In the Land Of The Rising Sun - Kyoto - 29 April 2026

The weather forecast for the day was cloudy, but with no hint of rain. I left the hotel early to beat the crowd. When I was a bit confused about the bus stop to go to Kiyomizu Dera, I requested directions from a person I on the ROB. He asked me to follow him and pointed out a pagoda in the far distance and said that that's where the Temple is. He jokingly, I think, told me to walk there! I thanked the gentleman and waited for the bus. I find that the older people are friendlier and more forthcoming in Japan.

I had to walk up a fair bit from the bus stop to reach the Kiyomizu Dera. The road leading to Kiyomizu Temple is filled with a selection of shops and restaurants on both sides. A host of souvenirs, from traditional to whimsical, can be found along the street. The local Kyoto specialty of nama-yatsuhashi, a triangle of mochi filled with various flavors, is prominently advertised. Restaurants serve everything from simple bowls of soba or Udon to more elaborate set meals. I also came across the doors of a Japanese fortune teller, who promised his services in English too.

The Kiyomizu Dera is also known as the Pure Water Temple and is on the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temple is located on top of a hill. One of the temple’s most notable features is the wooden stage in the main hall, which rises 13 meters above the hill.

During the spring period, this vantage point offers an amazing view of the cherry blossoms in spring, as well as of the city beyond. This wooden porch is stunning for its impressive construction. The porch comprises 168 wooden pillars and over 400 cedar floorboards, all fitted together without the use of nails, relying instead on a unique interlocking joint system.

Found near the main hall of the temple complex is the Benkei Iron Challenge. Visitors attempt to lift massive, ancient iron staffs (tetsubo) and iron clogs (geta) said to belong to the legendary 12th-century warrior monk Saitō no Musashibō Benkei. One of the iron staffs weight about 95 kgs. While most visitors manage the clogs and the smaller staff, the bigger one beats everybody. Legend says that lifting the staff brings good fortune, prosperity, and the strength of the warrior.

Another attraction of this temple is the Otowa Waterfall, where the waters are divided into three separate streams. Visitors can use the cups provided at the base of the waterfall to drink from them. Each of the streams is believed to have a different effect such as bringing success, love and longevity. One is considered greedy if one drinks from all the streams.

Further along in the grounds is a three-storied pagoda. Called Koyasu Pagoda, it is believed that a visit to this place will give you a safe and fairly easy childbirth. A dragon can be seen on the roof of the pagoda and is said to protect the structure from fire.

All in all, a fantastic experience. I was happy that I had visited it so early. Crowds had started building up. I walked about a km and more to Gion, which is Kyoto's most famous and historic geisha district. Famed for its traditional wooden machiya townhouses, upscale restaurants, and teahouses, it is the best place to catch a glimpse of geiko (geisha) or maiko (apprentices), normally in the early evening. The houses are called Ochaya and entry is by priority appointment or by membership only.

Widely made known is that it is illegal to forcefully enter the Ochaya or to surreptitiously photograph the Geishas, who are female Japanese performing artists and entertainers. They are trained in traditional Japanese performing arts styles, such as dance, music and singing, as well as being proficient conversationalists and hosts. The mature one is the Geisha, and the apprentice is the Maiko. While historically confused with courtesans (oiran) by foreigners, geisha do not sell sexual intimacy; their role is to entertain and perform.

The Gion Corner is a venue offering performances of traditional arts, including kyomai dance by maiko. Classes in Ikebana, etc are also held here. The Kennin-ji Temple, in the near vicinity, is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple, known for its tranquil gardens. The temple was constructed in 1202.

Another short walk after eating a piece each of fried chicken and grilled chicken thigh from a Konbini I steamed ahead to the Samurai Ninja Museum, where the legendary worlds of samurai and ninjas came alive. The basic ticket is 4400 JPY for a tour and visit of the Museum. During the tour one can enjoy hands-on unique experiences like wear samurai armor, practice swordsmanship, and practice ninja skills like shuriken throwing.

This museum blends education with excitement and features an impressive collection of authentic Samurai armors, including rare pieces from the Edo period that are over 300 years old. Certificates of authenticity are also in display. One of the most impressive exhibits in the Museum is the Wall of Swords, showcasing a diverse collection of authentic Japanese swords from different eras. Many of these weapons come with fascinating stories of legendary Samurai. The guide even explained the use of the smaller sword by warriors to commit Sepuko harakiri - suicide to maintain honour.

A short bus ride away was the Nijo Castle, which is by various accounts the starkest representation of the power the shogun during the Edo period (1603-1867). It is one of the best-known castles in Japan, due to its historical importance, prominence and the city, and UNESCO World Heritage status. I was late for the entrance - closes at 4 pm and hence, had to give it a skip.

The final sightseeing destination for the day was the Kinkakuji (Golden Pavilion) Zen temple, whose top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf. Formally known as Rokuonji, the temple was the retirement villa of the shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu. It was converted into a Zen Temple upon his death in 1408, as per his wishes. It is an impressive structure built overlooking a large pond. It has been rebuilt many times over the centuries. The present structure was rebuilt in 1955.

I took the long bus ride to Kyoto station to enquire about the trains to Osaka and how I could book a Shinkansen train ticket from Osaka to Hiroshima. The information counter at the station and the ticketing counter helped me with both enquiries. I bought a train ticket, valid for one day, for Osaka and got back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the remainder of the trip.