Cultural Exploration in Kyoto with Friends

A Day of Reflection and Renewal

Today was a day of gentle exploration and quiet contemplation in Kyoto. Leaving the bustling city behind, I sought solace and beauty in the eastern part of the city, venturing along the famed Philosopher's Path and visiting some of the area's most stunning temples. It was a day of discovery, not just of new places, but also of a deeper connection to the present moment.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hafuu. This restaurant, recommended by a local, was a delightful surprise. The name 'Hafuu' combines the characters for wave and wind, and the restaurant hopes guests enjoy their meals in a relaxed atmosphere as though being caressed by a gentle breeze. The restaurant's interior was a blend of modern design and Japanese aesthetics. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, savoring the delicate flavors and textures. It was the perfect way to fuel up for a day of walking and exploration. The tamagoyaki (rolled omelet) was especially memorable, fluffy and subtly sweet. It reminded me of my abuela's cooking back in Salinas, always made with love and care.

With our stomachs full and spirits high, my friends and I set off toward the Philosopher's Path. The path, named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who meditated here on his daily commute to Kyoto University, is a stone path that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. Though it's February, and the cherry blossoms are still a few weeks away from blooming, the path held a serene beauty all its own. The bare branches of the trees created intricate patterns against the sky, and the gentle sound of the water flowing in the canal was incredibly soothing.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

As we strolled along the path, we came across several small temples and shrines tucked away amongst the trees. The first of these was Nanzen-ji Temple, a Zen Buddhist temple with a rich history. Founded in the Kamakura period, Nanzen-ji is known for its impressive Sanmon gate and the picturesque Suirokaku aqueduct. The aqueduct, built during the Meiji era, is a brick structure that carries water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. The juxtaposition of the European-style aqueduct against the traditional Japanese temple was striking.


Explore the tranquil beauty and rich history of Nanzen-ji Temple, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the heart of Kyoto's natural landscape.

Exploring Nanzen-ji's grounds, we stumbled upon Nanzen-in, a sub-temple with a beautiful 14th-century garden. The garden, featuring a pond shaped like a dragon, was a tranquil oasis. I could easily imagine Emperor Kameyama, who is believed to have designed the pond, finding peace and inspiration here. We also visited Konchi-in, another sub-temple of Nanzen-ji, which houses the abbot's quarters originally located at Fushimi Castle. It's amazing how these historical structures have been preserved over the centuries.

Leaving Nanzen-ji, we continued along the Philosopher's Path, eventually reaching Heian Shrine. This shrine, built in 1895 to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding, is dedicated to Emperor Kammu and Emperor Komei. The shrine's main buildings are a scaled-down replica of the original Imperial Palace from the Heian Period. The vibrant vermilion color of the buildings was a feast for the eyes, and the spacious courtyard offered a sense of grandeur.


Explore Heian Shrine in Kyoto for a serene experience of stunning gardens, rich history, and traditional Japanese architecture.

While at Heian Shrine, I learned about the Setsubun Festival, which takes place on February 3rd. The festival involves theatrical mamemaki (bean-throwing) ceremonies to cast out evil spirits and welcome the beginning of spring. It sounded like a lively and fun event, and I wished we could have been here to witness it.

After immersing ourselves in the tranquility of Heian Shrine, we decided to indulge in some retail therapy at Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. This bustling street is a shopper's paradise, with a wide array of shops selling everything from traditional crafts to trendy fashion items. The covered arcade made it a pleasant place to stroll, even though it was a bit crowded.


Explore Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, a vibrant hub of traditional crafts, delicious street food, and unique shopping experiences in the heart of Kyoto.

I picked up a few souvenirs for my family back in Puerto Rico, including some beautifully crafted fans and some traditional sweets. I also couldn't resist trying some of the local street food, like the castella manju from Londonya. These bite-sized sponge cakes filled with white bean paste were the perfect sweet treat to keep us going.

For lunch, we ventured to Arash's Kitchen, a Persian and Indian Halal restaurant that came highly recommended. After days of Japanese cuisine, we were craving something a little different, and Arash's Kitchen did not disappoint. The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the aroma of spices filled the air. I opted for the lamb biryani, which was flavorful and aromatic. My friends tried the kebabs and the Persian naan, and we all agreed that the food was outstanding.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO｜Restaurant for dinner. This restaurant, housed in a former residence of a renowned Japanese painter, offered a unique dining experience. The ambiance was elegant and refined, with a beautiful garden providing a serene backdrop.


Discover the perfect blend of Italian culinary artistry and traditional Japanese ambiance at The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto.

The Italian cuisine at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO｜Restaurant was exquisite. I savored every bite of my pasta dish, which featured seasonal ingredients and a delicate balance of flavors. The attentive service and the beautiful surroundings made it a truly memorable dining experience. The restaurant uses seasonal ingredients from Kyoto, and the vegan set menu option was a delight. As someone who appreciates culinary arts, I was thoroughly impressed.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much I appreciated the opportunity to slow down and connect with nature and history. The Philosopher's Path, with its tranquil beauty and its proximity to stunning temples and shrines, offered a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. It was a day of reflection and renewal, a reminder to appreciate the simple things in life and to find peace in the present moment.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, Shugakuin Imperial Villa, and Eikando Temple. I'm also hoping to check out Bar Fishbowl for a nightcap. Until then, oyasumi nasai (good night) from Kyoto!

I'm reminded of a quote by Nishida Kitaro:

People are people, and I will be myself.

It's a sentiment that resonates deeply with me, especially as I navigate the challenges and opportunities of living in a new country. Just as Nishida sought to find his own path amidst the pressures of his time, I, too, am striving to stay true to myself and my values as I explore the world and share my experiences with you all.