Whenever you speak to someone about their upcoming trip to Japan, they always mention one of two destinations. They often talk about where in Japan they would like to visit. These places are Tokyo and Kyoto. Two capital cities of Japan. One ancient and one modern.

Kyoto has always had an allure of mystery. Art is displayed through amazing craftsmanship. It is also shown in the grace and beauty of their Geiko. Tradition holds a unique significance here. Citizens have been practicing a way of life for over 1,100 years. Kyoto is always welcoming and definitely leaves one with a cup over flowing

I arrived from Hiroshima, where there is Peace, there will be light. It’s been 24 years since I was last here. I was 26 and staying at a youth hostel back then. Now I’m a grown-up and staying at a hotel right across from the Kyoto JR station. This is my 5th city in my Japan… A Tribute Journey to my Mother

Day One: Sunday, April 21, 2024

I arrived after a very comfortable Shinkansen ride. I feel that it is worth it to splurge a little on the green car. It’s so much space and just so relaxing.

When I arrived at Kyoto station it was like pandemonium. I feel like every station getting closer To Tokyo, the city gets bigger and so does this train station. There are thousands of people running throughout this gigantic station. The last time I came here we exited through the Central exit of the station, but this time I exited on the west and I didn’t recognize it at all

It’s drizzling here And I did not have an umbrella, but it’s OK. It was very light.My hotel is literally two minutes away across the street and about two buildings down so that’s very convenient

As per usual Japanese Hotel, I am not able to check in until precisely 3 PM. Since I couldn’t check in, I walked over to the Avanti department store with With a Don Quijote , But I just was not in the mood to buy anything

As I walked down the street, I could feel the hunger festering . I found myself a cute Ramen shop. And indulged . I love ramen and can eat it almost everyday . So it was nice to have a hot bowl on a rainy Sunday. I also enjoy tasting the different types of soup bases of different areas.

I had Miso Ramen for lunch with a fabulous one of the best karaage Chickens ever. I tried walking around, but I was just so tired and the rain was making me feel so gloomy that I decided to go back to the hotel and relax but when I got there, I noticed that people were checking in and it was only 2 o’clock so I came upfront and they were like yes that’s Check in

I went up to my room. I grabbed all the clothes I’ve been wanting to wash for the past 10 days. Then I headed over to the laundromat. The machines do both wash and dry and I did two loads at 15 minutes each, so I left it there and walked away and started getting ready for my show tonight

Tonight I go to see the 150th anniversary showing of the Miyako Odori.

The Miyako Odori (都をどり) is one of the four great spring shows in the five geisha districts (hanamachi) of Kyoto, Japan. Courtesy of wikipedia

Festival performances

The Miyako Odori takes place four times a day from 1 to 30 April at the Gion Kōbu Kaburen-jo theatre near the Yasaka Shrine.

The dances, songs, and theater productions presented in the framework of the Miyako Odori are performed by the maiko (apprentice geisha) and geisha of the Gion quarter.

If you’ve seen Memoirs of a Geisha, this would be the scene when Sayuri becomes the star of the spring show.

Of course I forgot at least six pieces of items that I wanted to wash. I guess I’ll try later at my hotels laundromat on the second floor. This hotel has two other redeeming qualities. It does have an ofuro and a laundromat. However, the washing machines are forever busy. 

Off to Gion I went after hailing a taxi off the street 

I was cutting it so close. The show was at 4:30 and I was leaving at 4:10 and it was traffic time with rain. Good times

I get to Gion Check in, got my ticket and sat down. Within two minutes, the lights went out and the show started. It was absolutely breathtaking. It was something to experience such a rich, cultural heritage. I felt so fulfilled.

I walked around afterwards, realizing it was still early, but it was raining so I did add a little gloom, but also a little mystery

I went down the little alleys. They indicated that I was OK to go, just no photos. So, I put my phone away out of respect in case someone was to see me. Sure enough, a Geiko was walking my way. I saw her. I smirked a little smile and looked down. I think she kind of rolled her eyes. She opened up her beautiful umbrella and distanced herself from me. That’s fair I get it. She didn’t know if she was safe. However, she would be because I wasn’t there to chase her down or tug k. her kimono or her for pictures.

Gion It’s so so beautiful even in the rain

I was getting a little hungry, but sadly all the places were full as per the signs that were outside.

And then I ran into this little signage that said Finlandia, A cocktail bar. I said oh why not? So I opened the door stepped in and it was so beautiful and chic I sat down. I ordered a Negroni. I met the most wonderful couple from Venezuela. They have been living in Copenhagen for a few years. They just got married. We had such great conversations. I ordered another cocktail. My gosh, this mixologist is so darn good. So dangerous too, and I can’t believe how inexpensive the price were. Maybe I shouldn’t have said that it’s only because of the exchange rate.

Nice and buzzed I walked down the main drag where I saw a sign for the subway. So I followed it and fired up Google Maps. It actually worked this time in the city, to find my way to Kyoto Station.

On my way home, I made a stop at Coco curry. After a quick chow down, I got back to the room. I got myself ready to go to the ofuro downstairs. Ahhhhh Kimochiiiiiiiiiiii

Day 2, Monday, April 22, 

First Full day in Kyoto. I woke up. Now that’s a great start …Got myself together and headed out the door around 8 am 

I took the great advice from a poster on Trip and took a taxi as far up as I could go to KIYOMIZUDERA The temple complex is breath taking. It is a very spiritual place. In honor of the Bodhisattva of compassion, Kannon . Leaving as early as I did was a nice time. It was quiet enough to enjoy without the major crowds. However, it was not early enough to avoid all the super models from the Asian continent. They were serving up all their poses with every single piece of whatever is in front of them. Oh look a stone. Take my picture.

lol. I’m so shady. 

Once I avoided all the super models I found the temple to be exactly what the travel doctors ordered. Peaceful, beautiful , spiritually abundant and just drop dead gorgeous. The temple complex is so beautiful , the nature that surrounds it just elevates your experience. I feel like you leave there blessed. The views are breathtaking and I can only imagine it throughout all the different seasons.

I left the temple complex after seeing as much as I could. I inhaled all the fresh, beautiful, serene air around me, then, I quietly made my way to Koda-Ji temple. Along the way, the shops on the Higashiyama way were slowly opening 

I popped in here and there but to be quite honest with you, too much of too many things gets me very overwhelmed so I tend to over look and skip stores that have “everything “ in them 

As I started to make my way down to Koda-Jo temple , I stopped for some sweet dango. Oishiiiiiiii

There I saw it , that amazing Starbucks that is just so unique to Kyoto. With tatami mats upstairs. I was in desperate need of a real strong cappuccino. So I ordered me a grande and sat upstairs while savoring every moment. So unique. I wasn’t going to look for it but I’m glad I stumbled upon it .

It was just an absolutely lovely stroll down the Higashiyama Way. I was so enthralled by the natural beau ty of it all. So simple, not trying too hard. Just being its authentic self, Kyoto. Just Japan. 🇯🇵 

I was still hungry. The dango was the only thing I ate since I awoke at 5:45 am this morning. It’s now 10 ish am 

I’ve been hungry for Japanese pancakes. And low and behold I see the Hyatt Kyoto Gion cafe. I try my luck and they just so happen to have pancakes. Yay. Beautiful property. Now while I enjoyed it. It wasn’t the Japanese pancake I was after. But it’s okay. 300% markup and I was out the door. At least I got to use a really clean bathroom hahaha. 

Next stop … or rather second stop of the temple day, Ryozen Kanon Temple impresses you. It has the most gorgeous goddess-sized statue of the Bodhisattva. She has always been someone close to my heart. I was so hallowed to stumble upon her as she was not on my list. 

On my way up there was this ojiichan ( elderly male ) trying to climb the steep steps. I know this sounds cheesy AF, but I offered my arm and he took it. It was like I was walking with the grandfather I never knew on my mother’s side. My father was very similar to him in his last years on earth. 

I helped him up. He demanded a picture with me. He wanted to tell people about his new Hawaiian friend. OMG he was so cute and totally made my day !!!!! 

When I got to the entrance of the temple. He refused to let me pay and paid my way forward. I was not expecting that and was a bit embarrassed. But it was such a kind gesture. We kept following each other. Me ahead of course but I then saw him at the beautiful Koda-Ji temple where he was visiting before me as I took some time with mother Kannon Sama 

He said “hawaii “ and waved his hands. lol 

Oh my stars! I can’t believe I forgot to mention this. I ran into a huge group of Hawaiians in my hotel yesterday. We can spot each other a mile away. And I can always tell a Hawaiian or person from Hawaii, so respectful and so sweet. I love my people.

Anyway back to today. 

After my beautiful visit to Koda-Ji I bought a ticket for the zen temple of Entokuin. Very beautiful and serene gardens. It is a place to see the old Kyoto way of living. You can relax on tatami while staring out to the beautiful scenery. It was a nice break from all the walking and chatter around me. 

After that I didn’t know what to do. I ended up walking around and came across the fabulously big Yasaka Shrine. 

How stunning. Everyone in their kimonos. Are my eyes deceiving me ? They are not the geiko. They are locals for a day in their beautiful rented kimono and Hakama.

How fabulous it must feel. I’m too voluptuous to even try it. Gone are my “super model days “ at 5’11 and fully figured. I just can’t hahaha, and I’m not gonna try even though I so badly want to 

I exited out to the main Gion thorough fare with 500 million others. Oh Lordt……..

I walked around some of the side streets. I came across a beautiful incense store. It had drop dead gorgeous Japanese style incense burners. I dropped a pretty penny an a gorgeous one and added some incense to my take away. Yay !!!!!!! 

Next ……

I then made my way down, hoping to find Kawaramachi shopping area. But before that, I was very hungry. I ended up stopping at the cute little soba restaurant right by the bridge. Do not ask me the name. Do not ask me the area. I cannot remember. I’m so sorry; it’s so unlike me. But let me put it this way: it was very good and expensive. Tenzaru soba meal. The soba tasted freshly made. I witness something really extraordinary. I saw these birds flying all around. They were swooping down like predators. They appeared to be the Japanese version of a kite raptor. That was so interesting

After my quick lunch and a beer, I fired up Google Maps. I found my way very easily to the shopping district. I mean, how can you not? It’s right there smack dab in your face.

I needed face products that I still desperately required. I had underestimated myself and did not pack enough samples. I thought they would last me for a long time. I needed a good new line to try. So, I went to Takshimaya and was introduced to the IPSA cosmetics line. Hopefully, it’ll be great. I normally use another Japanese line that my friend brings me every few months to Hawaii called Lekkarka. For some reason, I haven’t been able to find it anywhere. I wonder if it’s just only in Tokyo my skin is absolutely beautiful when I use it.

Anyway, I then venture into Wonderland, walking down all the streets filled with shops. It was kind of similar to what and.Ekimae Shopping would be like

So good to see all these cute little unique shops everywhere unfortunately there are also a lot of animal shops and cafés, and I hated that I was trying to discourage people from going in, but who am I to interrupt someone’s fantasy even at the expense poor Animal

After walking and walking and walking back up and walking back down, I came across the famous shopping place, Nishiki Market 

What a cool experience to see all the different food vendors but honestly, the things that impress me the most was all theTsukemono And pickled vegetables oh my stars I wanted to buy everything take it home and eat it, but where am I gonna eat it because I don’t have a home here lol

At this point, I have been walking for hours. I am tired. I am over seeing all the shops. It’s just too much, to be quite honest. 

I got what I came for earlier today. I got my temples on. I got my skin care. I got a cute little incense burner. Actually, it’s a beautiful little incense burner. I think I’m gonna go to the Inari Fushima shrine. Once you understand Kyoto Subway system, it’s very easy to navigate. Trust me, they make it simple for you to understand where you need to go. The signage in this town is fantastic and very user-friendly. I’m very appreciative of it. You stop at Toji station, transfer to the Nara D line, and suddenly, you arrive at Inari temple complex. Oh my stars tourist on steroids there are so many people here.

All the rented kimonos are posing like supermodels as they should, they look beautiful. We have our Muslim Indonesian sisters dress in beautiful kimono, giving us gorgeous mug and such a Happy demeanor

The Temple complex itself is really beautiful. How can you not love the fox and the goddess Inarisama ? 

There’s something about it. There is a magic here even amongst the millions of people. There is something special and you can feel it.

I made my way to all the thousand Torri gates And just the first few and walk down the last few

I was done officially. 

I was back at Kyoto Station. I decided to exit the Central way. This allowed me to see the Kyoto station I remember from 24 years ago with the hotel attached to it. What a beautiful station

I walked back to my hotel in the West End. I laid on the bed for a little bit and wrote out the first part of this trip report. I tried to comprehend and decide where I am going to eat. I am too tired and I’m too late to make reservations.

I walked around and around, here and there and then I saw it, it said in Hiragana : Tofu. Oh my stars I need it. I need tofu in my life in a big way right now

Kitsune something, as I can’t read the kanji , is part of the Kyoto tofu group. It was soooooo good. I’m going to go back tomorrow for seconds for my last night. 

Tomorrow , Nara ! 

Day 3: Tuesday April 23,2024

Woke up super early this morning as I have been for the last few days I don’t know what it is even if I took something to help me to sleep better it’s still I woke up early

Today is all about Nara 

Got myself together, umbrella in hand and headed out the door to Kyoto station I found the kintetsu Line quickly popped my Suica card and boarded the limited express train to Nara at 8 AM

For some reason, I was such an idiot and I did not buy a ticket beforehand, so I was scrambling while in the train to buy a limited express ticket and choose the seat that I was that was unoccupied

I didn’t stop. It didn’t allow me to choose Kyoto. We had already left the station and area. Fortunately, I still did it from the following city and I was OK. I know I owe the city, but I guess sometimes things happen like that.

Nara Was so beautiful. I absolutely had a wonderful time. I thought I was gonna be totally templed out as I’m starting to get. It’s the same when I’m in Europe I’m churched out After a while. As beautiful as it is, it’s the same thing you know?

But Nara was just breathtaking. I’m writing a separate review about it so I’m not gonna really going to too much detail here.

On my way back to Kyoto, I took the limited express. I won’t make the same mistake again. Fortunately, it’s so inexpensive. I’m talking three dollars. I can’t believe it. Transportation is so affordable here. Food is also affordable. I’m sure it’s relative, but from my experience, again, you get a lot less here.

After I came back from I have been itching to have another lovely non-Japanese cocktail so I went into the beautiful hotel gran Via Which is in the Kyoto Station and the Sister company or Hotel to the one that I am staying in right now

I came to their main bar. It was so quiet, so serene, so dim, and so loungy. I almost fell asleep while sipping my Negroni.

I walked home afterwards, but I was hungry for dinner and I went back to the same Ramen restaurant. When I first got here, I went to the restaurant. I ordered chicken and ate it up like it was out of style.

Took everything out of my suitcases re-looked at all the stuff I bought not much I thought I bought more

Got myself together for my two night stay in Ise Tomorrow

Kyoto is such a beautiful city, I can keep coming back here as much as possible and I think I’m going to try to come back again but this time in winter because I want to see how beautiful the city is blanketed in snow

Now, I’m gonna go downstairs and enjoy my ofuro ( daiyokujo or public bath ) Before bed

Kyoto it’s been real….. Tomorrow, Ise (ee say)