Hello! This time, I’m sharing a travel diary of my 3-day trip to Kyoto over the weekend. I enjoyed Kansai’s gourmet cuisine, visited the beautiful temples and shrines of Kyoto, and spent a relaxing time. Despite the heat, I had a luxurious experience of food and culture!
Day 1: Enjoying Kansai Gourmet and Heading to Kyoto
On Friday, I took the afternoon off and traveled from Tokyo Station to Osaka by Shinkansen. Arriving at Shin-Osaka with an exciting feeling of the weekend ahead, I headed to Shin-Umeda Shokudogai and enjoyed the famous takoyaki. The hot and melty takoyaki was the perfect start to the trip.
After that, I went to “Kukuru” in Dotonbori. Here, I enjoyed not only takoyaki but also fluffy Akashiyaki. The Akashiyaki, soaked in dashi, had a gentle flavor that truly felt like Osaka. With my stomach full, I finally headed to Kyoto!
Tonight’s accommodation is “Umekoji Potel Kyoto.”
Hotel：https://www.potel.jp/kyoto/
This hotel is located right next to Umekoji Park and offers a relaxing atmosphere. The hotel features a large public bath where you can unwind and relieve the fatigue of your trip. The lounge is filled with books, and there is a well-equipped cafe space. You can also enjoy an exclusive free bar for guests at night. From the balcony, I could see the park!
And then, I headed to Pontocho to experience the traditional atmosphere of Kyoto. The narrow streets lined with restaurants make it an enjoyable area to simply walk around. Strolling along the Kamogawa River, I soaked in the evening ambiance.
I had reserved a dinner at “Izutsuya Pontocho,” where I enjoyed a summer evening meal on the riverside terrace. We call it ‘Kawadoko’.or ‘Kawayuka’ (川床) The sound of the flowing river and the cool evening breeze perfectly complemented the delicious Kyoto cuisine. I savored dishes like sukiyaki with Tanba beef and seasonal ingredients, enjoying an elegant time.
Izutsuya ：https://kyoto-izutsuya.com
Day 2: A Day of Visiting Temples and Shrines, and Enjoying Art
The day began with breakfast at Umekoji Potel. Their breakfast is a buffet-style with both Japanese and Western options, featuring dishes made with local ingredients.
Additionally, there is a luxurious touch where you can grind your own coffee beans to make a fresh cup of coffee. With coffee in hand, I head to To-ji Temple to start the day.
To-ji Temple is the head temple of the Shingon sect and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its five-story pagoda being an iconic symbol of Kyoto. In the quiet morning, I strolled through the temple grounds, feeling the weight of history. Many lotus flowers were in bloom!
However, the summer heat in Kyoto was more intense than I expected! Unable to bear it, I took a taxi to “Cafe January” for refuge. While enjoying a lunch plate, I took a break and spent some relaxing time in the comfortable atmosphere.
Next, I visited “Shorinji Temple.” This temple is famous for its Zen meditation experience, and I made a reservation in advance! Under the careful guidance of the head priest, I calmed my mind and took on the challenge of Zen meditation. The time spent in silence, facing myself, was a valuable experience that made me forget the busy everyday life. In the end, I enjoyed some Japanese sweets and matcha. The Zen meditation experience can be booked online!
After the Zen meditation, I walked to “Sennyu-ji Temple.” Sennyu-ji, also known as “Mitera,” is a temple with a connection to the imperial family. The new green maple leaves were beautiful, and just strolling through the temple grounds was a healing experience. The heat had eased a bit, allowing me to enjoy a pleasant time.
Feeling hungry, I went to “DRAGON Burger” near the station for a hamburger. The burgers, incorporating Japanese flavors, were juicy and hearty!
In the afternoon, I visited the “Mononoke Exhibition” by Takashi Murakami at the Kyocera Museum of Art. I was overwhelmed by the pop and unique worldview, feeling the power of art.
After fully enjoying the museum, I moved to Yasaka and participated in a tea ceremony at Kodaiji Temple. The time spent savoring matcha and Japanese sweets while gazing at the tranquil garden was truly a moment to feel the beauty of Japan.
For dinner, I went to “Gion Karyo” in Gion, a place I have visited several times. I enjoyed a luxurious dinner with refined Kyoto cuisine. The hamo (conger eel) was especially delicious.
Day 3: Experiencing Kyoto’s History and Beauty
On the final day, I started the morning with a visit to Kinkaku-ji. The golden temple shines brilliantly and is beautiful no matter how many times you see it.
Next, I visited “The Museum of Kyoto.” Here, I could learn about the history and culture of Kyoto, and once again, I felt the profound depth of this city.
For lunch, I had soba at the long-established soba restaurant “Owariya,” which has been in business for over 400 years! The smooth soba noodles and the flavorful dashi broth were exquisite. It was a perfect meal to conclude my trip to Kyoto.
And then, I took the Shinkansen back to Tokyo. It was a short but fulfilling 3-day trip.
Summary
Kyoto, a city I have loved for years, always offers new discoveries no matter how many times I visit. This trip was packed with gourmet food, temple visits, art, and tea ceremony experiences. Although the heat was intense, the beautiful scenery and delicious meals made me forget about it. I hope to visit again during the autumn foliage season!
I hope this will be a useful reference for your Kyoto travels!
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