My 48 Hours in Kyoto: A Simple Travel Log of Sights, Shops, and Flavors

From carrot cake and antique shops to late-night karaoke and a reunion

Bulletin board message at Bukkoji Temple — photo by author

“A relentless wave of information, whispering “do this” and “do that.” Always driven, always chased. Is this really how I’m going to keep living?”

A Short Solo Trip to Kyoto Two whole days to myself without my son! “Excited” doesn’t even begin to describe it. I felt like skipping down the street — and I think I actually did from time to time!

From Nagoya to Kyoto The trip from Nagoya to Kyoto is a brief Shinkansen ride, taking only about 30 minutes. I could have taken a local train to save on the fare, but not this time; time was too precious.

Walking from Kyoto Station to the Shijo Area I usually avoid the bus from Kyoto Station because I hate waiting in long queues. As a domestic traveler, I don’t have much luggage, so I simply walk to the downtown area. It’s typically a 30-minute walk if I don’t stop along the way, but this time it took over two hours because I found so many reasons to stop!

Market at Higashi Honganji (Ohigashisan Hiroba) First, I came across a market in front of Higashi Honganji Temple. It’s a treasure trove if you’re interested in vintage crafts — matcha bowls, kimono, obi, and antique curios. I really wanted a matcha bowl, but I thought it wasn’t a good idea to buy something fragile right after arriving, so I passed. (And I’m totally regretting it now…)

**Bukkoji Temple** I turned a corner to wander through the back alleys and found the lovely Bukkoji Temple. I slipped into one of the halls and sat for a while to quiet my mind.

As a Buddhist, I do offer prayers, but mostly I just sit in silence and think of nothing. It’s strange — being in a quiet space where every corner is kept spotless just makes my mind go blank.

If you visit this temple, check out the shop on the premises called D&Department Kyoto. They have a sophisticated selection of traditional goods like chopsticks, tableware, and fabric accessories. I picked up a pair of bamboo sticks here.

All kinds of bamboo picks — photo by author

**Nishiki Market: Too many people!** I finally made my way to the Shijo area and decided to check out Nishiki Market, where I usually buy bonito flakes and black beans. It turned out to be packed with people walking, stopping, and eating — complete chaos. I only lasted one block before ducking into a side street.

Antique Shopping The area north of Nishiki Market is lined with antique shops, vintage clothing stores, unique boutiques, and coffee shops. You can stroll for hours if you’re into that kind of thing. I especially enjoyed browsing SOWGEN, 70B ANTIQUES, and Pro Antiques Komu (古夢).

My Go-To Used Kimono Shop Then I checked out Harajuku Chicago Kyoto, which has an expansive lineup of used kimonos upstairs. Everything is in good condition and reasonably priced, starting from just 3,000 yen.

Carrot Cake Break For a late snack, I had the carrot cake at Shinshindo. It was so delicious that I realized I had to take a photo only after I’d already taken a bite!

**Piece Hotel Sanjo: A hostel that works just fine** Since I’m on my own and just need a place to crash at night, I stayed at this dormitory (at about 4,000yen). But it’s not just rows of bunk beds — each “unit” is a solid little room with its own stairs. It was so peaceful that you’d never guess it was a 10-person room. The lounge and common areas are cozy and functional, too. I’ll definitely be staying here again.

Entrance hall of Piece Hotel Sanjo — Photo by author

The Night is Still Young! There was no way I was going to waste this rare freedom on sleep. I needed coffee, or maybe ramen… and with that, I headed back out the door!

I gave up on a late-night cafe I’d found on Google Maps because it was packed. As I wandered, wondering what to do, I ended up on Kawaramachi Street. A neon sign caught my eye, and I knew — it was time to sing. Off to the karaoke box!

Nothing special, just 30 minutes! I’m a huge fan of solo karaoke and do it about once a quarter. I rarely go with others anymore. When you’re alone, you can just sing the first verse and skip to the next, pour your soul into a song, or get all choked up thinking, “God, this is such a good song…”

It’s pure freedom. If you haven’t tried it yet, please do — I beg you!

Recognize any of these? — Photo by author

Breakfast at Inoda Coffee For breakfast, I went to Inoda Coffee, a Kyoto classic. It turned out they had changed their menu to only include massive breakfast platters, so I just ordered a latte and saved my appetite for later. At the cashier, I picked up a cute kitchen towel, which is now sitting on my kitchen counter.

Cafe au lait at Inoda Cofee — photo by author

**Rokkakudo Temple** Then I walked to Rokkakudo Temple. The main hall is hexagonal, and the shape of its roof is truly beautiful. It’s also well-known as the birthplace of Ikenobo, the oldest school of Ikebana.

There is a golden Buddha statue here. It’s believed that if you buy a specially blessed gold leaf sticker, make a wish to the Buddha, and apply the gold leaf to the statue, your wish will come true.

Reunion and back to Nagoya Finally, I joined a friend for lunch. It felt like I’d traveled 20 years back in time. I completely stopped caring about being in Kyoto — we just talked and talked until the very last second before my Shinkansen, and then I headed home.

And that wraps up my solo trip to Kyoto! I hope it offers you a bit of inspiration.

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