Kyoto: Temples, Tuna, and Timepieces
- Jocelyn Flores
- Feb 4
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 2
Ah, Kyoto—the city where ancient traditions meet modern-day wanderlust. If Tokyo is Japan’s neon heartbeat, then Kyoto is its soul: serene, historic, and full of places to lose yourself (sometimes literally, thanks to its winding streets). I came here on a mission—not just for temples and tuna but to track down a watch from KUOE, a Japanese microbrand with a name as unique as its timepieces. But more on that later. First, let’s talk about getting there, exploring the sights, and indulging in Kyoto’s legendary eats.
Getting There
I flew in to Kansai International, near Osaka, which, in theory is less than a 30-minute train ride into Kyoto--just enough time to marvel at the speed, snack on an eki-ben (train bento), and question why trains back home aren’t that efficient. However, it took me over 2 hours to before I got to my hotel because a.) I arrived at the busiest time of the evening so I stood in a 30-minute line to buy train tickets, b.) I didn't take out cash to buy the ticket so I had to get out of line to get Japanese yen from an ATM back inside the airport, then c.) wait in line for another 30 minutes to buy a ticket on the JR (Japan Rail) Haruka Express, which reaches speeds up to 130km/h (80mph).
What to See
Kyoto is a visual feast, and I packed my itinerary with must-see spots:
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest – It’s like stepping into a dream. Or a really scenic phone wallpaper. Walk through towering bamboo stalks while contemplating life or just how many photos your phone storage can handle.
Iwatayama Monkey Park – A hike up the hill rewards you with a panoramic view of Kyoto… and a bunch of monkeys judging your snack choices. Just remember: they may be cute, but they will absolutely steal your stuff.
Nijo Castle – If you like your history with a side of intrigue, this is the place. Built for a shogun, it’s got gorgeous interiors and nightingale floors that chirp when walked on—an ancient security system to detect sneaky ninjas.
Fushimi Inari Taisha (Thousand Gates) – You’ve seen the photos of endless vermillion torii gates. Walking through them? Even more magical. Just wear comfy shoes unless you enjoy a calf workout.
Sanjusangendo Temple – Home to 1,001 statues of Kannon, the Goddess of Mercy. It’s equal parts awe-inspiring and slightly overwhelming—like finding out there are that many statues watching you at once.
What to Eat
Kyoto isn’t just about sightseeing—it’s about feasting. Here’s what you shouldn’t miss:
Fatty Tuna and Sashimi – Melt-in-your-mouth magic. Kyoto’s fresh fish game is on point, and your taste buds will thank you.
Grilled Eel (Unagi) – Sweet, smoky, and served over rice, it’s like comfort food but fancy.
Ramen – Because no trip to Japan is complete without slurping your way through a steaming bowl of broth and noodles.
And Crème Brûlée Donuts?! My mouth is drooling just thinking about those custard-filled bites of happiness.
What to Do
After all that walking and eating, it’s time to unwind:
Hot Springs and Spas – Kyoto is home to some incredible onsen (hot springs). Perfect for soaking away your sightseeing aches while questioning why you don’t do this every day. Don't be shy! Full nudity is required!
The Watch Hunt: KUOE and the ROYAL SMITH 90-006
Now, let’s talk timepieces. KUOE is a Kyoto-based microbrand specializing in vintage-inspired watches. The brand name stems from the founder’s initials and his birthdate—October 8th—because, hey, why not make your company name personal?
I set out to find my perfect KUOE, and after much deliberation (read: staring at watches for an absurd amount of time), I landed on the ROYAL SMITH 90-006 in Silver Case with an Ivory Dial. It’s got classic 1950s vibes, an understated elegance, and an automatic movement that makes my watch-loving heart skip a beat. The exhibition caseback was an immediate highlight—there’s something mesmerizing about watching the movement in action. The strap, however, wasn’t my favorite—functional but not exactly luxurious. A future upgrade to a high-quality leather or Milanese mesh might be in order, but for now, I’m just enjoying the charm of my new timepiece.
Final Thoughts
Kyoto is a city where every corner holds history, every meal is a delight, and every experience feels like stepping into a different era. Whether you’re here for temples, food, monkeys, or the perfect timepiece, Kyoto doesn’t disappoint. And if you leave with a new watch and a full stomach, you’ve done it right.
Comments