17 October 2026 · Morning
A morning in Kyoto — and a rest at the Hyatt before the tea ceremony planned for this evening.
This morning we were back on foot in Kyoto. Blue skies, sunshine on old wooden façades, and lanes that make you want to stop every few steps. Anneliese and I explored the old Higashiyama district, among little shops, teahouses, temples and ever-changing views across the roofs of the former imperial capital.
One particularly lovely sight was the Yasaka Pagoda, suddenly appearing between the houses. Its five storeys rise above the narrow streets, and the view changes as you walk. Just a few steps, and you want another photograph. Naturally, we took our own souvenir picture in front of it.
Kimonos, with a little nod to lederhosen
Everywhere we met people wearing kimonos. Delicate colours, bold patterns, beautifully tied sashes and flowers in their hair. Many Japanese women and men wear this wonderful clothing — and some tourists want to join in for a day, too.
I had to smile. It reminded me a little of the “Prussians in lederhosen” back home: visitors enthusiastically dressing in our local traditions. Here, it is a kimono rather than leather breeches.
And it is rather endearing. You can see the pleasure it gives people, and it fits these streets beautifully. Groups pose for photographs together, and we even encounter kimonos outside the ice cream shop. A grand cultural journey is surely allowed a little ice cream break.
For me, there is something especially beautiful about the kimono: it makes every woman look like a lotus flower. The colours, the lines, the carefully arranged fabric — everything gives her a special setting. Some garments were very simple, others richly decorated. There were playful versions, too, with lace, frills and enormous bows. Plenty to look at.
We even caught a glimpse of a wedding. One of those encounters you cannot plan, and that stays with you long after a walk.
Small discoveries between the big sights
Expressive masks and figures hung on a wooden façade: mischievous faces, fierce grimaces, curious creatures. A little further along, a large red lantern marked the entrance to a small restaurant. Beyond it lay a little courtyard, wood, shade and carefully arranged objects.
And then more steps. Kyoto keeps its visitors moving. Up and down between closely packed houses, with views over grey tiled roofs towards the green hills.
At Kiyomizu-dera, the red temple gates glowed against the blue sky. The steps were busy. Apparently, we were not the only ones who had thought of a lovely Saturday walk.
Along the way, we stopped for soba noodles in a small restaurant. A wooden table, pretty little bowls, noodles on dark trays. After so many impressions, it felt good simply to sit down.
The morning grows quieter beside the water
Our morning also included a Buddhist garden. A beautiful garden with a large pond, little islands, old trees and bridges curving gently across the water.
Here, different things caught the eye: reflected branches, the first yellow and red leaves, a pine tree beside the water. Large stone slabs crossed a narrow stream. Anneliese paused on the arched wooden bridge for a photograph.
Kyoto Tower was visible above the trees. The modern city was very close, then. Yet among the water, stones and greenery, it was possible to forget it for a while.
That was what I particularly liked about this morning: first the crowds, the kimonos, the little shops and the magnificent temple gates. Then this garden, where there was time to let it all settle.
Time to put our feet up
We are now back at the Hyatt, resting. Our feet have earned their break, and we are gathering fresh energy. The day is not over yet: a tea ceremony is planned for this evening.
After such a beautiful morning in the old imperial capital, we are looking forward to the next part of our Kyoto day.
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