Winter Wanderings in Kyoto: A Cultural Exploration with My Husband

A Fond Farewell to Kyoto

As our Kyoto adventure draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared. Today was all about soaking in the last bits of Kyoto's unique charm, from exploring the world of manga to finding serenity in ancient temples. It's bittersweet, as leaving this enchanting city is tough, but I'm also excited to bring these memories back home to Heidelberg.

Our final day began with a delightful breakfast at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma. I decided to try their Kyoto-style Oden and three-color Nyumen noodles. It was the perfect way to start a chilly morning, and Maximilian enjoyed the buffet's Western options. The Oden was especially comforting, a light Kyoto-style broth soaking into the egg, chikuwa, and daikon radish. It was a hearty and delicious way to fuel up for our day of exploration.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors with exquisite hot pot and Kaiseki dishes at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma in Kyoto.

Next on our itinerary was the Kyoto International Manga Museum. As a software developer, I appreciate the artistry and storytelling involved in creating manga, and I was eager to dive into this world. Maximilian, ever the supportive husband, was game for anything! The museum is housed in a former school building, which added to its unique charm. Inside, walls were lined with thousands of manga from all genres and eras. Although most of the collection was in Japanese, there was a small section with translated versions, which was a relief. I even saw a live manga creation session, which was fascinating to watch. Maximilian enjoyed seeing the history and creation of manga. We spent a few hours wandering through the exhibits, reminiscing about our favorite childhood manga and discovering new artists. It was a fun and immersive experience, and I even picked up a few souvenirs at the museum shop.


Explore the rich world of Japanese comics at Kyoto International Manga Museum, a cultural gem in Kyoto offering extensive manga collections and engaging exhibitions.

Sometimes, the most unexpected adventures lead to the greatest discoveries.

After our manga adventure, we sought a change of pace at the Rengeō-in (Sanjūsangen-dō) Temple. This temple is famous for its hall housing 1,001 life-sized statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. The sheer number of statues was breathtaking, each intricately carved and radiating a sense of peace. Photography was not allowed inside, which encouraged us to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. I found myself captivated by the serene atmosphere, taking a moment to reflect on the temple's history and the artistry of the sculptures. Maximilian and I walked through the hall, marveling at the craftsmanship and feeling a sense of tranquility wash over us. The temple grounds were equally beautiful, with well-maintained gardens and a peaceful pond. It was a perfect contrast to the vibrant energy of the manga museum, offering a moment of quiet contemplation before our final evening in Kyoto.

For lunch, we decided to try something different and ventured to MUGHAL Indian Restaurant & Bar. I know it might seem strange to eat Indian food in Japan, but we were both craving something spicy and flavorful. Maximilian and I shared prawn pakora, chilli chicken, sag paneer, and naan. The prawn pakora was delicious, the prawns nicely cooked and the batter not too heavy. The naan was the star, light, fluffy, and piping hot. It was a welcome change from Japanese cuisine, and we both left feeling satisfied and energized.


Experience the vibrant flavors of India at Mughal Indian Restaurant & Bar in Kyoto – a haven for food lovers seeking authentic South Asian cuisine.

In the afternoon, we did some last-minute shopping at Kyoto Porta, an underground shopping mall connected to Kyoto Station. I was on the hunt for some final souvenirs and gifts for our family back in Germany and Puerto Rico. Kyoto Porta was the perfect place to find a variety of goods, from traditional sweets and crafts to modern fashion and cosmetics. Maximilian helped me navigate the maze of shops, and we eventually found everything on my list. I picked up some Kyo Konomi sweets for my parents, a beautiful silk scarf for my sister, and a few small trinkets for our friends in Heidelberg. It was a convenient and efficient way to wrap up our shopping before heading to our final dinner.


Discover the ultimate shopping experience at Kyoto Porta, where tradition meets modernity in a delightful blend of shops, cafes, and restaurants.

Our last dinner in Kyoto was at Komefuku, a tempura restaurant. I was excited to try their signature tempura, made with rice oil, which is supposed to be lighter and crispier. The restaurant had a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and the staff were friendly and attentive. Maximilian and I ordered a selection of tempura, including seafood, vegetables, and even some creative options. The tempura was indeed light and crispy, and the rice oil added a unique flavor. I especially enjoyed the seafood tempura, which was fresh and perfectly cooked. It was a delicious and memorable way to end our culinary journey in Kyoto.


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

As I sit here writing this, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had in Kyoto. From the vibrant culture and delicious food to the serene temples and friendly people, this city has captured my heart. I'm so glad that Maximilian and I were able to share this adventure together, creating memories that will last a lifetime. I am also glad we didn't forget any of our trip essentials, even though I had a mini panic attack when I thought I forgot my camera! While I am looking forward to returning to our cozy life in Heidelberg, a part of me will always remain in Kyoto.

Tomorrow, we head to the airport to begin our journey back home. It’s hard to believe our trip is already over, but I know we will carry the spirit of Kyoto with us wherever we go.
Saying goodbye to Kyoto is difficult, but I know we'll be back someday. Until then, auf wiedersehen and ¡adiós!