Kyoto Archives - Have Ya Seen Japan

Ginjiro makes unique French-Japanese hybrid “steak bowls”

In the heart of Kyoto around the corner from the big white and red tower is a little foreigner-friendly steak bowl joint called Ginjiro.

Kyoto / Rural / Uji

As you move away from central Kyoto and into the rural towns of Mukaijima and Ogura, the cities turn into farmlands as the noise evaporates.

The Fushimi Canal is a hidden gem in Kyoto’s Fushimi ward. The section between Kangetsukyo and Chushojima stations is particularly tranquil.

I’ve hiked up Mt. Daimonji before in the hot days of summer, but this time we are doing a 360 and trekking through the icy trails of winter!

Kyoto did not see much snowfall last winter, but now, we are seeing the first signs of snow in 2025 in Kyoto’s mountains.

Kyoto is home to the most beautiful natural sceneries in Japan. A few kilometers out from the city center are vast seasonal farmlands.

Only in Kyoto City will you find such a harmonious intertwining of traditional and modern Japanese culture. Let’s explore!

Wendy’s First Kitchen is the name given to Wendy’s restaurants across Japan. Here’s how my very first visit to a Kyoto branch went down.

Cafe / Food / Kyoto

Known for their premium egg on toast sets, specialty coffee, and soothing matchas, SAGAN Cafe is the best hybrid breakfast joint in Kyoto!

Obaku is home to the famous Manpukuji Temple, but just around the corner from there is a scenic community campus known as Obaku Park.

Known as Kyoto’s “Chinese Temple” because of its origins, Manpukuji is the head temple of the Japanese Obaku Zen school.

Kyoto / Park / Uji

As a writer, the best thing about Japan is that there’s so much to write about! Minamioshima Park invokes feelings that must be expressed.