Day Two – Kyoto on Foot

Day Two – Kyoto on Foot

I woke the next morning refreshed, energised, and eager to explore. What followed was a full immersion into Kyoto — entirely on foot — clocking over 55,000 steps by the end of the day.

Our first discovery was a shrine dedicated to boars and animals. It immediately captured my attention, particularly the symbolism of the horse and the snake. With Chinese New Year approaching, it felt timely and meaningful — another quiet reminder of the cycles and traditions that run so deeply through Japanese culture.

Leaving the shrine, we unexpectedly wandered into Kyoto Park, home to the Emperor’s former residence. As with so much in Japan, the scale was astonishing. We walked the entire perimeter before continuing along the Kamo River, a peaceful stretch that gently guided us toward our next destination.

Kiyomizu-dera Temple was nothing short of breathtaking. This Buddhist temple, famously constructed without a single nail, sits dramatically on a sloping mountainside. Standing there, I was reminded of Takatasu’s fish house — the same sense of balance, craftsmanship, and respect for nature built into the structure itself.

From there, we crossed back through Kyoto toward Higashi Hongan-ji Temple, stopping briefly at Shōsei-en Garden. Herons nested high in the treetops, serene and watchful. Interestingly, we saw no carp in the lake — a rare sight for Japan.

Higashi Hongan-ji became the highlight of the day for me. Vast, imposing, yet deeply calming. Removing our shoes before entering, we stepped into a space filled with quiet reverence. Watching people pray with such sincerity and respect was genuinely humbling. I was surprised to learn that the Buddhist philosopher associated with the temple had been relocated to Niigata during his journey — another unexpected connection on a trip already rich with meaning.

By the time we left, the physical toll was undeniable. Legs aching, energy fading — but spirits high. All that remained was the walk back to the Brighton Hotel and finding food.

We stopped on the main road for a well-earned pint, sharing a Wagyu burger and a Japanese beef stew. Simple, comforting, and perfect after such a long day.

An amazing day in Kyoto — physically demanding, spiritually grounding, and deeply rewarding. My legs may disagree, but this is exactly why we came.