Kyoto.

Alright alright, I know its been a while but I’ve been busy, calm it down. But this one is special, it’s one I had to take my time on. I finally made it to one of the most sought after places in Japan… Kyoto. A quick intro… Kyoto, once the capital of Japan, is a city where tradition and modernity coexist beautifully. It sits among lush hills and is adorned with serene temples and shrines, its heritage that dates back over a thousand years. There are many specific shrines I wanna see, from The iconic Kinkaku-ji, or Golden Pavilion, which reflects gracefully in its surrounding pond, while the historic streets of Gion, famous for geisha culture, invite visitors to step back in time. I am here for a few nights and wanna experience everything from beer to matcha sweets, the list is endless…I departed for Kyoto after work. 2 hour journey on the bullet train. I was doing speed tests on the way down. Hahah. 280 kph was class. Train was heaving. For Bento I had a chicken teriyaki & egg sandwich on the way down. Drop bags off and get exploring. Hit up Ponchoto and find a whiskey bar. Only went for 1, stayed for 3. Massively overpriced but the glow was on leaving the spot. I stumbled my way back to the train station to get the last train back to my hotel. Grab a chicken sando, gotta be early, so much to do, so little time.

Woke up slightly dusty but I started the morning in great spirits as some drunken Americans facetimed me. The time difference is insane. I am having coffee and they are smashing margaritas. I gotta love and leave them, I look like a right tourist with camera in hand and cellphone in the other making a call and showing them the surroundings. First up is Nijo Castle. Its a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a stunning example of Japanese feudal architecture. Constructed in 1603 as the residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, the castle served as a symbol of power and authority during the Edo period. The castle complex features beautiful gardens, moats, and a series of elegant buildings, most notably the Ninomaru Palace. This palace is renowned for its exquisite tatami mat rooms, intricate wood carvings, and stunning painted sliding doors (fusuma). One of its unique features is the “nightingale floors” which chirp when walked upon, serving as a security measure against intruders. Surrounded by lush gardens that change with the seasons, Nijo Castle offers a tranquil escape while showcasing the artistry and craftsmanship of its time. Its historical significance and architectural beauty make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Kyoto.

After Nijo Castle I head to the Golden Pavilion. Not like the Pavilion in Westville. Uh uh. But there were tons of people here. The Pavilion is made of real gold and check the reflection in the water. I stopped for Matcha ice cream. The Green Tea Powder was going everywhere. Then gotta make my way to Bamboo forest. Walk to the famous river, take a few selfies. Wheey. Then through the forest. There are more tourists here than at the Shibuya crossing. Insane the volumes of people walking through but you can understand why. It’s picturesque and unique. After the forest, my feet are broken, so I head back into Kyoto to a craft brewery place. Have a pint, a nibble. The evening, I am heading to Nishiki market for the evening. Mans hunger levels are up after all the walking so smashed an omelet with green onion then about 45 kit kats. Another beer is on the cards. Love a solo beer in the bar, proper billy no mates, but its growing on me this solo adventure stuff. After the buzz was on, go recommended a great ramen spot. So I made my way through the town and settled in for dinner.

Next day, I got up early to hit the famous temple. Kiyomizu-dera, an iconic temple in Kyoto, is renowned for its breathtaking views and historical significance. Founded in 778, it is part of the Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple’s main hall, or Hondo, is famous for its wooden stage that juts out over a hillside, offering stunning panoramas of cherry blossoms in spring and vibrant autumn foliage. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy, and features numerous statues and serene gardens that reflect its spiritual ambiance. Visitors often partake in the tradition of drinking from the Otowa Waterfall, believing that each stream grants a different wish. Kyoto is heaving this time of the year. Just people everywhere.I struggle to find solitude in the shrines with people everywhere let alone tryna get a cool few snaps. Mans a photographer now innit. Some great scenic shots I tried to get. From there, I walked to sanjusangen-do gardens. This is another historic Landmark in Kyoto. At the end of the exhibition they have paintings of calligraphy. I should have purchased it. I made a mental note to bring some back for my flat. 

Probably the most iconic part of Kyoto are the Orange shrines known as Fushimi Inari Shrine. They are basically gates that create stunning pathways up the sacred Mount Inari. Established in 711, the shrine is dedicated to Inari, the Shinto god of rice, and serves as an important cultural and spiritual site. The most iconic feature of the shrine is the long trails lined with torii gates, each donated by individuals or businesses seeking blessings and prosperity. The trails wind through lush forest, offering a serene atmosphere as visitors ascend the mountain. Along the way, smaller shrines and statues of foxes, which are considered Inari’s messengers, can be found. The shrine is particularly magical at dawn or dusk when the gates are illuminated by soft light. Fushimi Inari Shrine is a symbol of Kyoto’s rich heritage and the beauty of nature intertwined with spirituality. I hiked that whole path and could not recommend it enough. Although its long and you pass many tourists, its worth it for all the views and those quiet moments in the mountains high up with no one around. 

After the Fushimi Inari Shrines, I am looking for a brewery again. I pass Toji temple and then discover a great little spot for an ale. I rest my legs but my cell phone’s battery % is going down quicker than the Ten Hags United career. Order an uber, as my phone dies, waiting patiently to see if it still arrives. Fortunately it does and I’m taken back to my hotel. Fucking nervous times. For dinner I am told there is a cracking Japanese/Mexican Taco spot close by. This was actually insane. The Ahi Tuna Taco was poes good. At the end of the evening I was cruising through Kyoto and like how the first night started, it ended with me wandering into a whiskey bar. I took my seat next to some milf, put my headphones away and ordered a Japanese whiskey. It was like a scene out of a movie, your boy was gonna take her home. 5 min later she got the bill and left haha.

Wake up last day at my local coffee spot, head for some more touristy areas and then the most famous/unique Starbucks in the world. Pack some pink crisps for the peeps who recommended everything to me as well as my 4 packets of Kit Kats. Back to Shinagawa then off to dinner with mates. Been eyeing up this palace that’s always rammed. It’s just small plates of various foods. Had my first taste of StingRay. Quite chewy, but if cooked on the grill with a nice char, is delicious with mayo. Half way through the meal, I feel the table start shaking as if someone is knocking the table, I look up and the restaurant is still. Music has stopped. There is a murmur in the air and the shaking has slowly subsided. A damn earthquake just happened. Once stopped, everyone just carries on with their lives. My nerves were shot, nearly hand some Sake to calm down.All in all I would recommend Kyoto to everyone. There are many shrines. I didn’t get to see everything but I got to see what I wanted. Japan is sick, words can’t describe some of these places we cruise around to. A year ago I never thought I would be here in the land of the rising sun. Sometimes the world works in mysterious ways, and when you least expect it, you get thrown a lifeline!

Tunes which are absolute banging currently! Lining up the Karaoke.