Running, Meditation, and a Ramen Journey — A Kyoto Airbnb Host’s Daily Life

A Morning Run to Nijo Castle

Today, I’m writing this post during a break from my run. I usually go running two or three times a week, and my course is about 30 minutes one way from my home to Nijo Castle.

My favorite spot

There is a small riverside spot on the east side of the castle where I always stop to rest. It’s quiet, away from the busy city streets, and it has become one of my favorite places in Kyoto. While resting, I take about seven minutes to meditate. The cool breeze during meditation today felt so refreshing that it inspired me to start writing this post right after.

When I finish writing, I’ll head back home, stopping at a convenience store along the way to grab an iced coffee as a small reward. As for why I started meditation in the first place — I’ll save that story for another day.

A Ramen Journey to Shiga

Two days ago, I took a short trip with a close friend to Shiga Prefecture, which is right next to Kyoto. We went to a ramen shop called **Yoshichi** in Katata. It takes about 25 minutes by train from Kyoto Station, and from Katata Station you can walk to the shop.

Now, let me tell you why this ramen place is special to me. Their ramen is tonkotsu-based, rich and flavorful, but my absolute favorite is their tsukemen. The noodles are thick and chewy, and when dipped into the deep, savory broth, it creates the perfect balance. Every time I take that first bite, I feel a mix of comfort and excitement.

I go there at least once a month with my friend, and it has become our small ritual. The shop itself is simple but clean, and the staff always greet us kindly. It feels warm and welcoming — not fancy, but full of heart.

You might wonder, why go all the way to Shiga when Kyoto already has so many delicious ramen shops? For me, the journey itself is part of the taste. Boarding the train, talking with my friend, and stepping into a different prefecture just to eat a bowl of ramen makes the whole experience richer. It turns an ordinary meal into a small adventure.

And honestly, I don’t have many friends I go out with, so these moments — laughing about nothing in particular while slurping noodles — are really precious. If you’ve ever had that one meal with a close friend that felt special beyond the food, then you know exactly what I mean.

Tsukemen of Yoshichi

Today’s Lunch Decision

Since last night, I’ve been thinking about what to eat for lunch today. I finally decided on the seasonal “Tsukimi Focaccia” from Mos Burger. Every autumn, Japanese fast food chains release moon-viewing themed items, and this one looked especially tempting.

Luckily, there’s a Mos Burger within walking distance of my Airbnb, so after finishing this post, I might head there to try it.

Special menu

To You, Reading This Now

If you’re reading this, thank you. I’m sharing these small pieces of my daily life because I want you to feel what it’s like to really live in Kyoto — not just visit it as a tourist. Running by Nijo Castle, meditating by the river, traveling to Shiga for ramen, even choosing lunch at a burger shop — this is the rhythm of my life.

If you ever come to Kyoto, I would love to share more of these experiences with you. You can find me as the host of Kamon Inn Toji Higashi on Airbnb.

Kamon Inn Toji Higashi Airbnb URL：

[embed]サービスアパートメント · 京都市 · ★4.91 · 寝室1 · ベッド2 · バスルーム1 2025年9月18日 - ¥ 13000のまるまる貸切のサービスアパートメント。 「京都を旅するだけでなく、Airbnbで暮らすように過ごす。」 東寺まで徒歩3分、京都駅からもアクセス良好な【Kamon Inn…www.airbnb.jp

[embed]サービスアパートメント · 京都市 · ★5.0 · 寝室1 · ベッド2 · バスルーム1 2025年9月18日 - ¥ 13000のまるまる貸切のサービスアパートメント。 「京都を旅するだけでなく、Airbnbで暮らすように過ごす。」 東寺まで徒歩3分、京都駅からもアクセス良好な【Kamon Inn…www.airbnb.jp

[embed]サービスアパートメント · 京都市 · ★4.69 · 寝室1 · ベッド3 · バスルーム1 2025年9月18日 - ¥ 13000のまるまる貸切のサービスアパートメント。 「京都を旅するだけでなく、Airbnbで暮らすように過ごす。」 東寺まで徒歩3分、京都駅からもアクセス良好な【Kamon Inn…www.airbnb.jp