Summer trip to #Kyoto| Solo travel | Kifune, Nagashi somen, Otagi Temple | 2 day itinerary

Venture deep into the mountains of Arashiyama to find this hidden temple, about 50 minutes from Kyoto Station. The bus doesn't come often, so I took a taxi. Once you arrive, it feels like entering another world. Here, you'll see an amazing collection of over 1,200 rakan statues, each carved by a different person, making them completely unique and whimsical. It was so peaceful and definitely one of the most unique temples I've visited. Remember to check bus times before you go, as they are infrequent.

After a long walk in the summer heat, I stumbled upon this cute, retro cafe in the middle of nowhere. I couldn't resist the kakigori sign! It was a much-needed break, and the cold kakigori, which was huge and even had ice cream inside, was incredibly refreshing. The shop owner even gave me a free souvenir, which was a lovely touch.

I visited this traditional Japanese garden and teahouse, which was so beautiful and calming. It was a perfect way to spend a rainy afternoon. I only planned to stay a few minutes but ended up spending about an hour, just enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Even in the heat, you could see hints of autumn leaves peaking through.

Kibune is a popular summer getaway, surrounded by the river, and it's about an hour and a half from Kyoto by train and bus. I found a perfect waiting spot at Hyoue Cafe while waiting for my nagashi somen reservation. Kibune is famous for its kawadoko, riverside restaurants, many of which sit on the waterbanks. You can dip your feet in the cold water, which is absolutely the best feeling on a hot summer's day. I got the matcha latte and melon monaka here, enjoying the cool breeze.

Hirobun is a popular restaurant in Kibune where you can try nagashi somen. I arrived at 10:30 AM for an 11 AM opening, and there was already a line. Once you pay, they give you a time to come back, so you can explore. There was about another 40-minute wait once inside. The nagashi somen only runs from May to September, so it gets crowded. You're given mentsuyu and some mochi for dessert, and you have to catch your noodles as they flow through bamboo panels. You get one designated panel for yourself. The cold noodles were so refreshing, and the amazing view with lunch was definitely worth the wait!

Another highlight of Kibune is the Kifune Shrine, around which the whole town developed. It's dedicated to the god of water and rain. One unique thing you can do here is the water omikuji, where your fortune is revealed once you dip the paper in water. I got good fortune! The rest of Kibune is lined with ryokan and restaurants, great for escaping the heat and relaxing.

I randomly came across this place where you can make your own perfume. You get to smell and select a few scents to mix for your personal fragrance, and they make it for you on the spot. All the scents were really nice; my favorite was the 'Deep Forest' one. I felt like the scent perfectly described this trip to Kyoto.

I had dinner at Katsukura, a tonkatsu shop I've been to 3-4 times now. I don't usually like tonkatsu, but it's not too greasy here, and they give you a lot of sauce options. Their pickles are also really good! I got the yuba-wrapped vegetables and pork tonkatsu set.