Japan Spring Journey: Tokyo to Kyoto

This spring journey moved from Tokyo’s busy streets and temple precincts to Kyoto’s quieter lanes, gardens, and historic sights. Across five days, the trip traced a memorable path through iconic places, seasonal blossoms, and classic rail travel.

The journey began with a morning arrival at Haneda, followed by a ride on the monorail into the city. The first long walk took place in Asakusa, where Senso-ji stood out in red against a grey spring sky, with incense smoke drifting through the air. The day also included a first proper bowl of ramen in a small six-seat shop, followed by an evening walk along the Sumida River as the cherry blossoms were just beginning to open.

The second day was spent exploring Tokyo in full. The morning began at Meiji Shrine, where quiet gravel paths ran beneath enormous torii gates. Later, the route moved to Harajuku, then on to Shibuya Crossing at dusk. The crossing was repeated three times for fun, and the day ended with conveyor-belt sushi and a memorable plate count of 27.

Travel to Kyoto came by Shinkansen, with a smooth ride that made the coffee never ripple. The afternoon was spent at Fushimi Inari, climbing through thousands of vermilion gates as the crowds gradually thinned. By the end of the walk, the atmosphere had shifted into something much calmer, and Kyoto’s character felt distinct from Tokyo’s pace.

An early start brought an almost empty Arashiyama bamboo grove at 7 a.m., before the tour buses arrived. The visit to the monkey park included exactly zero monkey feeding, but the view over Kyoto was excellent. In the evening, the day finished with a tea ceremony in a machiya townhouse, where the matcha was described as bitter and wonderful.

The final morning began at Kinkaku-ji, where the Golden Pavilion reflected in the pond like a painting. The last stops included Nishiki Market, with a purchase of far too many omiyage sweets. The trip ended at Kyoto Station, closing a spring journey through Tokyo and Kyoto with one clear conclusion: Japan is worth returning to.

From temple grounds and river walks to bamboo groves and historic streets, this spring trip captured a vivid cross-section of Tokyo and Kyoto. It was a journey shaped by movement, seasonal blossoms, and memorable everyday moments.