Meeting Point

Imadegawa Station「今出川駅」

Anime Figure Museum「京都西陣たてくんミュージアム」

Step into a renovated Kyoto townhouse packed with around 3,000 figures from anime, tokusatsu, and classic transforming hero series. Every figure was handpicked by the curator, who also built each display scene by hand, and I'll gladly translate any questions you have for him. Whether you grew up on these shows or are just discovering them, it's a fun, nostalgic look at the heroes that shaped Japanese pop culture. As a bonus, we can also stop by a retro game store just around the corner to dig through classic consoles and games.

Tojiin「等持院

Step into Tojiin, a quiet Zen temple founded in the 1300s as the family temple of the Ashikaga shoguns, who ruled Japan for over two centuries. Inside, a hall lined with lifelike wooden statues of the shoguns brings their history to life. Then relax with a bowl of matcha while gazing over a beautiful pond garden. Despite its history, Tojiin sees few visitors, making it one of Kyoto's best-kept secrets. (Admission and matcha not included.)

Lunch at Kodo Shoten「食堂 木洞商店」

Enjoy a lunch of real Japanese home cooking at a cozy neighborhood cafe where almost everything is made by hand. From the interior and tableware to the seasonings and ingredients, everything is either made by the owners themselves or sourced from local producers and artisans they know personally. It's the kind of warm meal you'd be served in a Japanese home. (Lunch cost not included.)

Takeisao Shrine「建勲神社」

Climb the stone steps of Funaokayama, a small hill in the heart of northern Kyoto, to Takeisao Shrine, dedicated to one of Japan's most legendary warlords. At the top, you'll be rewarded with sweeping views over the city and the surrounding mountains, a view few visitors ever see. It's also a chance to experience a Shinto shrine and see how it differs from the Buddhist temple we visited earlier.

Funaoka Onsen「船岡温泉」

Ending Point

Funaoka Onsen「船岡温泉」