Cultural Immersion in Kyoto: A 13-Day Japanese Adventure

Day 2: Whispers of Ancient Kyoto

Kyoto has truly captured my heart. Today was a deep dive into the city's soul, exploring iconic landmarks and hidden corners that whisper tales of centuries past. Lena and I embraced the day with open minds and comfortable shoes, ready to soak in every moment.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Hafuu. While the restaurant is known for its exquisite beef dishes, we opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set. It was a delightful assortment of grilled fish, miso soup, rice, and pickles – a perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and the friendly service set a positive tone for the day.

From there, we made our way to Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto's most celebrated temples. As we approached, the vibrant vermillion of the temple buildings against the lush green hillside was a sight to behold. The history of Kiyomizu-dera dates back over 1250 years, founded in 778, long before Kyoto even became the capital. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and has always been open to people of all social classes.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, where culture and nature harmoniously blend.

The main hall, a designated National Treasure, stands proudly with its iconic wooden stage. The view from the stage was absolutely breathtaking. From that vantage point, Kyoto unfolded before us, a sprawling tapestry of traditional houses, modern buildings, and distant mountains. It was easy to understand why this spot is so famous. As we stood there, cameras in hand, Lena turned to me and said she could feel the weight of history beneath our feet.

To walk through Kyoto is to walk through centuries of Japanese history, art, and culture.

We explored the rest of the temple grounds, including the three-story Koyasu Pagoda, which is believed to grant safe childbirth. We also visited the Otowa Waterfall, where we joined the locals in drinking from one of the three streams, each said to offer different benefits: health, longevity, and success in studies. I chose the stream for health, hoping to ward off any travel bugs during our trip. Lena went for success in studies, ever the diligent graphic designer, always seeking to improve her craft. I remembered I forgot to pack an umbrella, and it looked like the weather forecast predicted some rain in the coming days, so I made a mental note to buy one as soon as possible.

After Kiyomizu-dera, we descended into the charming streets of Sannenzaka. This historic cobblestone path is lined with traditional shops and teahouses, offering a glimpse into old Kyoto. The name Sannenzaka translates to Three-Year Slope, and there's a local superstition that says if you fall on this slope, you'll have only three years to live! We made sure to watch our step, carefully navigating the stone pavement.


Discover Sannenzaka, a historic street in Kyoto, where traditional charm meets stunning views and delightful local cuisine.

The shops along Sannenzaka were a treasure trove of local crafts and souvenirs. We browsed through pottery stores showcasing Kyo-yaki and Kiyomizu-yaki ceramics, admiring the delicate designs and vibrant colors. There were also shops selling traditional sweets like Yatsuhashi and Dango, tempting us with their sugary aromas. I couldn't resist buying a small ceramic sake bottle as a memento of our visit.

For lunch, we found ourselves at Arash's Kitchen, a halal Persian and Indian restaurant. It might seem strange to eat Persian food in Japan, but we were drawn in by the delicious aromas and the promise of something different. Chef Arash Sodagaran, originally from Iran, opened the restaurant in 2013 and has since become a local favorite. Lena and I shared a kebab platter and some flavorful curries, all prepared according to Halal standards. The food was delicious, and it was a welcome change from the traditional Japanese cuisine we had been eating.


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

Our final stop for the day was Gion, Kyoto's famed geisha district. As we strolled through the narrow streets, lined with preserved wooden machiya townhouses, we felt like we had stepped back in time. Gion's history dates back to the Middle Ages, when it served travelers and pilgrims visiting the nearby Yasaka-jinja Shrine. Over time, it evolved into an entertainment district, becoming synonymous with geisha culture.


Explore Gion, Kyoto's iconic geisha district, where tradition meets charm in a captivating blend of culture and history.

While spotting a geisha is never guaranteed, we kept our eyes peeled as we wandered through the district. We learned that the geisha in Kyoto prefer to be called geiko, which translates to a woman of art. These highly skilled women are trained in traditional arts like dance, music, and tea ceremony, and they entertain guests at exclusive tea houses called ochaya. We didn't see any Geishas, but we did spot a few Maiko gracefully walking down the street, heading to their engagements.

We also visited Gion Corner, a cultural theater that offers a condensed introduction to various traditional Japanese performing arts. We watched a captivating performance of Kyomai dance, a traditional dance style unique to Kyoto's geisha districts. We also saw a tea ceremony, ikebana (flower arranging), and bunraku (puppet theater). It was a wonderful way to experience a broad overview of Japan's artistic heritage.

For dinner, we had reservations at Kikunoi Roan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant specializing in Kaiseki cuisine. Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner, known for its exquisite presentation and seasonal ingredients. The restaurant was founded approximately 100 years ago. The name was inspired by the Zen saying “Meirekireki rododo (to be clear and transparent)”, expressing a wish for the restaurant to take a simple and sincere approach to cuisine without being restrained by tradition.


Experience the art of kaiseki dining at Kikunoi Roan in Kyoto - where seasonal flavors meet exquisite presentation.

Each dish was a work of art, carefully crafted to showcase the flavors and textures of the season. We savored every bite, marveling at the chef's skill and creativity. The service was impeccable, with the staff explaining each dish in detail and ensuring we had everything we needed. It was an unforgettable culinary experience, and definitely one of the highlights of our trip.

As we walked back to our hotel, Ace Hotel Kyoto, we reflected on the day's adventures. We had explored ancient temples, wandered through historic streets, savored delicious food, and experienced traditional Japanese arts. Kyoto had truly exceeded our expectations, immersing us in its rich history and vibrant culture. I was glad that I had decided to start this blog, and even more glad that Lena was here with me to experience all of this.


Discover the heart of Kyoto at Ace Hotel, where modern comforts meet traditional charm, just steps from iconic attractions and vibrant culture.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Arashiyama, a scenic district in western Kyoto known for its bamboo forest and temples. I'm excited to see the towering bamboo stalks and explore the serene gardens of Tenryu-ji Temple. I'm also hoping to try some local delicacies, like tofu ice cream and bamboo shoot dishes. After that, we might try to find The Common One Bar Kyoto for a nightcap, depending on how tired we are after walking through the bamboo forest. Until then, goodnight from Kyoto!