. I didn't have a valentine this year, but I felt like I was falling in love with Kyoto.

As I write this, back in our room at Matsui Bekkan Hanakanzashi, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences of the day. Kyoto has a way of captivating the soul, of transporting you to another time and place. And to think, tomorrow we're off to Arashiyama Bamboo Forest! I'm already anticipating the serene beauty of the towering bamboo stalks and the peaceful atmosphere of Tenryu-ji Temple. Good night from Kyoto!


Experience the charm of Kyoto at Matsui Bekkan Hanakanzashi, a guest house offering comfort, relaxation, and local culture just steps from key attractions.