Exploring Kyoto's Cultural Treasures with Friends

Finding Peace and Rocking Out in Kyoto

Today was a day of contrasts, a true reflection of Kyoto's ability to seamlessly blend the ancient with the modern. From the serene rock gardens of Ryoan-ji to the lively atmosphere of a local rock bar, Kyoto continues to surprise and delight. Jürgen would have loved to experience it all with me, but I know he's cheering me on from Berlin.


Discover the tranquility of Ryōan-ji, a Zen Buddhist temple in Kyoto, featuring a world-famous rock garden and serene landscapes that inspire peace and reflection.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at French Dining Top of Kyoto. The rotating restaurant offered a stunning panoramic view of the city as we enjoyed our meal. It's quite a unique experience to savor French cuisine while gazing at Kyoto's historic skyline. The blend of French culinary artistry with the traditional Japanese setting was a delightful start to the day. The restaurant's interior, adorned with hand-printed traditional Japanese paper, added an elegant touch to the experience. It reminded me of the delicate balance Jürgen strives for in his architectural designs, blending modern functionality with classic aesthetics.


Discover the exquisite flavors of French cuisine at French Dining Top of Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets stunning views.

After breakfast, we set off to explore the temples of northern Kyoto, starting with Ryoan-ji. The famous Zen garden was even more captivating in person than in photographs. The fifteen rocks, meticulously arranged in a sea of white gravel, invited contemplation and introspection. It’s fascinating how the arrangement ensures that you can never see all fifteen stones at once, no matter your vantage point. It’s a puzzle, a koan in stone, prompting endless interpretations.

The garden’s stark simplicity resonated deeply. I found myself lost in thought, contemplating the nature of existence and the impermanence of all things. It’s a far cry from the bustling streets of Berlin, but I found a similar sense of peace here, a quiet space for reflection amidst the chaos of life. I made a mental note to share this experience with Sophie; I think she would appreciate the garden's minimalist beauty and the sense of calm it inspires.

In stillness, there is clarity; in movement, there is life.

Next on our itinerary was Ninna-ji Temple, a short walk from Ryoan-ji. This temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has deep ties to the Imperial Family and a rich history dating back to the 9th century. The sprawling complex is home to beautiful gardens, fascinating architecture, and a unique grove of late-blooming cherry trees called Omuro Sakura. While the main cherry blossom season is drawing to a close, these special trees bloom later, offering a final burst of floral beauty.


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

We explored the Goten, the former residence of the head priest, built in the style of an imperial palace. The graceful buildings are connected by covered corridors and surrounded by meticulously designed rock and pond gardens. It felt like stepping back in time, imagining the emperors and aristocratic priests who once walked these halls. The temple's five-story pagoda was also a sight to behold, towering over the complex and visible from almost everywhere on the grounds.

Our final temple visit of the day was to Daitoku-ji, a sprawling complex of Zen temples in the Murasakino neighborhood. Daitoku-ji is the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism and is known for its connection to the tea ceremony culture. The temple complex includes more than 20 sub-temples, each with its own unique gardens and history. While many of the sub-temples are not open to the public, we were able to explore a few, including the Buddha Hall, which houses a large golden statue of the Buddha. The temple's association with the legendary tea master Sen no Rikyu added another layer of intrigue to our visit.


Explore the serene beauty and spiritual heritage of Daitoku-ji Temple, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, Japan.

For lunch, we ventured to Anzukko, a gyoza bar tucked away in a small alley near Sanjo Station. This cozy, pocket-sized restaurant is known for its excellent and inventive gyoza. It's the kind of place that makes you feel like you've discovered a hidden gem. We started with the signature Anzukko Gyoza, pan-fried to a lacy crisp and filled with juicy meat and alliums. They were so delicious that we each ordered a plate of eight, the maximum allowed per customer! We also tried the seafood boiled dumplings, generously filled with scallop and dried shrimp, and the Camembert cheese gyoza, a creamy and rich delight. The friendly atmosphere and inventive gyoza made Anzukko a memorable culinary experience. It reminded me a bit of some of the hidden restaurants Jürgen and I used to find in Berlin, places that only the locals knew about.


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

After a day of temples and tranquility, we decided to embrace Kyoto's modern side and headed to AEON MALL KYOTO for a bit of shopping. This large shopping center near Kyoto Station offers a wide variety of stores, from international brands to local boutiques. I was on the hunt for a travel adapter, which I had forgotten to pack, and Jürgen had reminded me to get one. We explored the Sakura and Kaede Buildings, browsing through clothing stores, household goods shops, and souvenir shops. I even found a little hobby shop that sold jigsaw puzzles, a perfect gift for Sophie, who loves a good puzzle challenge. The mall also had a large supermarket, Market Garden KOHYO, where I picked up some local snacks and treats to bring back to the hotel. I was tempted to buy some of the fresh strawberries, but I remembered that I couldn't bring fruit out of the country.


Explore AEON MALL KYOTO for a unique blend of shopping, dining, and entertainment in the heart of Japan's cultural capital.

As evening approached, we decided to experience Kyoto's nightlife and made our way to Rocking Bar ING. Tucked away on Kiyamachi Street, this dimly lit dive bar is a haven for rock music lovers. The owner, Hako, is a music fanatic with an impressive collection of rock records, especially from the 1960s to 1990s. As soon as we walked in, we were greeted by the sounds of classic rock anthems and the friendly chatter of locals and tourists alike. I requested a few of my favorite Rolling Stones songs, and Hako happily obliged, spinning the vinyl records with enthusiasm. The bar had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with well-worn wooden tables and hanging lights. It was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of sightseeing and soak in Kyoto's vibrant nightlife. I made a mental note to tell my friend Rose about this place; she would have loved the rock music and the unpretentious atmosphere.


Discover Rocking Bar ING in Kyoto, where the spirit of rock music comes alive amidst an eclectic atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

Tomorrow, we're venturing outside of Kyoto to Uji, a city known for its Byodoin Temple, Uji Park, and Uji Bridge. I'm looking forward to exploring this historic city and discovering its cultural treasures. We plan to have breakfast at Antonio, lunch at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma, and dinner at Tategami. I'm also hoping to find some unique souvenirs at Maiko Antiques Kyoto and relax with a drink at Bar Prost.

As I reflect on today's experiences, I'm struck by the incredible diversity of Kyoto. It's a city where ancient temples coexist with modern shopping malls, where serene gardens blend with lively rock bars. It's a place that caters to every taste and offers something for everyone. And as I drift off to sleep, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to explore this amazing city with my friends and share my experiences with all of you. I'm also grateful for Jürgen's support and encouragement, even from afar. His love for architecture and design inspires me every day, and I know he would have loved to see the temples and gardens of Kyoto. Perhaps one day we can return together and experience it all anew. Until then, I'll continue to explore, discover, and share my adventures with you, my dear readers. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings!