Where I went: Heian Shrine. How I got there: 10 minutes walk from Subway Higashiyama Station. You know those orange gates outside of shrines in Japan? Those are called Torii gates and Heian Shrine has a massive one you can drive a car through. The main grounds of the shrine don’t let you down either; the courtyard is gigantic and surrounded on all four sides by the orange, white and green of the shrine’s architecture. BONUS: there’s an incredible bridge that spans one of the ponds on the grounds that I swear is something right out of a Ghibli film.

Where I went: Kenninji Temple. How I got there: 7 minutes walk from Keihan Gion-shijo Station. Kenninji is Kyoto’s oldest Zen temple and I’m just going to get straight to it: Dragons! The spectacular ink painting of two dragons on the ceiling of the Hatto (Dharma Hall) will transfix you with its mysticism and power. And there are more stunning depictions amongst the other art on the temple’s walls. Not for the first time in Kyoto, I felt some significant impact inspired by the art and atmosphere of these ancient places. Amongst Kenninji’s peaceful, oasis-like gardens, this time I felt a sense of clarity: as if the dragons’ deep gaze daring me to challenge myself creatively, to be bold and to explore new, uncharted territories. What an experience!

Where I went: Toji Temple. How I got there: 15 minutes walk from Kyoto Station. Toji was always going to be a highlight for me. The five roofed pagoda, called Gojunoto, is Japan's tallest wooden tower and is so strikingly “Kyoto”. Unsurprisingly, it's a World Heritage Site. I filmed it against changing skies, from day into a dramatic orange evening. There’s no way the finished piece won’t be stunning. I heard that they also light up at night depending on the time of year, would love to see it!

Where I went: Nanzenji Temple. How I got there: 10 minutes walk from Subway Keage Station. Near Keage Station, there is my second shrine and temple visit – Nanzenji, in Higashiyama. Famous for lush surroundings and beautiful gardens, all framed by iconic landscapes - gorgeous it definitely is. The large main gate, called Sanmon, has steps to the top, but even though it’s only 22 meters high it’s still a little intimidating. The view is worth it though, and like many sights and activities in this ancient capital, the view is quite moving; only from up high can you see the city merge seamlessly with the surroundings. It just feels… natural, and trust me, it’s better than you might have imagined.

Where I went: Tofukuji Temple. How I got there: 10 minutes walk from JR Tofukuji Station. Tofukuji Temple is a quick and easy trip from Kyoto Station. It’s more charming than awe-inspiring and very quintessentially “Kyoto”, so much so that you’ll likely recognize Tsutenkyo Bridge, its most famous spot with gorgeous leafy autumnal scenery and ambiance, featured in publications and image libraries everywhere. It’s really worth the trip!

Where I went: Kyoto Tower. How I got there: Two minutes walk across the street from Kyoto Station. I wasn’t initially going to visit the tower but being at the end of my time in Kyoto I’m glad I did. Taking in the cityscape during sunset’s “magic hour” was… well, magical and seeing all the places I visited – the temples, shrines and heritage sites from the observation deck made me stop and appreciate the excursion, full of wonder and contemplation. It really did put a full stop on this inspiring time.

Winding up business early meant I had a little free time. Wondering what to do I remembered my daughter talking about a Japanese tea stand that was trending on TikTok. So off I went to the shop, hatoya ryoyousha. One incredibly delicious matcha latte relaxed me enough to pose for a few selfies, imitating the photos the (very) stylish women around me were taking. Will my daughter be impressed? Time will tell! 10 minutes walk from Saga-Arashiyama Station.

After all that speedy catching up with macha lattes and success blessings, I realized that I hadn’t bought any Kyoto souvenirs, my daughter in particular would never forgive me if I came back empty handed. On top of that, I was hungry. Luckily, inside Kyoto station shinkansen ticket gate, there’s Maiko, a traditional themed store with beautifully crafted products like Kyoto-origin sweets made by long-established stores and popular "bento" boxes. I learned that the word for craftsman is “Takumi”. Anyway, with thoughtfully wrapped gifts packed, I also got to choose a delicious looking “bento” dinner box for the ride back - a wagyu-beef and Kyoto cuisine combo. Nothing beats wagyu! So much problem solving in one place, perhaps the success blessings are paying off already.

A short walk from hatoya ryoyousha is the Kurumazaki shrine, where one prays for blessings in love and the arts. Importantly, blessings of wealth are also bestowed here, so naturally I made sure my business partner joined me to be blessed! Apparently Japanese celebrities come to do just that, so I guess “when in Rome…” Aside from that, the wider Sagano/Arashiyama area is surprisingly delightful to explore and discover on foot with many shrines, cafes, and parks.