A Day in Kyoto: Markets, Temples, and Quiet Walks

We started our morning early—really early—in Gion. The plan was to catch sunrise photos along the cobblestone streets of Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka before the crowds showed up. In my head, I imagined empty streets, quiet mornings, and soft golden light.

What I didn’t expect was that everyone else had the same idea.

By the time we arrived, there were already people setting up tripods, waiting patiently for gaps in the crowd, and doing the same careful dance of trying to take photos without strangers in the background. So instead of frustration, we chose patience. We waited, took photos when we could, laughed about it, and accepted that some people would need to be edited out later.

Even with the crowds, there was still something special about being there so early. The streets felt calm underneath the activity, and the light hitting the wooden buildings made the whole area glow.

When hunger kicked in, we headed to Nishiki Market, and I loved it.

Yes, it was busy. Yes, it was loud. But it was also colorful, lively, and full of energy. The market is lined with food stalls selling everything from seafood to sweets, and the best way to experience it is to wander and try whatever looks good.

We sampled fried shrimp, sushi, and a sweet made with bean paste. Every bite felt like a small surprise, and honestly, everything we tried was good. This was one of those places where eating is part of the experience, not just something you do to fill time.

After lunch, we took a taxi to Kyoto Sanjo Shopping Street, and the vibe completely changed. Compared to Nishiki, this area felt calm, local, and relaxed with fewer tourists, more everyday shops, and space to actually walk without bumping into anyone.

Here, I tried a cream brûlée donut from Brulee, and it was incredible. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, with that caramelized sugar top. It was easily one of my favorite treats of the trip.

I also stopped by a used kimono shop called きものリサイクル&レンタル朱雀 and picked up a few items. It felt special shopping somewhere that wasn’t overly touristy.

By afternoon, we made our way back toward Gion to explore more slowly.

We visited Yasaka Shrine, which always feels lively yet peaceful. From there, we headed to Daiun-in Gionkaku Temple. A rare stop since it’s only open a few days a year. Being able to visit made it feel extra special.

Next was Kodaiji Temple, which has a small bamboo grove that feels much quieter than Arashiyama. It wasn’t crowded at all, and we took our time walking through the grounds.

Nearby, we passed Hōkan-ji Temple (the famous Yasaka Pagoda), one of Kyoto’s most recognizable sights. Even after seeing it multiple times, it still stops me in my tracks.

As the sun started to set, we walked back through Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka again. The streets felt completely different now—warmer light, softer shadows, and a calmer pace. It felt like closing a loop on the day, returning to where we started but with a totally different mood.

If you’re not too tired, Kiyomizu-dera Temple is also beautiful at sunset, but it’s worth saving for another day if your legs are done. Kyoto has a way of making walking feel endless.

For dinner, we headed to Pontocho Alley, a narrow street running along the Kamogawa River. It’s packed with tiny restaurants and bars, and the atmosphere feels cozy and intimate, especially at night.

We ate at an izakaya, which is basically a casual Japanese bar where you order small dishes to share. The miso soup and shrimp rice bowl were both great. However, we also ordered grilled chicken skin without realizing it was only skin and no meat—and yeah… that one wasn’t for us.

If you’re into cocktails, L’Escamoteur Bar nearby is a fun stop. It’s a magician-themed speakeasy with creative drinks and a cozy vibe.

After dinner, we walked along the Kamogawa River and through quiet side streets back to our hotel. The city felt calm, the air was cool, and the day felt complete.

This was one of my favorite days in Kyoto, not because it was packed with highlights, but because it felt balanced. We explored, rested, ate well, and didn’t rush. The weather was perfect at around 68°F, and trying all the food at the market was easily a highlight.

If you’re visiting during cherry blossom season, don’t miss the Shirakawa Area. Walk north from Hanami-koji Street along the canal lined with weeping willows and traditional teahouses. It’s one of the prettiest parts of Gion, and you might even spot a geisha or maiko quietly passing by.

Some days are about doing everything. This one was about enjoying it, and honestly, those are my favorite kinds of travel days.

This day in Kyoto was precisely what we needed: slow, easy, and full of little moments that made the trip feel special. From early morning walks in Gion to trying new food at Nishiki Market, quiet shopping streets, peaceful temples, and a relaxed dinner by the river, everything felt balanced. We didn’t rush; we listened to our energy and let the day unfold naturally. Those are often the days that stick with you the most.

Kyoto has a way of making even simple moments feel meaningful, whether it’s wandering cobblestone streets at sunset or ending the night with a quiet walk back to the hotel. If you’re planning a trip here, don’t feel pressured to pack your schedule; leave room to rest, explore, and enjoy being there.

If you want to follow the rest of our journey, you can read about our other days in Japan on our blog here, where we’ve shared detailed blogs from our earlier adventures and travel days.

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo