People & Places: Walk My Journey

Book Published by HK Publishing in 2022

Kinkaku-ji (Golden Pavilion)Temple is a Zen temple whose top two floors are covered in gold leaf.

“…….. Kyoto’s history is tangible and accessible on many levels. Going about Kyoto meant coming face-to-face with that heritage on a daily basis. While walking on the street towards a bust stop, glimpses of that traditional life surfaced with every step we took. We came across an old wooden entrance gate: a sweeping temple roof; a tree-covered mountain; a traditional wooden restaurant. Korean tourists in kimono walking on the streets in Arashiyama; a walk in Sagano bamboo forest in Arashiyama, among the soaring stalks of bamboo was like being in another world.

Despite having a population density just under 3.5 times lower than that of Tokyo metropolis, Kyoto exuded a relaxing atmosphere, compared to Tokyo. Going about Kinugasa Hills and Northwest Kyoto, reinforced the traditional values and heritage of Kyoto with its incredible temples, traditional ryokan and craftsmanship imparting an unforgettable small town feel.

A traditional restaurant, on the street we took to get back to Mountain Retreat in Kinugasa Hills.