Kyoto is one of the places on earth that held the world within a windless moment. Inside the temples, nature held her breath. All longing was put to sleep in the stillness, and all was distilled into a clean simplicity.

Like what my blog title suggested, I had only 24 hours to explore this beautiful ancient city in Kansai region.

Where to stay?

The pocket hotel was strongly recommended by Peter-san, who stayed in here a month ago. It was also top of the list on booking.com with an absolute high rating with its cleanliness and accessibility.

How to get around Kyoto without data/pocket WiFi?

Fun fact about Kyoto, it was built orthogonally, the whole city looks like a grid. Knowing your destination by its street name and the direction its pointing (by north, south, east and west) gonna help you a lot, especially when you’re traveling without having data/pocket WiFi. There’s a Japanese traditional song called Kyoto Marutake Ebisu (which I shared above) tell you the street name of Kyoto from east to west by order. Also, not to mention, Kyoto has one of the most beautiful street names within the whole country.

Where to go?

Strolling along the street and wandering around Kamo river is one of the best activities you can do in Kyoto during Spring and Fall. The Japanese usually would have picnic at the side of the river during Hanami (flower viewing session) in spring.

Yasaka Shrine, also known as Gion Shrine, it sits in between Gion District and Higashiyama District. I want to share some shrine etiquette to all of you who may not aware of.

1. Firstly, bow slightly when you see the torii gate.
2. Always walk at the side of the torii gate, the Japanese believes that middle path of the gate is meant for the Gods.
3. Go to the Chozuya (a pavilion with water basin) to wash your hands and mouth before entering the shrine.
4. While entering the praying area of the shrine, gently toss a 5 yen to the Saisen box (donation box), ring the bell, bow twice, clap twice with your left hand slight forward than the right, pay your respect, and bow one more time before you leave.

Hanamikoji, it is a well-known instagram spot for taking photos of maiko and geiko (geisha). Try to stroll along the street between 5pm to 6:30pm, most likely you will catch a glimpse of maiko/geiko before they start working in the teahouse.

Speaking of Teahouse, how could you not taking a class of Sado (茶道) when you’re in Kyoto. I’ve learned the 4 principles of Japanese tea-ceremony from our teishu (host) of the day, they are Harmony (和), Respect (敬), Purity (清), Tranquility (寂). The teishu told us we should take a moment to appreciate the present, that we only have live once in this exact moment (一期一會), none of the experience is going to be the same again. Sado brought us to this tea room in Kyoto, and this moment would never be replicated again.

Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya Kyoto

Address: 〒604-8006 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, 5F, 中京区下丸屋町４０７−２

Phone: +81 75-606-5303

Where to eat?

Zundouya, I would say it is one of the most gastronomical ramen I have ever had.

Zundouya Ramen Kyoto

Address: 121 Ishiyacho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8002, Japan

Phone: +81 75-708-8434