Visiting Kyoto: A Day of Temples, Snacks, and Surprises
Current Plan: Fushimi Inari Shrine → Kiyomizu-dera → Nishiki Market → Kyoto Station
Let me tell you about my day in Kyoto—it was one of those trips where everything felt like
a mix of perfect timing and hilarious missteps. I started my morning at Fushimi Inari Shrine, and let me just say, arriving at 7 a.m. was a game-changer. The iconic red torii gates were almost empty, and the morning light filtering through the trees made it feel magical. I even had a funny moment when I accidentally photobombed a couple’s selfie because I was too busy admiring the scenery. Oops! After wandering through the shrine (and indulging in a matcha soft serve because, well, why not?), I hopped on a train to Kiyomizu-dera. This temple is perched on a hillside, and the views of Kyoto are breathtaking. I remember standing on the wooden stage, feeling like I was in a postcard, until I realized I’d forgotten to bring a water bottle and was parched. Pro tip: there’s a natural spring at the temple where you can drink water for good luck, but the line was so long I ended up buying a bottle of Pocari Sweat from a vending machine instead. Classic me.
Unexpected Detours and Snack Breaks
On my way to Nishiki Market, I got sidetracked in Gion. This historic district is like stepping back in time—narrow streets, traditional wooden houses, and the occasional glimpse of a geisha hurrying by. I ended up spending way more time here than planned because I couldn’t resist popping into tiny shops selling handmade fans and matcha treats. By the time I made it to Nishiki Market, I was starving. The market is a food lover’s paradise—I tried everything from skewered octopus to yuba (tofu skin) sushi. I may have overdone it with the snacks, but no regrets.
Ending the Day at Kyoto Station
My final stop was Kyoto Station, and let me tell you, this place is a marvel of modern architecture. I wandered around the rooftop garden, watched the sunset, and then got lost trying to find the ramen floor. (Seriously, how is this station so massive?) I finally settled on a bowl of rich, creamy tonkotsu ramen that hit the spot after a long day of walking.
Reflections and Tips
Looking back, I wish I’d squeezed in a visit to Arashiyama or Kinkaku-ji, but honestly, I was so content with how the day unfolded. Kyoto has this way of making you feel like you’ve experienced something special, even if you don’t see everything. If you’re planning a similar route, I’d suggest starting early at Fushimi Inari, then heading to Kiyomizu-dera and Gion before hitting Nishiki Market for lunch. End your day at Kyoto Station—it’s the perfect way to wind down. Oh, and if you’re a snack enthusiast like me, pace yourself at Nishiki Market. Trust me, you’ll want to try everything. What about you? Have you been to Kyoto? Any favorite spots or funny travel stories? Share them in the comments—I’d love to hear!
