ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr: Day 3: Japan (Kyoto)

Saturday, February 28, 2026

Day 3: Japan (Kyoto)

Our Day 3, my nieces would be bringing me to Kyoto to visit the Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the Hanami-koji Street. The latter in hope to catch a (real) Geisha.

Today, I would also be experiencing riding Japan's public bus. My nieces arranged that we take the train and the bus.

We walked our way to these landmarks. It is an uphill walk. The area has several stores--food stalls, souvenir shops, restaurants, etc.

On the way up, we paused for a snack. I tried a vanilla and matcha ice cream at Kyoto Kiyomizu Chigiriya.

We also stopped by Yuzen where I was able to buy chopsticks and have my name engraved on them. We will pick up the engraved chopsticks later.

Yuzen

We wanted to try Starbucks there because of the experience of drinking your coffee differently--while on the floor. But the coffee shop is full. It also has a different facade which matches with the area.

Starbucks

Took several photos near the Houkanji Temple and Yasaka Pagoda.

Yasaka Pagoda

For lunch, we ate at Ninenzaka Kamanza. I ordered the Teriyaki Chicken Bowl. 👍 It is also here where I tried using chopsticks. My niece taught me how.

Ninenzaka Kamanza

We then went back to Yuzen to pick-up our engraved chopsticks before proceeding to Kiyomizu-dera Temple, stopping from time to time to check stores and/ or buy items like in Kuroroku.

We entered the temple grounds and took several photos.

On our way out, there was a group of ladies donning the Geisha attire. Many people flocked around them and took photos.

Our next destination is the Hanami-koji Street where you can find real Geisha if you would be able to catch them. We walked our way there, stopping at Starbucks to refresh after all that walking.

Hanami-koji Street

We then went back to our hotel to rest a bit before having our dinner.

For dinner, we went to Fukutaro. When we arrived at the restaurant, there were already people waiting outside to be seated. We ordered their Negiyaki Mixed (pork, shrimp, squid) and Okonomiyaki Beef. 👍