Japan – Land of Spectacular Festivals, Foods & Castles – Kyoto, Day 1

After the witnessing the spectacular festival in Osaka, our next stop was Kyoto. The picture-perfect historic city is a short train ride from Osaka. Once we arrived at our ryokan (traditional Japanese inn), we were treated to a private tea ceremony demonstration by the owner. She graciously explained the ritual and shared her pride in the quality of her matcha (powdered green tea), ceramics, and utensils. It’s a cultural experience not to be missed!

After checking in, we headed for the Nishiki Market, a covered shopping area, to hunt for souvenirs.

Kyoto Nishiki Market
The centuries old Nishiki Market is also called ‘Kyoto’s Kitchen’ with more pickles than you can shake a daikon at!

The narrow 5-block street is chock-a-block with over a hundred traditional Japanese food shops and eateries. It was a sea of local seafood (fresh and dried), meat, snacks, produce and cookware.

Fish stall at Kyoto's Nishiki Market
Fish anyone?

The market stalls are festooned with banners and lanterns. While it’s not quite like Costco, free samples, especially pickles and snacks, are available at many stores.

Kyoto Restaurant entry
Restaurant entry

A potential dinner choice, I was charmed by the eatery’s delightful contrast of textures and shapes between the weathered wood, smooth glass and straw-decorated plaster.

Kyoto Restaurant courtyard.
Restaurant courtyard

The serene setting is enhanced by the water vessel and carefully placed rocks on the walkway.

Kyoto Art nouveau building façade
Art nouveau façade

For a totally Western aesthetic, check out the elaborate tile and metal work of this bar!

Good luck door charm
Good luck charm above entry door

I saw some houses with charms above their doors. This one, written in kanji (traditional Chinese characters) states the family name and seeks to invite good luck while warding off misfortune.

Japanese Kabuki doll
Japanese Kabuki doll

This beautiful doll shows a Kabuki actor with the white wig and traditional makeup used for the performance of Kagami Jishi or Dance of the White Lion.

Bowl of cold udon noodles
Lunch at a udon specialty shop.

Hungry and thirsty from roaming the neighborhood, we stumbled upon this noodle shop.

My refreshingly cold udon had the delicately chewy texture of fresh made noodles, while the accompanying tempura was light and crisp.

Kyoto Kodaiji temple
Memorial Hall of Kodaiji, a popular Buddhist temple in Higashiyama, Kyoto’s well preserved historic district.

Kodaiji was established in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, the daimyo (warlord) who unified Japan at the end of the 16th century.

Kodaiji temple lantern with goblin design
One of a series of goblin design lanterns installed throughout Kodaiji’s grounds.

The goblin lanterns coordinated with the temporary painting exhibit we saw in the pavilion. It was a long scroll with a ghostly but humorous theme.

Kyoto Kodaiji temple tea house
Tea house in Kodaiji’s garden was designed by famous 16th century landscape designer Kobori Enshu.

Enshu was instrumental in shaping the tea ceremony into a tradition that celebrates beauty in the most rustic or simple looking objects.

This tea house really exemplifies the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi.

A geisha going up steps of Kiyomizuzaka street
A geisha

As we left Kodaji, I was really excited to see this Geisha go past us.

Geisha in Kyoto
Geisha up close and personal.

Since there was a photographer in tow, I wasn’t sure if she really was a geisha or just a model dressed up for the photo shoot.

Kiyomizu Temple, Kyoto
Kiyomizu-dera, literally Pure Water Temple, takes its name from the waterfall within the complex and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Kiyomizu-dera was constructed without the use of a single nail. The main hall is built over a cliff and features a large wooden veranda that is supported by 172pillars.

The popular expression “to jump off the verandah of Kiyomizu” is the Japanese equivalent of “taking the plunge”. Though banned in 1872, believers used to jump from the 45 foot platform hoping their wishes would come true if they survived!

Otowa Falls at Kiyomizu Temple
Three channels of spring water fed by the Otowa waterfall pour down into a pond.

There is a constant stream of visitors lining up to drink the water, which is believed to have wish-granting powers.

This being Japan, the long handled cups are returned to a sterilization rack which irradiates the cups after each use.

Jizo stone statues with aprons at Kiyomizu temple
Jizos with aprons at Kiyomizu-dera

Our guide said these stone statues have aprons put on them at different times of the year.

On further research, it seems the statues represent Jizo, a powerful deity. The aprons are placed on the Jizos by parents who lost children in hopes that the god will protect their souls.

Jishu Shrine on grounds of Kiyomizu temple
Jishu shrine on the grounds of Kiyomizu-dera.

The Jishu shrine is in honor of the deity of love and matchmaking.

We saw plenty of kimono clad ladies or young couples who came to pray or have fortunes told. Better yet, anyone needing extra help can buy the good luck charms!

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  • I’m so glad you enjoyed the blog! However we stayed at ryokans in Kyoto and Gujo Hachiman but not Osaka. We stayed at 2 different hotels in Osaka. I’ll be glad to help you if you let me know what you’re looking for. Either way, you will have a great visit. Try the Volunteer Guides – they are wonderful!

  • Hi Marie. Thank you for your blog, I really enjoyed reading it. My wife and I are planning a visit to Osaka in March of 2015 and would like the experience of staying at a ryokan. I take it that you were happy with your stay. Would you mind sharing the name of the place? Thanks again!