Started the day with a friendly breakfast in our hotel, The Chapter Kyoto A Tribute Portfolio, that we would recommend staying. A quick stroll down a beautifully cheery bloom lined street to the local Starbuck’s. I finished yesterday’s blog, Kellie worked on communication while overlooking the Kema River and the Saturday activities it brings.
Craming ourselves into bus 302 heading for another day of exploration through some of Kyoto’s most iconic and tranquil sites — especially stunning during cherry blossom season. Kyoto has a way of pulling you into a slower rhythm — where centuries-old temples, stone-paved streets, and gently falling cherry blossoms create a dreamlike sense of serenity. On a sunny crisp spring morning, we set out on one of the city’s most poetic routes: starting at Ginkaku-ji, following the Philosopher’s Path, and winding my way to the majestic Kiyomizu-dera.
It was a day of reflection, history, and breathtaking natural beauty. Tucked into the foothills of Kyoto’s eastern mountains, Ginkaku-ji (the Silver Pavilion) is anything but flashy — and that’s exactly its charm. Originally built as a retirement villa for a shogun, it later became a Zen temple, embodying the Japanese aesthetic of wabi-sabi — beauty in imperfection and simplicity.
The moss garden and raked white sand (known as the “Sea of Silver Sand”) create a tranquil space that feels frozen in time. The blocked ‘sand castles’ kept our attention and created some discussion between us:)
Leaving Ginkaku-ji, we stepped onto the Philosopher’s Path — a stone path that followed a quiet canal lined with hundreds of cherry trees. It’s named after Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan’s most famous philosophers, who used to walk this very route in contemplation. Obviously they walked in a different time, when we walked although quiet it most certainly was too busy to accept the tranquility it was named for.
As we wandered beneath the cherry blossoms, their petals gently moving on the breeze, it felt at times like we walking through a painting or had seen all this in a book. We stopped many times to get that perfect picture….again:) Small temples, cafés, and art shops appeared along the way, inviting pauses for shopping or perhaps just sitting and resting the legs. Even though there were an abundant number of people, I still think it was one of the most peaceful walks.
As we left the peaceful walk of the Philosophers Path as it ran out at the Kumano Nyakuōji Shrine, we had intended to go directly to the Eikando Temple. Stumbling down the street, with the sun in our eyes, it was another great day, we came upon a cafe with a line outside it. Seeing the choices and the line we choose to try it. What a great choice it was to have lunch at the Okonomiyaki Zen. We were not too adventurous and went with the Udon and Soba noodle dishes, one with pork and the other shrimp (for me). In hindsight I wish we had branched out a little more and gone for the Okonomiyaki, as it looks delicious (Oishii) on the grills of those next to us. It was so fun to cook your own food, highly recommended!
Extremely satisfied we headed to the Eikando Temple, a place that deserves far more attention than it gets. From all the signage it is known for its autumn leaves, but we felt it’s also magical in spring, with its serene pond, pagoda, and blooming sakura trees casting reflections in the water.
Taking our shoes off at the entrance, we wandered throughout (no pictures allowed in side the monks areas) and finally climbed to the upper terrace, where a gentle breeze carried the scent of incense and cherry blossoms. From there, we could see the rooftops of Kyoto stretching into the distance — an unforgettable view framed by soft pink blossoms whenever possible.
Yesterday we ventured off our itinerary as our legs had become weary. We choose to hop an Uber taxi, into the teeth of the Kyoto tourist traffic and took one last opportunity to make our way to Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks. Perched on a hillside, its wooden stage juts out above a sea of cherry blossoms, offering panoramic views of the city below. The orange coloring allows it to stand out amongst all others. The temple was buzzing with life — locals and travelers, oh way too many travelers, alike soaking in the afternoon sun. We stood at the edge of the platform, the wind picking up petals from the trees and carrying them into the golden sky. It felt like the perfect ending to a day that had been equal parts peaceful, inspiring, and unforgettable.
Not hungry, just tired, we took one last chance to admire the cherry blossoms all lit up at night along the Takase River in the Pontocho Alley area. The soft glow of lanterns, casting a warm shimmer on the delicate petals above. The crowds had thinned a little, the buzz of the city softened, and for a few quiet moments, it felt like the world paused — just us, the blossoms, and the gentle sound of the river flowing by. A perfect, peaceful end to a day wrapped in Kyoto’s spring magic.
Good night:)