ThOuGhTs, iDeAs, oPiNiOnS, cHaTtEr: Day 4: Japan (Kyoto)

Sunday, March 01, 2026

Day 4: Japan (Kyoto)

A Sunday, we would be attending Mass at the Catholic Osaka Umeda Church. We left around 8 AM as we would be attending the English Mass at 9 AM.

We were on time as we were there before the Mass starts (which should be the case). At the end of the Mass, the congregation was asked who was their first time attending that Church. We were asked to stand up, introduce ourselves and where from. 🙏 Attending a Sunday Mass at Japan is my request to my nieces to include in our itinerary.

Catholic Osaka Umeda Church

After the Mass, we went to Blue Bottle Coffee for waffles (for me) and coffee (for my nieces).

At Blue Bottle Coffee

Again, we would be going to Kyoto (via train and lots of walking). This time, we would be visiting the Togetsu-kyo Bridge, the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove and the Tenryu-ji Temple.

Togetsu-kyo Bridge

View from Togetsu-kyo Bridge

The Togetsukyo Bridge ("Moon Crossing Bridge") is the iconic 155-meter, 400-year-old landmark of Kyoto's Arashiyama district. Spanning the Katsura River, it serves as a premier, year-round scenic spot for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. It is historically significant for its Heian-period origins (836), traditional design, and role as a, cultural symbol of Kyoto.

For lunch, we ate at Arashiyama Yoshimura. I ordered the Togetsuzen.

Togetsuzen of Arashiyama Yoshiumra

We took photos as we walked through the Arashiyama Bamboo Grove.

Arashiyama Bamboo Grove

A rickshaw

We entered the Tenryu-ji Temple, exploring its Sogenchi Garden. Tenryu-ji, a top-ranked UNESCO World Heritage site in Arashiyama, Kyoto, is best known for its 14th-century Sogenchi Garden, the powerful "Cloud Dragon" painting in the Hatto Hall, and traditional Zen architecture. Visitors can also experience authentic shojin ryori (vegetarian cuisine), tranquil temple halls, and direct access to the famous Bamboo Grove.

Cherry Blossoms at Sogenchi Garden

Camella

Tenryu-ji Temple

On the way to the train station, we stopped at Kumonocha Cafe to rest a bit and tried the food they offer.

At Kumunocha Cafe

At Osaka, we went back first to our hotel to rest before having our dinner.

For dinner, we went to Gyukatsu Motomura. I ordered the Gyukatsu Set Meal (130 g). 👍

You can dip the meat in the Wasabi or in the soy sauce (or both) before further grilling the meat to your liking. The side dishes can be added to the rice while you eat. It also has a warabi mochi for dessert.