My day in Kyoto!
- Déborah
- May 9
- 7 min read
I am thrilled to be back in Japan to start a new life! I'm currently in the beautiful prefecture of Fukui, and I'm absolutely in awe of the stunning Japanese scenery!
But yes, I'm going back to Kyoto! Kyoto is an absolute treasure trove of culture, with its majestic temples, soothing Zen gardens and historic alleyways. I can't wait to be there again!
I can't wait to get out and about, to wander the cobbled streets and to try all the delicious local cuisine.Today, I'm planning to visit some of my favourite places, but also to explore new sites that have caught my eye. I'm super excited to tell you all about my day - it's been absolutely incredible! I've had some truly extraordinary adventures and made some truly extraordinary discoveries!
This morning, I was thrilled to rise early and catch the first glimpse of the magnificent Fujimi Inari, a true emblem of Japan's rich cultural heritage. I'm so glad I went at seven! It's always so busy after then, but I just love how much the place is buzzing then.
The Fujimi Inari is simply stunning, with its thousands of vermilion torii winding their way up the mountain. It's an absolute joy to be able to appreciate this stunning location in the peace and quiet, away from the bustle of the crowds. The last time I went there, I didn't have the chance to get to the top, but I'll get there this time! I was too tired the last time, but I'm full of energy now and can't wait to get up there!
Today, I'm more determined than ever to climb the stairs and reach the top for a breathtaking view of Kyoto.I'm so excited to rediscover its wonders, strolling along the cobbled streets and savouring the delicious local cuisine.Today, I plan to visit some of my favourite places, but also to explore new sites that attract me. I'm super excited to tell you all about my day!
When I entered, I was struck by a wave of nostalgia – it was incredible! Memories of that day at Fujimi Inari, with its luminous torii and the peaceful atmosphere of the morning, resurface and it's a moment of pure happiness. Each step along the path is a caress for the soul, a reminder of unforgettable moments past, of breathtaking landscapes and the serenity that reigns in this sacred place. This incredible feeling reminds me of just how much I love Kyoto and everything it means to me.
Each step takes me closer to a future full of possibility, and I let myself be guided by my insatiable curiosity. I know the start of the route like the back of my hand, but on my last visit I got to experience the first quarter of it – how amazing is that?! Oh, I'm so excited to find out what's waiting for me at the top! Each step brings me closer to the unknown, and I feel a thrilling mixture of excitement and anticipation. The red torii rising around me create an almost magical atmosphere, and I can't wait to see what breathtaking views await me at the end of this climb.
When I finally arrived in front of the corridor of torii doors, I felt overwhelmed: I was incredibly lucky to be able to take photos when the place was still deserted! The vermilion torii, lined up endlessly, create a magical, spellbinding atmosphere, conducive to contemplation and serenity. Each photo I capture is a treasure, a moment of beauty preserved from the hustle and bustle of the crowds. I'm delighted to be able to admire this unique spectacle in such calm, as if the temple had reserved this privilege for me.
What an incredible opportunity I had! I just couldn't stop taking photos during the whole visit! And the result is stunning! Superb shots that really bring out the timeless beauty of the Fujimi Inari. I would absolutely recommend arriving early in the morning to avoid the crowds and make the most of your visit – you won't regret it! It's truly magical how the soft, comforting morning light sets the torii ablaze at this time of day, creating an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity. Now is the perfect time to savour the unique atmosphere of this sacred site. These quiet moments are a veritable oasis of serenity, allowing you to connect fully with the site and capture unforgettable memories in your photos.
Here are some awesome tips for your visit: if you have a pushchair, don't worry - you can leave it at home and use a baby carrier instead! There are a lot of stairs to walk up to the semi, but that just adds to the fun! I would absolutely encourage you to bring your best shoes or trainers and be brave!
I'll leave you with a video I made during my visit to the magnificent Fushimi Inari. This video is an absolute gem! It's simply stunning! The way it captures both the splendour of the torii and the serene atmosphere that reigns in this magical place is simply breathtaking. I'm so excited for you to discover this iconic site for yourself! I really hope it inspires you to do the same!
After visiting the famous Fushimi Inari, I headed a little further north to the Kamomioya temple, a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. This Shinto shrine is a true hidden gem! Less frequented, it is a place of incredible beauty and spiritual significance. It is dedicated to the divinity of love and fertility, making it a truly special and enchanting place to visit.
It's a magical place that attracts those seeking blessings for their relationships. I was greeted by a truly peaceful and serene atmosphere, surrounded by gorgeous greenery. The gardens are absolutely magnificent! Adorned with beautiful stone lanterns and delicate flowers, they provide the ideal setting for meditation – it's just perfect!
The temple's traditional architecture is a true masterpiece! I'm going to take a special moment to pray and soak up the serenity of this sacred place. What an incredible stopover! Get ready for the best vacation ever! Here, you can escape the crowds and spend some quality time with your loved ones.
I just had to pick up an omizumikuji (お水みくじ), a special prediction here, and I was absolutely smitten! All you have to do is dip it in water to reveal the hidden message, and I'm super excited to see what it says! This is a golden opportunity you won't want to miss! You could find a great fortune, a medium fortune, a small fortune, or even no fortune at all! And if you really want to play it safe, don't forget the most important step – tie the paper to make sure you don't attract any bad vibes!
And guess what? That day I was incredibly lucky! Here's the photo with the written version, but be warned, it's all in Japanese. So get ready for an unforgettable experience and let yourself be carried away by the magic of languages!
Here is the translation of this omizumikuji (お水みくじ) (from left to right!)
1. 旅行 (Travel)
遠方に行くも楽しく過ごせる
You'll be able to have a good time even if you travel far away.
2. 恋愛 (Love)
頂天になるな
Don't get too carried away / Don't get carried away by euphoria.
3. 学業・仕事 (Study / Work)
将来に展望開ける
The future is opening up to you with bright prospects.
4. 体調 (Health)
多少の無理をしても持続できる
You can keep going even if you strain a little.
5. 願い事 (Wish)
我を抑えて叶う
Your wish will come true if you control your desires/will.
6. 金運 (Silver)
物を買うゆとりはあり
You'll have the means to buy what you need (financial ease).
I sincerely hope you'll be as lucky as I was!
On our way out of the temple, we were incredibly lucky to pass by an iconic Kyoto landmark: the Kamo River Delta, also known as the Kamogawa Delta. It's an absolutely idyllic spot, where the two arms of the Kamo River join to form a natural peninsula, a breathtaking spectacle of nature! Just imagine the spectacle: large flat stones are placed in the water, allowing you to cross the river on foot. Some are even carved in the shape of a turtle or dragonfly, adding a playful, poetic touch to the place.
The sun was shining brightly and the temperature was mild – a perfect spring day! The atmosphere was absolutely electric! The place was bustling with life, filled with a joyous crowd of children on school outings, hopping from stone to stone with smiles on their faces. Their energy was a perfect contrast to the serenity of the landscape, and everything was bathed in a calm, almost suspended light. It's one of those scenes that will stay in your memory forever, and which are the absolute highlight of a trip to Kyoto in April!
I got up at the crack of dawn and realised straight away that I was as hungry as a wolf! I was absolutely thrilled to start looking for a restaurant serving tonkatsu (と大bank), a dish I'm particularly fond of in Japan. Tonkatsu is an absolute treat for the taste buds! This exquisite dish consists of delicious breaded and fried pork chops, usually served with rice, shredded cabbage and a special sauce. I had a fantastic time wandering the streets of Kyoto for a while, looking for a rare gem. I was so excited when I found a restaurant that looked absolutely delicious!
After this delicious meal, I went back to Kyoto station to do a bit of shopping, then collected my bag from the hotel before heading home, as I had dinner plans with friends that evening.
As I wandered around the shops, I was delighted to discover the original names of the shops, often accompanied by bold translations. Wow, I just love these names! They're so original and they make the experience so much more exciting! I'm so excited for you to see this for yourself! I can't wait to hear what you think.
I've been to Kyoto before, but I always come back. This city just never gets old! I'm telling you, you've got to stay for several days to enjoy everything this city has to offer. I'm thrilled to announce that I'm going to update my site and add a category dedicated to Kyoto, where you'll undoubtedly find the best places to visit! You absolutely cannot miss this incredible event! It's a pure moment of happiness that you'll never want to end!
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