Breakfast at a Convenient Store
As usual, we started our day by grabbing a quick and delicious breakfast from a local convenient store. These stores are a treasure trove of tasty and affordable options, perfect for fuelling up before a day of exploration.
Journey to Fushimi Inari Shrine
Our first destination was the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine. Known for its thousands of vermilion torii gates, this shrine is a must-visit in Kyoto. We walked halfway up the trail to the lake, enjoying the serene atmosphere despite the crowds of tourists. There were plenty of opportunities to take stunning photos along the way.
On our way down from Fushimi Inari Shrine, we stopped by a charming dessert shop called Inari Saryo. This popular spot often requires a wait for a table, but it’s well worth it. The menu boasts a variety of matcha-infused desserts and sweets that are simply delightful. If you visit, be sure to try some!
Lunch at Beniyuki Café
Originally, we planned to visit Yasaka Shrine, but due to time constraints, we headed straight to Maikoya at Gion Kitomizu for our tea ceremony experience. Arriving early, we decided to have early lunch at Beniyuki Café, a cosy spot with tatami seating. The food was delightful, especially the desserts.
Kimono Experience and Tea Ceremony at Maikoya
After lunch, we returned to the Gion Kitomizu Annex to change into traditional kimonos. The staff were incredibly helpful, assisting us in putting on our kimonos and styling the hair for the ladies and girls. Once dressed, we walked to the main building for the tea ceremony. The ceremony was a beautiful cultural experience, lasting about half an hour. We also took the opportunity to take photos in their picturesque garden.
Exploring Kiyomizu-dera and Local Shops
Post-ceremony, we changed back into our regular clothes and strolled towards Kiyomizu-dera. Along the way, we explored various local shops. For those into kawaii culture, Sumikkogurashido and Ghibli Studios Shop Kyoto are must-visits. We made several stops before reaching the iconic temple, which offers spectacular views of Kyoto.
Sannenzaka Path and Starbucks Coffee
On our way down towards Gion Corner, we took the Sannenzaka Path, lined with more local stores. We even found a unique Starbucks Coffee – Kyoto Nineizaka Yasaka Chaya, which stands out with its traditional Japanese architecture.
Missed Opportunities and Hidden Gems
As we stopped and browsed the stores, we missed the chance to visit several notable sites, including Hōkan-ji Temple (Yasaka Pagoda), Kōdaiji Temple, Ryōzen Kannon Temple, and Kyoto Gokoku Shrine. These temples and shrines are rich in history and offer unique architectural beauty. If you have more time, don’t forget to stop by Ryōma Hill to watch the sunset and capture photos at this famous landmark.
Evening Stroll and Nishiki Market
From Gion Corner, we continued our walk towards Nishiki Market and Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, exploring the stores along the way. This was a repeat of the prior night where the girls enjoyed the Fish Spa Kyoto and we had dinner at Kura Sushi Plus Kyoto. The market and shopping street are bustling with activity and offer a variety of local goods and street food.
Return to the Hotel
After a long day of walking and exploring, we decided to grab a taxi back to our hotel. The taxi fare was reasonable, making it a convenient choice after a tiring day.
This day was filled with cultural experiences and beautiful sights, making it a memorable part of our Japan adventure.
The Travelling Wee 
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