Exploring the Cultural Riches of Kyoto with Friends

A Day of Golden Moments and Silent Stones

Today was a day of pure, unadulterated Kyoto magic. It was one of those days where the city's ancient soul whispered secrets to us, leaving me utterly spellbound and eager to share every detail. From shimmering gold to meditative stones, every moment felt like stepping into a postcard. Let me tell you about it.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Anzukko. It's a cozy little spot, and the dumplings were the perfect fuel for a day of temple hopping. I'm not usually one for heavy breakfasts, but these gyoza were light and flavorful, a delightful start to our Kyoto explorations. We were all set to take on the cultural wonders that awaited us.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Anzukko in Kyoto - renowned for exquisite gyoza and vibrant izakaya atmosphere.

First on our list was Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. As we approached, the sun decided to make a grand entrance, casting a brilliant light upon the temple. And what can I say? It was breathtaking. The golden structure shimmered against the backdrop of the serene pond and the surrounding greenery. I've seen pictures, of course, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. It felt like stepping into a painting, a world of perfect symmetry and tranquil beauty. Even Hans, who usually prefers the buzz of Berlin, was captivated. He spent a good while just taking in the view, a rare moment of stillness for him.


Explore Kinkaku-ji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, where history and nature blend beautifully in a tranquil setting.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its grand monuments, but in the quiet moments of reflection it inspires.

We strolled around the pond, taking in the reflections and snapping photos, trying to capture the essence of the moment. It was a bit crowded, as expected, but even the throngs of tourists couldn't diminish the magic of the place. There was a sense of reverence in the air, a shared appreciation for the beauty before us. I even managed to find a quiet spot to close my eyes and just breathe, letting the tranquility of the surroundings wash over me. It was a perfect moment of zen, right there in the middle of a bustling tourist attraction. I thought to myself, this is why I travel – to find these moments of peace and beauty in the most unexpected places.

Next, we headed to Ryoan-ji, famous for its enigmatic Zen garden. After the opulence of Kinkaku-ji, the simplicity of Ryoan-ji was a welcome contrast. The garden is essentially a rectangle of raked gravel with fifteen rocks arranged in small groups. The mystery is that no matter where you stand, you can only see fourteen of the rocks at any one time. What does it all mean? No one really knows, and that's part of its allure. I sat on the wooden veranda, contemplating the rocks and the gravel, trying to decipher the hidden message. Was it a metaphor for life? A representation of the universe? Or just a bunch of rocks? I couldn't decide, but I found myself strangely at peace. It was a reminder that sometimes, the most profound experiences are the ones that defy explanation.


Discover the tranquil beauty and rich cultural heritage at Ryuan-ji Temple in Minoh, Osaka – a serene haven for travelers seeking peace.

Hans, ever the pragmatist, wasn't quite as enamored. He admitted that it was peaceful, but he couldn't quite grasp the point. "It's just rocks, Lucia," he said with a shrug. But even he had to admit that there was something special about the place, a certain stillness that was hard to ignore. It's funny how we experience things so differently, even when we're together. I guess that's one of the things that makes our travels so interesting.

Our final stop of the day was Ninna-ji Temple, a little further afield but well worth the journey. This temple has a special connection to the Imperial family, and it definitely has a regal air about it. The buildings were grand and imposing, and the gardens were meticulously manicured. We wandered through the grounds, admiring the five-story pagoda and the serene landscape. It was a beautiful way to end our day of temple hopping, a reminder of Kyoto's rich history and cultural heritage.


Discover the tranquility and beauty of Ninna-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, showcasing stunning architecture and serene gardens.

I learned that Emperor Uda abdicated the throne in 897 and entered the temple. Because the emperor lived in an omuro (throne room) on the temple grounds, it was called "Omuro-gosho" (Imperial Palace). It continued to boast high prestige as a temple where members of the imperial family served as abbots for generations. The Kondo is a replica of the Shishinden Hall of the Kyoto Imperial Palace built in the Momoyama period. It was moved here in the early Edo period (1624-1645). It is the only national treasure in Ninna-ji Temple, a valuable relic of the palace architecture of that time.

Before heading back to our hotel, we stopped by the Kyoto Crafts Store. I love browsing local crafts, and this store had a beautiful selection of ceramics, textiles, and other traditional items. I picked up a small tea bowl as a souvenir, a reminder of our time in Kyoto. It's always nice to bring a little piece of the places we visit back home with us.


Explore the essence of Kyoto's artistry at the Kyoto Crafts Store, where traditional handicrafts meet contemporary charm.

For lunch, we grabbed a quick and delicious meal at Katsukura - Kyoto Porta. I had heard great things about their tonkatsu, and it did not disappoint. The pork was tender and juicy, and the breading was perfectly crispy. It was the perfect comfort food after a long day of sightseeing. I especially loved that you could grind your own sesame seeds for the sauce. It added a nice personal touch to the meal.


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

Dinner was at Hiroshima-Style Okonomiyaki & Teppan-yaki Kamehameha. I was excited to try Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, as it's quite different from the Osaka version. It was such a fun and interactive experience watching the chef prepare our okonomiyaki right in front of us. The flavors were incredible, and the atmosphere was lively and welcoming. It was the perfect way to end our day of Kyoto adventures. I made sure to book our reservation in advance, since the restaurant is small and intimate with only 12 seats around the counter.


Discover authentic Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki at Kamehameha, Kyoto's premier destination for delicious Japanese cuisine.

I also learned about some events happening in Kyoto during February. I found out about the Setsubun festivals at various shrines, the Kitano Tenmangu Ume Matsuri, and the To-ji Temple Pagoda Winter Special Opening. It's great to know there are so many cultural events to experience this month.

Reflecting on the day, I realized that Kyoto is a city that rewards slow travel. It's not about ticking off a list of must-see attractions, but about immersing yourself in the atmosphere, savoring the details, and allowing yourself to be transported to another time. It's a city that speaks to the soul, and I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to experience its magic.

As I sit here writing this, sipping on a cup of green tea, I'm already looking forward to tomorrow. We're planning to visit the Kyoto Imperial Palace and Nijo Castle, two more iconic landmarks that I'm eager to explore. And perhaps we'll find a cozy little bar to unwind in the evening. Until then, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of Kyoto adventures. I'm also excited to try some new restaurants, such as Nakamura for breakfast, Kikunoi Roan for lunch, and Gion Mikaku for dinner. And I'm definitely looking forward to checking out Bar K6 for a nightcap.

I am also glad I remembered to pack my travel adapter, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, camera, travel guidebook, and light jacket. However, I am kicking myself for forgetting my umbrella and Japanese phrasebook. Hopefully, I can find a store that sells them.

Before I close off, I want to mention that I was curious about what makes Kyoto crafts so special. I learned that Kyoto is renowned for its traditional craft industries, with artisans passing down techniques for generations. I am eager to explore more of these crafts during my stay.

Until tomorrow!