Solo Travel in Japan, Day 8 part 2 🗾 Kyoto day trip!

If you are planning to visit Kyoto in Autumn, definitely stop by this UNESCO World Heritage site—Nishi Honganji temple. Visit the Great Ginkgo Tree of Honganji—it’s a 400 year old tree that turns golden every fall. If you are lucky, you might also see all kinds of exquisite chrysanthemums on exhibit (there will be species that, I’m sure, you have never seen before). 🌼

Nishi Hongan-ji Temple
西本願寺
📍Japan, 〒600-8501 Kyoto, Shimogyo Ward, Honganji Monzencho
⌚️open everyday from 5:30AM-5PM

Then take the City Bus (206 or 207) towards Kyoto-Kawaramachi station or Shijo Kawaramachi, walk towards Pontocho park and enjoy the old Japan vibe! 🇯🇵

In the alley, you’d find one of my favorite restaurants in Japan. They don’t take reservations, go a few minutes before they open, or go during the odd hours. Order the premium gyukatsu & pair it with matcha beer. You’re welcome. 🥩🍻🤤

Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu – Ponto-cho Main Shop
牛カツ京都勝牛先斗町本店
📍188 Zaimokucho, Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto, 604-8017, Japan
⌚️open everyday from 11AM-10:30PM

One of the best souvenirs you could take home from Japan would be kitchen knives forged from Sakai City. And you’d find them in this beautiful kyomachiya in Pontocho (as well as several other locations around Japan). 🇯🇵

Jikko was founded 120 years ago in Sakai City, Osaka. The city is known for the keyhole shaped ancient burial mounds called “kofun”. The 5th century mounds are unexplored even by experts out of abundance of caution and respect for their own culture. 👍🏼

Sakai was known for their samurai swords and now — for their knives. 🔪

JIKKO Kyoto Ponto
JIKKO Cutlery Kyoto Ponto / 實光刃物京都先斗町店
📍Japan, 〒604-8016 Kyoto, Nakagyo Ward, Shimokorikicho, 208-4
⌚️open everyday from 10:30AM-6:30PM

See you in part 3!😊