THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO

The courtyard is decorated in a very artistic and pleasing way.

In Kyoto, a city brimming with the charm of an ancient capital, THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO was a delightful surprise! Designed by renowned Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, this hotel perfectly blends traditional Japanese aesthetics with modern design. From the moment I stepped inside, I was stunned by its stunning beauty (I really couldn't help but laugh, it's so beautiful!). 📍Excellent Location: Tucked away in an alley in Higashiyama Ward, it's only a 5-minute walk to Yasaka Shrine and a 10-minute walk to Kiyomizu-dera Temple. I especially loved the alleyway behind the hotel; in the early morning, it was completely deserted, and every snapshot had that "Kyoto Arashi" feel to it! 🏡Room Experience: My Japanese-style suite had its own small courtyard! Opening the sliding door revealed maple leaves 🍁 and a dry landscape garden (although the leaves weren't quite red yet, lol). After a bath in the evening, I rolled around on the tatami mats in the yukata provided by the hotel, and suddenly felt like a local! 🍱Foodie Must-See: Breakfast offers a choice of Western or Japanese options, but I highly recommend the Japanese! The nine-compartment bento box was packed with Kyoto seasonal delicacies, and I'm still drooling just thinking about the tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelet) 🤤. By the way, the hotel's own kaiseki restaurant has a 3.58 rating on Tabelog, and you need to book three days in advance! 📸Photogenic Spots: 1️⃣The paper lantern corridor in the lobby (the lighting is incredibly soft, making your skin glow in photos) 2️⃣The long table in front of the restaurant's floor-to-ceiling windows (it's amazing when the morning sunlight streams in) 3️⃣The courtyard window in the room (perfect for striking a pose in a yukata) 4️⃣The stone path at the back door (remember to use portrait mode to blur the background) 💡Tips: - The hotel offers complimentary matcha and small snacks in the lobby every afternoon from 3-5 pm. - There's a confectionery shop nearby called "Gion Koishi," a 3-minute walk away. Their matcha warabi mochi is ten times better than the ones at the Nishiki Market! - Forgot your kimono? The front desk can help you book a rental service. My biggest regret is only staying one night… Next time I'm in Kyoto, I'll definitely make this my base! Watching the lights of Higashiyama gradually illuminate from my room window, I suddenly understood why some people say, "Kyoto's nights breathe." ✨ #KyotoHotels #KengoKumaDesign #HigashiyamaAccommodation #KaisekiCuisine #KyotoTravel

This temple truly touched my heart! ✨ Although this was a special attraction I only visited on my fourth trip to Japan, it was completely worth it! It's truly a divine attraction in my opinion 👑 This 1,300-year-old temple perfectly showcases Kyoto's most classic Japanese aesthetic. As soon as I stepped into the complex, I felt like I'd been transported back to the Heian period ⏳. I felt like I was about to encounter the fox spirit from "Kamisama Kiss" (lol) 🏯 Must-see Spots and Hardcore Guide: - Shimizu Stage: A National Treasure of Japan 🔥 The 18-meter-high suspended structure is so breathtaking it's worth seeing! It's said to be incredibly effective for marriage and love 💕 - Triple-Storied Pagoda: Kyoto's iconic landmark Red pagoda + cherry blossoms/maple leaves = the perfect photo backdrop A truly stunning sight in spring 🌸 - Otowa Falls: A must-try of three sacred springs Choose one from longevity, wisdom, or marriage (Secret: the leftmost spring is the sweetest 😉) Getting There: 📍Address: 1-294 Kiyomizu, Higashiyama District, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture 🚌Public Transportation: Keihan Bus: Get off at Kiyomizu-michi Station, a 10-minute walk Or City Bus Route 206: Get off at Gojo-zaka Station, a 12-minute walk ⏰Opening Hours: 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM (extended during nighttime cherry blossoms/maple leaves) Although the lines were long, I was completely refreshed after visiting. The joy of wearing a kimono and taking a 3-hour photoshoot Here are the secrets to getting over 200 likes on your Instagram! 📸 Renting a furisode is recommended for the most photogenic look. 👘 #KyotoTravel #KiyomizuderaTravel #Must-SeeJapan #KimonoExperience #AncientTempleVisiting