It’s been almost 10 years since my last visit to Kyoto and the impression was so strong that I can recall almost every single corner I have been, the home-like atmosphere and the warm conversations I had with the grandma who prepares breakfast every morning during our stay, in her own, family-run Ryokan.

On the day we were leaving, she sent us to the front door and half-jokingly asked me and my girlfriend to bring a kid the next time we visit. Years have passed, now living in the opposite side of the world as a father and husband, this place is always the first thing that comes to my mind thinking of Kyoto, even when I am playing around with Google Maps Japan that just went live earlier this week.

No, this is not a cliché story. It looks just like this picture when we said goodbye.

Link: Japanese Guest Houses - Heianbo

Walking Tour #1: The Philosopher’s Walk (Tetsugaku No Michi)
Walking Tour #2: Around Kiyomizu-dera