Exploring the Cultural Riches of Kyoto with Friends

Kyoto's Parting Gifts

As our eleven-day adventure in Kyoto draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible tapestry of experiences we've woven. Today was all about soaking in the last drops of Kyoto's vibrant essence, a final hurrah filled with bustling markets, serene shrines, and the promise of flavors that would linger long after we've left. It's a bittersweet feeling, knowing that tomorrow we'll be heading back to Berlin, but I'm determined to make every moment count.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Ryu no Hige. It was a delightful experience, blending French and Japanese culinary styles in a way that was both innovative and comforting. I opted for the ‘Tourism experience course’, which was incredibly delicious. I went for the assorted appetizers and the Hachisun Kitano Tenmangu’s ‘flower garden’, which was the highlight of the meal. What a way to start the day!

Fueled and ready, we plunged into the heart of Kyoto's culinary scene: Nishiki Market. Known as “Kyoto's Kitchen,” it was a sensory explosion of colors, aromas, and tastes. The narrow lane was packed, a vibrant mix of locals and tourists, all eager to sample the market's endless offerings. I was on the lookout for Kyoto vegetables, Japanese sweets and, of course, tea! It was a feast for the senses, and I savored every moment.


Explore Kyoto's Nishiki Market, the vibrant hub of local culture and cuisine, offering a delightful array of traditional foods and unique souvenirs.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning you didn't even think to ask.

I couldn't resist trying some *tsukemono* (Japanese pickles), their tangy, salty flavors a perfect representation of Kyoto's culinary heritage. Hans, ever the adventurous one, sampled some grilled seafood, his eyes widening with delight at the fresh, briny taste. We wandered through the stalls, marveling at the meticulously arranged displays of everything from fresh tofu to exotic-looking fish. We even stumbled upon a stall selling *wagashi* (traditional Japanese sweets), delicate creations that were almost too beautiful to eat. Almost.

Leaving the bustling market, we sought a moment of tranquility at the Kyoto Ebisu Shrine. Dedicated to Ebisu, the god of prosperity, the shrine was a peaceful oasis amidst the city's hustle and bustle. We watched as locals and tourists alike offered prayers for good fortune in business and life. The air was filled with a sense of hope and optimism, a reminder that even in the midst of uncertainty, there's always the possibility of a brighter future.


Experience the tranquility and cultural richness of Kyoto Ebisu Shrine, a revered Shinto landmark dedicated to prosperity and good fortune in Japan.

After the shrine, it was time for lunch, and we headed to Kakyo. The restaurant was a bit difficult to find, but it was worth it. The atmosphere was great and the food was delicious. It was a multi-course meal, with each dish well thought out. The chef clearly put a lot of effort into the food, and it showed.


Experience exquisite kaiseki cuisine at Kakyo, where tradition meets creativity in the heart of Kyoto's historic Higashiyama Ward.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we ventured into Pontocho, Kyoto's most enchanting alley. This narrow, lantern-lit street runs alongside the Kamogawa River, a place where old wooden machiya houses stand shoulder to shoulder, housing restaurants and bars of all kinds. The atmosphere was magical, a blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.


Discover the enchanting Pontocho Alley in Kyoto, where tradition meets culinary delight amidst historic wooden machiya houses.

As we strolled along the riverbank, the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city. The cherry blossoms, though not yet in full bloom, hinted at the beauty to come, their delicate buds promising a riot of color in the weeks ahead. I could imagine how enchanting Pontocho would be in spring, with the blossoms cascading over the river, creating a scene straight out of a fairytale. Even in February, the atmosphere was incredible.

We stopped at Noren by Corazon, a shop that blends traditional and contemporary Japanese designs into unique souvenirs. I ended up buying a beautiful *noren* (a traditional Japanese fabric divider) for our apartment in Berlin, a piece of Kyoto to bring home with us. I know Hans will love it.


Explore Noren by Corazon in Kyoto for unique souvenirs that reflect the city's rich culture and craftsmanship.

For our final dinner in Kyoto, we chose Hanasaki, a restaurant known for its affordable *kaiseki* meals. This traditional multi-course Japanese dinner was the perfect way to celebrate our trip, a culinary journey through the region's diverse flavors and textures. Each dish was a work of art, meticulously prepared and beautifully presented. The chef clearly took pride in his craft, and his passion was evident in every bite. The Hana Kaiseki was incredible.


Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at Hanasaki in Kyoto - where tradition meets artistry in every delicious dish.

As we savored our meal, we reminisced about our favorite moments from the past eleven days. From the serene beauty of the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove to the vibrant energy of Fushimi Inari Shrine, from the peacefulness of the Golden Pavilion to the charm of Gion, Kyoto had captured our hearts in a way we never expected. I made a mental note to learn more about kaiseki meals when I got home, so I could try to re-create the meal.

“Kyoto is a city that whispers its secrets,” Hans said, raising his glass in a toast. “It takes time to truly understand its beauty, but once you do, it stays with you forever.”

I couldn't agree more. Kyoto had been more than just a destination; it had been an experience, a journey of discovery that had enriched our lives in countless ways. As we finished our meal and stepped back out into the night, I knew that a part of me would always remain in this magical city. I was happy that we had made the effort to learn a little Japanese before we came. It made such a difference when we were ordering food.

Tomorrow, we leave for Osaka, ready to embark on the next chapter of our adventure. But before we go, I want to express my gratitude to Kyoto for its warmth, its beauty, and its endless capacity to surprise and delight. Until next time, *arigato gozaimasu*.

And with that, our time in Kyoto comes to an end. It's been an amazing experience, one that I'll never forget. What's next? Well, back to Berlin, and back to the bees! I'm looking forward to seeing them all again.

I'm so glad that Hans was able to come on this trip with me. It's always better to travel with someone you love, and Hans is the perfect travel companion. He's always up for anything, and he's always there to support me when I need it. I love you, Hans!

I feel like I have learned so much on this trip. About Japan, about Kyoto, and about myself. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have come here, and I can't wait to come back again someday.

For now, though, it's time to say goodbye. Goodbye to Kyoto, goodbye to Japan. Thank you for everything!

I can't wait to share our memories with everyone back home. I'm sure they'll be just as excited as we are about everything we've seen and done. I'm especially looking forward to telling them about the bees in Kyoto. They're such an important part of the city's ecosystem, and I'm so glad that I had the chance to learn more about them.

And now, it's time for me to go. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you all in Berlin!