Exploring Kyoto: A Walk Through Temples and Crowds

September 19, 2025. Kyoto, Japan.

Today we traveled from Osaka to Kyoto. Mistakenly taking the semi-rapid train made for a pleasant and hassle-free transition to a new city in Japan. Upon arrival, we found a quiet city with narrow streets and a very calm vibe. After checking in, we decided to head to the nearby Hōkan-ji Temple, also known as Yasaka Pagoda, an iconic landmark in Kyoto’s historic Higashiyama district. We also visited Shinzenkō-ji Temple, a smaller, less-known temple located nearby.

The pagoda and temple complex were astonishing in their beauty, and their condition after so many years is a testament to the care and skills of their builders. Hōkan-ji Temple, particularly its famous five-story pagoda, is one of Kyoto’s oldest and most recognizable landmarks, with the current structure dating back to 1440. It’s a key part of the scenery that makes this area feel like a step back in time.

It was difficult to admire the landscape and appreciate the intended purpose of its construction—a peaceful surrounding and a place for reflection—because there were thousands of people throughout the grounds. There was simply no place to get away from the crowds. We did not attempt to enter the Pagoda, which is rarely opened to the public, or the Shinzenkō-ji Temple, which can be toured for 500 yen. On our way down the mountain, at a nearby parking lot, we counted 27 large tour buses waiting for their passengers visiting the temple.

The sheer volume of tourists in Kyoto’s most popular areas, like Higashiyama, can be a startling experience. The tranquility one imagines is often replaced by a bustling, lively atmosphere. The challenge is in finding those moments of quiet contemplation amidst the throngs of visitors, who are all seeking the same beauty and peace.

After much maneuvering through the crowds, we were able to escape and head into the city, where we meandered until evening. The city sidewalks were also crowded. We are hoping that our next seven days in Kyoto will prove more peaceful than yesterday and that we can find some peace and solitude somewhere in this land of temples and shrines.