Japan Diaries: New Year’s Eve in Kyoto and the Magic of Fushimi Inari
A Journey from My Personal Journal
January 1st, 2025: Happy New Year from Kyoto
Happy New Year from Kyoto! I had every intention of writing something profound today—a meaningful reflection to kick off 2025. But truthfully, all I have to say is this: I’m absolutely hanging. Last night was wild, and I’ve woken up with the mother of all hangovers after what was the mother of all nights out.
I was still drunk when I woke up. Yasmin and I ventured out at noon, both of us barely functioning, in desperate search of food and coffee. Even through the haze, I couldn’t help but love the streets of Kyoto—every corner has its charm, even when you’re feeling completely rotten.
Let me keep it short: Kyoto is amazing. Japan is amazing. I’ll write more tomorrow when I’m back at Fred’s and functioning properly.
January 2nd, 2025: The New Year’s Eve I’ll Never Forget
New Year’s Eve started with a reunion at 6:30 PM. Stookey joined us, and it was brilliant to see the big guy again. We piled into taxis and headed to a Michelin-starred restaurant, completely unaware of what we were in for.
The meal was spectacular—easily one of the best I’ve ever had. We started with a seafood risotto with caviar and vegetables, delicate and bursting with flavor. Then came Suzuki fish, light, perfectly seasoned, and unforgettable. The main course? Wagyu beef with foie gras, rich and tender, with flavors so perfectly balanced it’s hard to put into words.
Finally, we were served a deconstructed apple pie, paired with coffee that hit the spot. Everything about the meal was impeccable, from the presentation to the taste. The bill came to £950 for the five of us—expensive, sure, but worth every penny.
Wagyu Beef- Highlight of the Meal!
Ringing in the New Year on a Rooftop
From there, we moved on to a rooftop bar overlooking Kyoto. Drinks in hand, we counted down to midnight, celebrating with a trio of older Japanese locals who shared the moment with us. The view of the city lights, the energy in the air—it was one of those surreal moments you want to bottle up and keep forever.
The night didn’t end there. After dropping Yasmin off at the hotel, we found a bar and dove straight into lemon sours—a dangerous mix of shochu, soda water, and lemon juice. We got absolutely hammered, laughing and toasting until the early hours. By the time we grabbed McDonald’s and stumbled back, I could barely stand.
January 2nd, 2025: Exploring Kyoto with a Hangover
I woke up a few hours later, still roaring drunk. Breakfast and coffee were essential but only somewhat effective in sobering me up. Yasmin and I wandered Kyoto’s streets, popping into shops and soaking in the atmosphere.
Later in the day, after a much-needed nap, we headed to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the shrine famous for its thousand torii gates. Walking through the gates as the sun began to set was incredible. The views of Kyoto stretching out behind the mountains were breathtaking, but what really got me was the atmosphere at the base of the shrine.
The Streets Below Fushimi Inari
Coming down from the gates felt like stepping into a dream. The streets at the base were lined with traditional wooden shops, their warm glow spilling out onto the cobbled pathways. Lanterns swayed gently in the evening breeze, their golden light reflecting off the polished wood of the shopfronts. The last rays of daylight faded, and night took over, blanketing the streets in a magical glow.
The smell of cooking food filled the air—grilled fish, sweet treats, and savory snacks sizzling away on open grills. Vendors called out, their voices blending with the sound of trains rattling through the streets, so close you could almost reach out and touch them.
It reminded me of Spirited Away when the spirit world first comes alive—the lanterns lighting up, the air thick with the smell of cooking, the feeling that something magical is just about to happen. I half-expected to see spirits wandering the streets, drawn out by the smells and sounds.
It was enchanting. The mix of old-world charm and the hum of modern life was intoxicating, and my imagination ran wild. I could’ve stayed there for hours, soaking it all in—the warmth, the life, and the feeling that I’d stepped into another world.
January 3rd, 2025: A Golden Farewell
Our last morning in Kyoto was spent visiting the Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku-ji). The temple shimmered in the sunlight, perfectly reflected in the surrounding pond. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn’t think of a better way to end our time in Kyoto.
From there, it was a mad dash to the Shinkansen, racing to make it back to Nagoya. As always, the trains were on point, and we made it home to Fred’s without a hitch.
Reflections on Kyoto
Kyoto is a place I’ll never forget. It’s a city of contrasts—traditional yet modern, vibrant yet peaceful. From the Michelin-starred meal to the quiet streets of Fushimi Inari, every moment felt special. Japan continues to amaze me, and I’m already missing Kyoto as I write this.
Travel Tips from This Entry
1. Splurge on Michelin-Star Dining: If you’re ever in Kyoto, treat yourself to an unforgettable meal, the traditional ones are amazing but why not treat yourself to something a little extra too if celebrating a special occasion—you won’t regret it.
2. Celebrate New Year’s Eve on a Rooftop: The views of Kyoto at night are amazing, and it’s the perfect way to ring in the New Year, there’s not much in the way of fireworks, but these moments are the ones you wont forget
3. Visit Fushimi Inari at Sunset: The golden hour light transforms the gates into something out of a dream.
4. Explore Kyoto’s Lantern-Lit Streets: The shops and trains create a scene straight out of a storybook.
5. See the Golden Pavilion: A must-visit site that lives up to the hype.
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