Joining the tour group, we eagerly boarded the tour bus, filled with anticipation to delve into the captivating history and culture of Kyoto.

Our first destination was Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion, an awe-inspiring Zen temple with its top two floors lavishly adorned in gold leaf.

It was a remarkable sight! While it may not have gleamed with the luster of chrome, the natural surroundings were even more breathtaking, presenting a harmonious and visually stunning masterpiece.

Afterward, we strolled through the neighboring city to find a spot for lunch. We discovered an authentic sit-down restaurant where I had the pleasure of savoring delicious wagyu croquettes and indulging in Arashiyama Tenryuu ramen.

Following our satisfying lunch, we proceeded to Kiyomizudera, one of Japan’s most renowned temples. Its standout feature was the wooden terrace extending from the main hall, offering a panoramic view of the city and lush mountains. The sight was truly mesmerizing and left a lasting impression on all of us.

Our next stop was Fushimi-Inari, a shrine famous for its countless vermilion torii gates. As we walked along the winding path, we found ourselves enveloped by a striking tunnel of vibrant red gates, each one inscribed with the name of its generous donor. Despite the considerable number of visitors, the atmosphere remained remarkably serene, adding to the spiritual experience.

As the day drew to a close, we visited Kyoto Computer Gakuin, where the staff warmly welcomed us. After some casual conversation, we settled in for an anime screening of the Demon Slayer movie Mugen Train which I have personally seen. It served as a fantastic way to unwind and relax after a full day of exploring the rich cultural heritage of Kyoto.

The following day, we embarked on an early morning expedition to engage in a traditional zazen meditation session. The awe-inspiring architecture of the venerable Japanese temples never fails to captivate, and the abundant verdant surroundings, accompanied by the soothing melodies of nature, immediately instilled a sense of tranquility within me. The serene ambiance made me feel at ease in this peaceful sanctuary.

Following the meditation, we proceeded to revisit one of the previous locations to partake in a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, an experience that provided us with a profound insight into the intricacies of tea etiquette. The gracious hostess exemplified kindness and empathy as she enlightened us about some of the subtle nuances involved in the art of the tea ceremony.

For instance, when sipping from the bowl, it is customary to orient the most embellished portion of the vessel towards oneself, acknowledging the person who will be holding the bowl. Additionally, before imbibing, one delicately rotates the bowl twice in a clockwise manner, ensuring that their lips do not make direct contact with the bowl’s exquisite craftsmanship.

Afterward, we ventured to the bustling Nishiki Market to indulge in a delectable assortment of culinary delights. Following a brief respite at our hotel, where I took the opportunity to rejuvenate for an hour, we convened once more at 6 pm for an evening of bowling at Round 1.

We Boweld, I lost but had an enjoyable time non the less. Then we just stayed a bit longer in the arcade and just had a swing at the games they had.

Then we walked back through Nishiki Market at night and the stark difference it has when there are no people is kind of scary but in any other country I would probably feel uneasy but here it felt calming.”