Cultural Adventures in Kyoto with Hans

Kyoto's Golden Welcome

Our first day in Kyoto was nothing short of magical. From the moment we stepped off the train, the city enveloped us in its rich history and serene beauty. It was a day of golden reflections, whispering bamboo, and culinary delights that set the perfect tone for our two-week adventure. I couldn't wait to share every moment with you all!

After a smooth train ride from Osaka, Hans and I checked into Hotel Rings Kyoto, our home for the next two weeks. The hotel is lovely, blending modern comfort with traditional Japanese aesthetics. After settling in, we were eager to dive into our itinerary, starting with the iconic Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.


Discover comfort and convenience at Hotel Rings Kyoto, your ideal base for exploring the enchanting city of Kyoto with free Wi-Fi and on-site dining!

Kinkaku-ji was breathtaking. The temple, covered in shimmering gold leaf, stood majestically against the clear blue sky. The reflection in the pond was so clear, it felt like looking into another world. I tried to capture the scene with my camera, hoping to do justice to its beauty. It was quite busy, even though we arrived relatively early, but the sheer splendor of the pavilion made it easy to forget the crowds. I was particularly fascinated by the phoenix on top of the temple; it felt like a guardian watching over the serene landscape. We spent about an hour walking around the grounds, taking in the meticulously manicured gardens and the peaceful atmosphere. The brochure I picked up mentioned that the temple is open from 9 AM to 5 PM, and I can certainly recommend going either right when it opens or later in the afternoon to avoid the bulk of tourists. Thinking back to my childhood in Ouro Preto, a city known for its baroque churches adorned with gold, I felt a strange sense of connection to this place. Perhaps it's the universal appeal of gold, or maybe it's the human desire to create something beautiful and lasting.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its stunning landmarks, but in the serene atmosphere that permeates every corner of the city.

Next on our list was the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Getting there involved a bit of a trek, but the journey was well worth it. As we entered the forest, we were immediately enveloped in a world of green. Towering bamboo stalks reached towards the sky, creating a cool, shaded path. The sunlight filtering through the bamboo created an ethereal effect, and the gentle rustling of the leaves was incredibly soothing. It felt like stepping into another world, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Hans, with his love for nature and photography, was in his element, snapping photos from every angle. I, on the other hand, simply enjoyed the tranquility, letting the serene atmosphere wash over me. We learned that the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is open 24/7, and that the ministry of environment has listed the sounds of the rustling bamboo as one of the “100 Soundscapes of Japan”. I made sure to close my eyes for a moment and listen.


Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.

While the bamboo forest was indeed magical, it was also quite crowded. I've read that it's best to visit early in the morning to avoid the throngs of tourists, but even in the late afternoon, the experience was still enchanting. As we walked deeper into the forest, we came across the entrance to Tenryu-ji Temple. Since it was already late in the afternoon, we decided to explore it, too. I read that the garden is original, dating back more than seven centuries, and I was eager to see it.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A cultural gem for every traveler.

Tenryu-ji Temple was a welcome respite from the crowds of the bamboo forest. The Zen garden was meticulously designed, with carefully placed rocks, manicured trees, and a serene pond reflecting the surrounding landscape. The garden made clever use of the surrounding mountains, which were used as “borrowed scenery”. We strolled along the walking path, admiring the views and soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. I found myself reflecting on the impermanence of life, a common theme in Zen Buddhism. It was a calming experience, and I felt a sense of inner peace wash over me. Hans and I sat on a bench for a while, simply enjoying the silence and the beauty of the garden. I made a mental note to return early in the morning during our stay to experience the garden in solitude. The temple itself has been damaged by fires multiple times, but it has always been rebuilt, a testament to the enduring spirit of Kyoto.

After a day of sightseeing, we were ready for a culinary adventure. For breakfast, we enjoyed a traditional Japanese meal at Komefuku. The restaurant was cozy and inviting, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We tried a variety of dishes, including tempura and sushi. The tempura was crispy and light, and the sushi was incredibly fresh. It was the perfect start to our day, and I felt energized and ready to explore. I’ve heard that Komefuku also has a location in Karasuma, so I'll make sure to check that one out as well. I was particularly impressed with the quality of the ingredients. Everything tasted so fresh and flavorful, a testament to the care and attention that goes into Japanese cuisine.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

Lunch was at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, a delightful teppanyaki restaurant. I had read about this place online and was intrigued by their affordable A5 wagyu beef and their vegetarian options. The restaurant was small and family-run, with a cozy atmosphere. We ordered a set menu that included wagyu beef, grilled vegetables, and okonomiyaki. The wagyu beef was cooked to perfection, melting in my mouth with each bite. The grilled vegetables were also delicious, and the okonomiyaki was savory and satisfying. Hans was equally impressed with his meal, and we both agreed that this was one of the best meals we've had in Japan. The owners were incredibly friendly and spoke excellent English, which made the experience even more enjoyable. I learned that Teppan Tavern Tenamonya is located near Yasaka Shrine, which we visited after our meal.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

For dinner, we decided to indulge in a traditional Kaiseki multi-course dinner at Gion Nanba. This Michelin-starred restaurant is hidden away in the heart of Gion, adding to its charm and exclusivity. The restaurant is known for using only the freshest seasonal ingredients, and the chef, Nanba, is a master of his craft. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. I was particularly impressed with the sashimi, which was incredibly fresh and delicate. The service was impeccable, and the atmosphere was serene and elegant. It was an unforgettable dining experience, and I felt grateful to have had the opportunity to savor such exquisite cuisine. Gion Nanba is open until late (last order 10 PM), which is apparently rare for Kaiseki restaurants around Kyoto. We took a taxi there, and the address is Higashiyama-ku, Hanami-koji Higashi-Hairu, Gion-machi Kitagawa 279-7.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

After dinner, we took a leisurely stroll through Gion, the geisha district. The streets were quiet and atmospheric, and we caught a glimpse of a geisha hurrying to an appointment. It felt like stepping back in time, and I was captivated by the beauty and mystery of this ancient neighborhood. We walked along the Shirakawa Canal, admiring the traditional wooden buildings and the willow trees swaying in the breeze. It was the perfect end to a perfect day. I thought about my samba classes back in Heidelberg and felt a longing for home, but I also knew that I was exactly where I needed to be, experiencing the magic of Kyoto.

As I sit here in our hotel room, writing this blog post, I can't help but feel grateful for this incredible experience. Kyoto has already exceeded my expectations, and I know that the next two weeks will be filled with even more adventures and discoveries. Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka, and perhaps even sneak in a visit to L'Escamoteur, a bar I've heard great things about. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for joining me on this journey!

P.S. I almost forgot! I had packed an umbrella and a portable phone charger, but I completely forgot to bring my Japanese phrasebook. It would have been useful in some situations, but luckily, many people speak English here.

Until tomorrow,
Maria