Kyoto, the old capital of Japan, has been a place for me to relive some memories I made last year. It was my second time visiting Kyoto and it made a different impact for me. As we all know, Kyoto has been a cultural melting pot for every old tradition of Japan. Kyoto was founded in 794 in the region of Kansai.

When I travelled to Kyoto last year, I did not enjoy it much. Maybe because of my hormones as I was diagnosed with PCOS before travelling to Japan. I spent a day in Kyoto but I was too exhausted that day so there were places that I haven’t been to.

This year, Kyoto showed me a different part of her. I was able to travel in Kyoto in a more cheerful mode. It was a sunny yet a very cold day and it made me walk as far as I can (or actually I cannot, I just keep on walking). The temperature on the 1^st week of February was about 8 degrees with the colder blow of air. So, it was advisable to have layered clothes. As for me, I forgot to wear my heattech thus I was freezing cold!

Nevertheless, I find it more beautiful this time to walk on the streets of Kyoto. It made me feel more connected to her this time. I was able to see her different beauty.

How did I get there?

From Osaka, where I decided to stay, I rode a Shinkansen train to Kyoto. It took me less than 30 minutes to get to Kyoto. I bought the JR Kansai-Hiroshima Area pass via Klook. It allowed me to use this pass for 5 days so I can visit places in Kansai and Hiroshima.

Upon arriving at Kyoto Station, I walked to terminal D2 to ride the Bus 206. This will take you to Kiyomizu Temple, Higashiyama, Yasui Gion and Koya Area.

You can also ride in the same terminal the Bus 86 going in almost the same route but will stop by at Gion Okazaki Park Zoo.

Where are the places I travelled to?

Yasaka Jinja Shrine

Entrance fee: Free

Also called Gion Shrine, is a Shinto shrine in Gion District. It is known for July Gion Matsuri, one of Japan’s most famous festivals, when Kyoto becomes a city focused on celebrations. It is in a nearby street only so you can easily see it.

I spent less than 15 minutes there as the place was very crowded. I also felt that I already saw this shrine last year, I may just be on the other side. I grabbed some quick snack while at the Shrine. I was actually looking for the old Starbucks when I get there.

Yasaka Kōshin-dō

Entrance Fee: Free

A small temple located at Higashiyama. The temple’s full name is Daikoku-san Kongō-ji Kōshin-dō. It is a temple dedicated to Koshin, a blue, guardian warrior to the 3 wise monkeys. It also represents Kaoshin faith. Koshin belief is thought to help those who are striving in their livings and with the efforts to be good or better persons. Kaoshin is also thought to punish wrong doings.

While inside the temple, a Kukurizaru is famous, it is a round, ball shaped talisman made of cloth, representing the good faith monkeys. I bought one and wrote my wishes. I chose an orange Kukurizaru as my nephew’s favorite color.

Yasaka Pagoda

Entrance Fee: Free but if you will just stay outside, if you want to visit the pagoda, you have to pay for ¥ 400. The 2^nd floor of pagoda can be visited by tourists.

Hokan-ji Temple, better known as Yasaka Tower is a Buddhist pagoda also located in Higashiyama. It is a 5-storey tall pagoda and last remaining structure of the 6^th century in  Japan. It lies in the middle of an old Kyoto neighborhood, between Kiyomizu-dera Temple and Yasaka-jinja Shrine. It is originally built by the Imperial Prince Shotoku in 589. The pagoda is said to have been inspired by Prince Shotoku’s dream.

As I was near the pagoda, I was able to stroll and take photos of it. I did not get the interest to visit the inside part of the pagoda. Maybe because I am contented seeing it from afar and just mesmerize on the old streets of Kyoto. Nevertheless, the beauty of Yasaka Tower is undeniably historical.

Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Ninenzaka Yasaka Chaya

Entrance Fee: Free

Built on 2017, this Starbucks is very unique as it is located in a traditional Japanese house called machiya or townhouses. The shop is made of straw-hatting as a floor covering or what they called tatami.

From Yasaka Pagoda, it took me 15 minutes to find the coffee shop. I asked a rickshaw driver but Google Maps was more reliable. HAHAH. It was such a joy to visit the shop as a coffee enthusiast. I was very curious about how a modern coffee shop functioned in this kind of place.

When I entered the coffee shop, it felt like I was in a different time and place. It was very Japanese, very cozy. However, due to the flock of people, it was a bit noisy, much as I expected for a famous landmark in Kyoto. It was also a bit dark inside until you got to the counters.

Since there are many tourists, I also expected that my order will take longer but with Japan’s reputation of being fast all the time, I snubbed the waiting time. Though I had this expectation and reputation on my mind, my order together with another Filipino and American took us more 30 minutes in line. That was a shock for me!

Nevertheless, Starbucks is Starbucks, and Starbucks in Kyoto is very much different. So, I just enjoyed my frappe, my seat and wandering around the tatami shop.

Ninenzaka Street

Entrance Fee: Free

Ninenzaka, or Ninen-zaka is an ancient stone-paved pedestrian road for locals and tourists. These slopping streets are lined with Japanese-style buildings filled with souvenir shops, food stalls and more.

After my frappe-drinking in Starbucks, I enjoyed walking in this street of Ninenzaka. There are shops of old Japanese umbrellas, masks, figurines, sweets and a lot more. There were tourists wearing a traditional kimono. The cobble stone streets made me feel that I am walking in a different era. Though there are many people in the street, I find it serene. Tourists and locals just keep on walking and just enjoying the place too.

I found a Studio Ghibli shop too! It was a very cozy and Japanese-style shop that sells all Studio Ghibli items! From lunch boxes, kitchen utensils, towels, bags, stuffed toys and more. It was a joy seeing Studio Ghibli items in life!!! I am huge fan of Kiki’s Delivery Service, Spirited Away, Arrietty, When Marnie Was There and Grave of the Fireflies.

It was a fun experience meeting Totoro, too! Overall, walking in streets of Ninenzaka gave me a different joy. This is how my solo travel feels like every time I was in a different place – a good walk, a good place.

After in Ninenzaka, I returned to Kyoto Station. I rode the same bus number going to Kyoto Station. It was a less than 15 minutes ride then I arrived in Kyoto Station. After in Kyoto Station, I headed back to Osaka.

It was indeed a different experience for me in Kyoto. I totally redeemed my past not-so-good experience last year. This year, it was enchanting!

Arigato gozaimasu, Kyoto! 💜

My next adventures will be in Hiroshima!

Travel Date: February 03, 2024