My Favourite Moment from Kyoto (That Wasn’t Planned)

Late into the night, we stood with scarves wrapped around our heads and vending machine coffees in our hands, rain dripping into my eyes from strands of hair peeking out. We walked quickly towards the train, the shiny pavement reflecting the lights back at us.

We were laughing, wondering why—out of all the times—we had decided not to get an Uber. Why now? Why were we suddenly trying to save money? Especially after happily splashing out on vending machine coffees.

They were good, though. Warm too. Although if I’m honest, we mostly used them to defrost our hands.

Famous for its vibrant red torii gates lined with lanterns, Fushimi Inari Shrine is already one of Kyoto’s most iconic spots. But at night, in the rain, it felt completely different.

Quieter. Almost surreal.

There was barely anyone else around, either sensible enough to stay in or not quite as determined (or stupid) as we were to be out in that weather.

At this point in the trip, we were already exhausted.

We had already escaped a tour we were supposed to be on, had one too many late nights that somehow turned into 4 am finishes (including the night before), and definitely not enough sleep. But that’s part of it, right? Experiencing everything and pushing through to make the most of every moment.

After all, we can sleep when we’re home.

That same morning had started with us running through the streets of Higashiyama, completely lost and late for our tea ceremony. We were frantically asking for directions, being sent in circles, and trying to hold it together while severely hungover.

The experience was wholesome, and I had never experienced such a warm, welcoming atmosphere as I did with the women helping me dress in a customary kimono. However, being so tightly cinched into the kimono, I spent most of the tea ceremony trying not to pass out. 

It was chaotic—but also kind of perfect.

And that’s the thing about Kyoto.

It’s not just the quiet temples or the perfectly curated moments; it’s everything in between. The chaos, the tiredness, the slightly questionable decisions. The mix of big nights out and slow, traditional experiences. It is the kind of place to experience both, and even the messy moments became my favourite. 

Exploring the gates that night ended up being one of our most memorable moments. We laughed the whole way through and somehow managed to get photos of the iconic pathways completely empty.

The kind of moment you don’t plan, but end up remembering the most.

If you’re visiting in more practical weather and a little earlier, then I’d definitely recommend exploring nearby spots like Maruyama Park or passing through the Yasaka-jinja Pagoda. 

But honestly?

I wouldn’t change a thing about that night.