Our latest trip to Japan offered a wonderful opportunity to spend a few days in Kyoto, a city where tradition and modern life beautifully intertwine.
The Haruka Express from Kansai Airport to Kyoto
We began our explorations in the famed Gion district, wandering the streets where Geisha still glide gracefully through the evenings. Kyoto’s World Heritage temples were next on our list: To-ji, home to Japan’s tallest pagoda – a five-storey feat of carpentry – and Ninna-ji, where part of the Imperial grounds was unexpectedly closed for a giant Shoji (Japanese chess) tournament!
Accommodation in Japan is often a delight, and our stay just south of Kyoto Station proved it. The hotel was budget-friendly yet charming, only three minutes’ walk from the station and conveniently located beside a Lawson – Japan’s brilliant 7-11 equivalent, famous for some of the best take-away food you’ll ever encounter.
But what really impressed us were the thoughtful extras provided:
Pyjamas 👘
Razors 🪒
Cotton swabs
Recharging cords 🔌
Hairbrushes & toothbrushes 🪥
Hair dryers & curling wands 💇♀️
Face masks, cleansers, moisturisers & lotions 🧴
Hair elastics & wax
Sun cream ☀️
It’s the little touches like these that make a stay in Japan so enjoyable and unexpectedly convenient.
No trip to Kyoto is complete without a visit to Nishiki Markets. Full of food vendors, specialty shops selling matcha, chopsticks, hairpins, and much more, the market is a feast for the senses. While prices can be on the higher side, the vibe and atmosphere make it an absolute must-visit.
For something different, we wandered down a quiet alley and discovered Yak & Yeti, a Nepalese restaurant that exceeded all expectations. A feast for two – including lassis, incredible naan, and dessert – came to around AUD$30, and it turns out it’s ranked in the top 100 out of 14,000 restaurants in Kyoto!
Beyond Nishiki, we stumbled upon the Ohigashi-san Handmade Temple Market, held monthly in the green space in front of Higashi Temple, just across from Kyoto Station. Around 100 vendors gather to sell pottery, homewares, clothing, accessories, baked goods, and more, all crafted with care. It’s a perfect spot for discovering unique items or picking up last-minute gifts.
Kyoto’s surroundings are equally captivating. Just 15 minutes on the train north brings you into regional, then rural Japan. We journeyed to Fukui Prefecture to visit friends at their temple. From Kyoto, it’s a one-hour train ride north, followed by a one-hour drive through pine forested mountains, which transform into ski slopes in winter, to reach Obama City.
Our visit coincided with a special three-day ceremony commemorating the 1/17-year opening of a nearby mountain temple, home to a 900-year-old Buddhist statue. The community had been preparing for over five years for this event, and it was surreal to be the only foreigners witnessing such a meaningful occasion.
Japanese hospitality is unparalleled, and being hosted by some of the most generous people in Japan meant we ate like royalty. Some of the freshest sashimi I’ve ever had, and yes – a few kilos gained in the process!
A highlight of the trip was visiting the home of Wakasa chopsticks in Obama City. Wakasa lacquerware has flourished for over 400 years, producing over 80% of Japan’s lacquerware chopsticks. The signature technique embeds abalone shell and eggshell into layers of lacquer, polished to reveal patterns inspired by the ocean floor. Some chopsticks take over 12 months to make and sell for around $200 a pair, making them true works of functional art.
Traveling with an open mind and heart brings the best surprises. Who knew Japanese hula was even a thing?! Or that children learn flashmobs at school, whipping them out at special occasions? The energy and enthusiasm from babies to adults was contagious.
Paired with yakitori, takoyaki, and Asahi beer, sometimes all you need to do is go with the flow to discover the most memorable, joyful moments.
The last leg of our trip included a brief stop in my hometown of Cairns to reconnect with family. After a devastating fire destroyed our family business last month, it was grounding to pause, share love, and breathe together.
Travel offers both the extraordinary and the ordinary. Returning home, we felt changed, recharged, and refreshed, reminded that this world and its people are a true gift.
Until next time…
