Our journey to Kyoto was a mix of ferries, local trains, and the lightning-fast Shinkansen, with two transfers and three different trains before we finally arrived in the heart of this historic city. Navigating Kyoto’s efficient subway system, we reached our hotel—our home base for the next three nights—ready to dive into all that Kyoto has to offer!
After dropping our bags, we jumped on a city bus and headed straight for some of Kyoto’s most famous sights:
Kinkaku-ji (The Golden Pavilion) :
One of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks, Kinkaku-ji’s golden exterior glows brilliantly in the sunlight, reflecting beautifully in the tranquil pond that surrounds it.
Why It’s Important:
A Zen Masterpiece– Originally a shogun’s retirement villa, it was later transformed into a Zen temple, symbolizing peace, harmony, and enlightenment.
A Living Piece of History– Built in 1397 by Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the temple has withstood centuries of change, including wars, fires, and even arson.
Three Unique Architectural Styles – Each floor represents a different style:
- Shinden-zukuri (Imperial Palace style)
- Buke-zukuri (Samurai style)
- Zen temple style
Gilded in Gold – The top two floors are covered in real gold leaf, symbolizing both purity and the impermanence of material wealth in Buddhist philosophy.
Home to Sacred Relics – The temple is believed to enshrine Buddha’s ashes, making it an important spiritual site.
Next, we travelled to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking Zen gardens. The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Zen master Musō Soseki, was like a living painting—perfectly arranged stones, and koi-filled ponds.
From there, we wandered into the magical Arashiyama Bamboo Grove—a towering, otherworldly forest of swaying bamboo. We enjoyed walking through the towering stalks, with the sunlight filtering through in soft green hues.
Tasty Treats & A Cozy Evening:
On our way back, we stopped for some delicious local snacks: crispy sweet potato chips and sweet, chewy dango (rice dough balls), both of which hit the spot after a long day of exploring.
We took the train back toward our hotel, where we indulged in another steaming bowl of incredible ramen—a comforting and flavorful end to our first day in Kyoto.
After dinner, we enjoyed a relaxing evening at the hotel, reflecting on an adventure-filled day.
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