Japan Tour ’25

Welcome to our Japan Tour Diary!

After 20 years of creating and sharing music inspired by Japan, in 2025 we had the opportunity to travel to that land and embark on a 45-day tour from Tokyo to Okinawa — sharing our music, collaborating with other artists, and living the experience of a dream come true, made possible by the support of many people who have helped us along the way.

This is the record of that journey — the greatest journey of our lives. We hope you enjoy it!

April 6, 2025

We’re about to embark on our six-week adventure in Japan, and to our surprise, our families came to the airport to see us off. It was a moment filled with emotion and long hugs. As a parting gift, they gave us a Japanese flag covered in handwritten messages—words of encouragement, well wishes, and congratulations for making this long-held dream come true.

We were deeply moved by the gesture. It felt like we weren’t traveling alone, as if each message would accompany us along the way—a kind of emotional map, reminding us where we come from and why we’re doing all of this.

Thanks to them, we’ve been able to make this journey a reality too!

A message to our supporters

If you’re reading this message, it’s because at some point over the past 20 years, you made a donation to support The Kyoto Connection’s musical journey.

You may not remember it, but we do. And today, we want to share some wonderful news with you: we’re finally traveling to Japan — thanks to your help!

We’re carrying with us a list of every person who supported us throughout these years. That list will be placed in a sacred site in the city of Kyoto, as a gesture of gratitude for all the love and collaboration we’ve received.

We hope this message touches your heart, and that your life is always filled with love, beauty, and joyful moments. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.

Facundo, Jesica, Rodrigo y Cielo

April 8, Landed in Tokyo!

After a nearly 40-hour journey from Buenos Aires, we’ve just landed in Tokyo.

This is the view that welcomes us as we touch down: a beautiful sunset, a prelude to the many more we’ll witness throughout this journey across Japan.

The journey begins!
#JapanTour25#TKC20th

April 9, First 24hs in Japan

We decided to take it slow on our first day. We’re staying in Horikiri, a quiet, residential neighborhood in Tokyo, just twenty minutes away from Ueno Park. It felt like the perfect place for our first little adventure — and a great opportunity to start learning how to navigate a city that feels completely new to us.

Luckily, Ueno greeted us with bright sunshine, hardly any crowds, and a beautiful surprise: cherry blossoms in full bloom! (We honestly thought we had missed them.) Rodrigo took some amazing photos, and I (Facundo) recorded sounds from the train station, the zoo, and the park.

The first Buddhist temple we visited was Bentendo, dating back to the 17th century. It’s located on an island surrounded by a lotus-filled pond. We did our little gratitude ritual and continued exploring the area… until we stumbled upon the Ueno Zoo — and from that moment on, the morning belonged to Cielo 🙂

Thursday, April 10 – Good luck or bad luck?

Our second day in Tokyo took us straight to one of the city’s most iconic places: Senso-ji Temple in Asakusa. It’s Tokyo’s oldest and most famous Buddhist temple, founded in 645 and dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy.

Getting there already felt like an adventure. We walked along Nakamise-dori, a lively street lined with small shops selling crafts, souvenirs, sweets, and traditional objects. The whole area feels festive and sacred at the same time.

At the temple, we offered our thanks to the deities and couldn’t resist trying one of Senso-ji’s most popular rituals: testing our luck.

The process is simple (and a lot of fun): you drop 100 yen into the box, draw a numbered stick, and then find the drawer that matches your number. Inside waits your fortune.

Well… our first attempt didn’t go so well — bad luck! Fortunately, there’s a way to leave that bad luck behind: you tie the fortune paper to a special rack, allowing the temple to neutralize its effects. We didn’t hesitate.

Happy ending? Of course, we tried again… and this time we got a much more encouraging message: “If you wish to be famous, you will be.” Not bad at all for a traveling music band in Japan, right?

For lunch, we went somewhere not very traditional… but absolutely irresistible: KFC Japan. We love seeing how global chains adapt their menus in different countries, so we couldn’t skip the experience.

In the afternoon, we walked along the Sumida River, through Sumida Park. It was pure magic: hundreds of cherry trees in full bloom, families picnicking, photographers chasing the perfect shot… and us, capturing the soundscapes of it all.

Because beyond the photos, one of our favorite things about these walks is recording the sounds of every place: the bells of the temples, the voices, the trains, the footsteps, the birds… all of it slowly becoming part of a future album in the making.

Oh, and speaking of trains… well, it finally happened: we took the wrong train back and got lost… in Tokyo! But honestly, what kind of trip would this be without a little (or big) adventure of getting lost in one of the world’s largest cities?

April 11 – From quiet moments to Shibuya lights

We started our day back at Ueno Park, visiting the beautiful Gojoten & Hanazono Shrine — a small, peaceful spot where we took a moment for gratitude, as we’ve been doing in every temple and shrine along the way.

The weather was cool and cloudy, perfect for walking and capturing sounds — from the park, the nearby streets, and the little moments that bring Tokyo to life.

At lunchtime, we embraced a very modern ritual: trying famichiky (fried chicken) and the egg sandwich from Family Mart. No regrets — absolutely delicious.

Later in the afternoon, while Cielo and Jesica napped, I visited Horikiri Shobuen, the local Iris Garden near our home in Tokyo. The irises weren’t in bloom yet, but the garden was quiet and beautiful — a perfect place to sit under a cherry tree and reflect on how deep and special this trip is becoming for us.

As the evening arrived, we made our way to Shibuya — but first, a long-awaited stop: visiting Hachiko.

This was an emotional moment for us. Over ten years ago, we wrote Hachiko, one of our most beloved songs, inspired by the story of this loyal dog. Standing by his statue today, playing our song on the phone, and saying thank you felt like closing a beautiful circle.

And of course, no visit to Shibuya is complete without crossing its famous scramble. The rain had stopped, the lights were on, and we filmed a little homemade video of each of us walking across — because some moments just need to be lived right there.

Saturday, April 12 – Kamakura: music, moments & memories

Jet lag is still doing its thing — by 5AM we were already wide awake!

Today we traveled to Kamakura, a beautiful coastal city just an hour from Tokyo, famous for its temples, its giant Buddha, and its relaxed vibe.

We started our walk along Komachi Dori, a lively street full of local shops, crafts, and incredible ice cream (yes, we had to try it!). Then we visited Tsurugaoka Hachimangu, Kamakura’s most important shrine, where we were lucky enough to witness a traditional Japanese wedding. I didn’t miss the chance to record its music and sounds — pure magic.

Later, we walked to the famous Great Buddha of Kamakura (Daibutsu), a bronze statue from the 13th century and one of Japan’s most iconic images. Inside the Buddha, something unforgettable happened: Jesica started singing melodies from our song “The Music”, making her voice resonate through the entire monument. The people inside applauded her — a moment we’ll never forget.

After lunch, we went to the beach. There, standing by the ocean, we recorded a new video — and for me, it was a very special experience: for the first time, I could create music live with the sounds of Japan, right here, surrounded by this landscape. Until now, I had always done it from home, working with sounds sent by others.

We came back exhausted, but deeply happy. Kamakura gave us a perfect day: new memories, new music, and a feeling of deep connection with this country.

New videos coming soon.

Sunday, April 13 – “Where The Waves Sing” // First music “Made in Japan”

Full circle. After 20 years making japanese-inspired music… I’m finally doing it here 🙂

Monday, April 14 – Tokyo, until we meet again

Our last day in Tokyo started early, visiting the majestic Meiji Shrine, one of the most important and peaceful places in the city. Walking through its giant torii gates, surrounded by a forest in the middle of Tokyo, feels like entering another world.

We were especially moved by two sacred trees, standing side by side, tied together with a rope — a beautiful symbol of eternal love. Of course, we left our wish on a small wooden ema tablet, as tradition says.

After that, we walked through the vibrant streets of Harajuku, slowly making our way back to Shibuya. We wanted to see the famous scramble crossing in daylight, so we visited Hachiko again and crossed Shibuya twice more — just for fun.

In the afternoon, it was time for music. We prepared our instruments and headed to Shinjuku, where we had the chance to perform live for Room 303 Community Radio. It was a beautiful way to share our story, our songs, and even do a little live improvisation.

This was the perfect way to close our first week in Tokyo — a city that feels impossible to fully grasp, endlessly inspiring, and full of life at every corner.

We’re grateful for everything we experienced here… and happy knowing we’ll be back for a few more days at the end of our tour in May.

Next stop: Kawaguchiko!

Tuesday, April 15 – First encounter with Mount Fuji

Today we said goodbye (for now) to Tokyo.

Early in the morning, we left our apartment in Horikiri and headed to the Shinjuku Expressway Bus Terminal — the gateway to many adventures outside the city. From there, we took a bus to Kawaguchiko, a small town located in the Fuji Five Lakes region, famous for offering some of the most breathtaking views of Mount Fuji.

And then… it happened.

For the first time in our lives, we saw Mount Fuji.

Massive. Magnificent. So much bigger, grander, and more sacred than we had ever imagined. There’s a reason why Mount Fuji has been a symbol of Japan for centuries — worshipped by pilgrims, painted by artists, written about by poets.

Its presence feels powerful. Still. Timeless.

We spent the afternoon walking along the shores of Lake Kawaguchiko, one of the five lakes that surround Mount Fuji. This area is especially famous for its reflections of the mountain on clear days — a dream for photographers and nature lovers.

But as the afternoon went on, the cold started pushing us back toward our hotel. We decided to rest and get ready for tomorrow — a day dedicated to exploring the area and searching for the perfect spot to record our next video on this tour.

There’s a calmness here, very different from Tokyo’s energy. It feels like a pause. Like nature reminding us to slow down.

Tomorrow: more Fuji, more music.

Wednesday, April 16 – Fuji Revealed

They say Mount Fuji is shy. That it often hides behind clouds, fog or mist — and only shows itself to those who arrive with an open heart.

Today, Fuji revealed itself to us. Fully. Radiantly. And something incredible happened.

We played music with Mount Fuji in the background.

A moment that, for us, borders on the mythical — because this image, this dream, has lived in our hearts for twenty years. It started in a small room in Argentina, where we first imagined the music that would one day carry us here. And today, it materialized before our eyes.

Everything could have gone wrong: the weather, the light, the equipment, the logistics. But none of that happened.

Instead, it was a perfect day.

The sun shone. The sky opened. And there it was — Fuji, majestic and still, watching over us as we set up our instruments and did what we love most: making music.

We recorded a video in silence, in awe, in reverence. Not trying to control the moment, just letting it happen. Letting the mountain be part of the music. Letting the dream become real.

This might be the most epic moment in our story so far. And we know it will stay with us — in every note we play from now on.

Thursday, April 17 – Neon dreams & tatami nights

Before continuing our journey to Kanazawa, we made a short but vibrant stop in Akihabara — Tokyo’s legendary electronic district.

We wandered through streets glowing with neon signs, explored retro video game shops like Super Potato, and marveled at the unique energy of this part of the city. Akihabara at night feels like a different universe — loud, alive, and endlessly fascinating.

After our walk, we returned to the hotel where we stayed in a washitsu, a traditional Japanese room with tatami mats and futons on the floor. Honestly, we expected it to be a bit uncomfortable… but it turned out to be the best night of sleep we’ve had so far on this trip.

Now, our route takes us to Kanazawa — a city rich in history and art, where we’ll meet up with dear friends who have collaborated with us in the past. We’ll be recording our next music video there, and we can’t wait to see what inspiration awaits.

Saturday, April 19 – Connections beyond time and distance

Today felt like one of those days that have it all.

Early in the morning, we set out for Shirakawa-go — and were blessed with a perfect sunny day to explore this magical village. Its thatched-roof houses, rice fields, flowing river, and surrounding mountains made it feel like stepping into a storybook.

We recorded a new video with the oriental flute and captured many of the natural sounds around us: water flowing, birds singing, wind in the trees, footsteps on old wooden paths.

But the most emotional part of the day was yet to come.

In the afternoon, we finally met Casey and Joe — two people we connected with during the pandemic through Twitter. Back then, they shared sound recordings from Japan that became part of our music. Today, after all those years, we met in person and shared a walk through the beautiful Daijoji Park with their families.

And as the day came to an end, Casey brought us to a bamboo forest. As the sun began to set, we played a spontaneous improvisation — violin and flute — accompanied by the sounds of nature around us. It was magic.

We ended the day with a delicious bowl of ramen… and the spontaneous idea to explore Kanazawa’s historic samurai district by night.

Off we go!

Sunday, April 20 – A farewell, an embrace, a beginning

We began saying goodbye to Kanazawa on Saturday night, walking through the old samurai district under the soft glow of the streetlamps. The quiet, historic streets offered us a mysterious, almost dreamlike walk — a journey through space and time.

On Sunday morning, we made a quick but meaningful stop at Kenroku-en, one of Japan’s three great gardens. With only an hour to spare, we walked briskly through the lush paths, castle ruins, and peaceful ponds — but still managed to feel the deep serenity of the place.

Then, in the afternoon, one of the most important moments of our lives arrived:
At 3:15 PM, we set foot in Kyoto for the very first time.

As we stepped off the Shinkansen, we hugged tightly. We played one of our earliest songs on our phone and took a few quiet moments on the platform to breathe, to reflect, and to give thanks. We thought about the long road that led us here — all the years of love for this land — and everything that’s still ahead.

Now, we’re here.
In Kyoto.
Let the next chapter begin.

Monday, April 21 – Our first full day in Kyoto

Today marked our first full day in Kyoto — and what a beautiful welcome it was.

In the morning, we made a special visit to Nanzen-ji, a temple we chose not only for its beauty, but for its deep connection to our music. Over the past few years, we’ve used many sound recordings from its gardens and surroundings in our compositions — so discovering it was close to our stay in Yamashina felt like fate.

We arrived early and enjoyed the calm of the temple grounds before the crowds. We climbed to the viewpoint, walked into the surrounding forest, and performed our small gratitude rituals — quietly, reverently.

At midday, we returned to our house in Yamashina for lunch. Afterwards, I went for a walk through the neighborhood and ended up discovering two hidden temples nestled in the mountainside: Koshoji and Daijo-ji. Both were completely silent, waiting peacefully in the woods — and I wandered through them alone, taking in their quiet beauty.

Later in the afternoon, we strolled through central Yamashina and had a snack by the canal — a lovely spot where crystal-clear water flows gently, almost silently, between flowering trees. We ate donuts and admired the scenery as the sun began to set.

Kyoto welcomed us with sunshine, a perfect climate for exploring, and fresh air to breathe in deeply — for both body and music.

Tuesday, April 22 – Sounds, silence, and the first rain in Kyoto

As I write these words, our first night rain in Kyoto falls gently outside — a quiet rhythm wrapping up a deeply inspiring day.

We began early this morning, aiming to avoid the heavy crowds at Kiyomizu-dera, one of Kyoto’s most iconic and historically significant temples. Perched on a hillside with sweeping views of the city, Kiyomizu-dera was originally founded in 778 and is famous for its massive wooden terrace built without a single nail.

We wandered through its pavilions and gardens in relative calm, and even had the chance to record the deep, resonant sound of a large gong — a sound we’ll surely weave into many of our future tracks.

Beyond the temple, we followed a narrow, historic path once walked by poets and pilgrims. Along the way, we stumbled upon Seikan-ji, a hidden gem nestled in the forest. This lesser-known temple is associated with the ancient Heian poet Ono no Komachi and is said to be a place where wishes come true. The site was nearly empty, and we used the opportunity to record a song beside a sacred stone believed to house a wish-granting deity. The moment was pure magic — and the video of this session is coming soon.

Our pilgrimage continued as we walked through the atmospheric streets of Gion, eventually arriving at Kōdai-ji, a temple known for its stunning Zen gardens, tearooms, and bamboo grove — our first of the tour.

In the afternoon, we returned home to rest and took Cielo to a nearby playground we found just a few blocks away. It was nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood, where the only sounds were rustling leaves in the breeze. A perfect pause in the day.

We’re recording a lot of music, capturing soundscapes, and connecting with this city from the most essential and creative place within us.

There’s still so much to do — and we’re loving every step of the way.

The Kyoto Connection LIVE from Tokyo

Great news! Yesterday we received a message from our friends at ROOM303 Radio (Shinjuku, Tokyo) letting us know that the recording of our live set from last week is now available!

In this special session, we revisited some of the key musical moments from our 20-year journey — performing live and sharing stories behind the sounds.

We’re deeply grateful to ROOM303 for welcoming us into their space and giving us the chance to connect with their amazing community.

Enjoy the set!

Wednesday, April 23 – Rain, reflections, and a return to Kyoto

It rained through the night and most of the day, but that didn’t stop us from going on a special excursion to Nara — a city known for its ancient temples and sacred deer.

Our main destination was Tōdai-ji, home to the Great Buddha (Daibutsu) — one of the largest bronze Buddha statues in the world, housed in a massive wooden hall. We were truly moved by the scale and atmosphere of the temple. It felt like standing inside a sacred mountain.

Despite the grey skies and light rain, we took a walk through Nara Park and had fun interacting with the deer that freely roam the grounds. Cielo was delighted — giggling, running, and gently feeding the deer like a local.

The train ride back to Kyoto took nearly two hours, offering us long, peaceful views of Japan’s rural landscapes — green fields, quiet towns, and mountains in the mist. It gave us time to reflect on the nature of this journey we’re on.

And during that reflection, a new decision emerged:
We’ve decided to stay in Kyoto for one more week.

This city feels vast and profound — much like our connection with it. So we’re adjusting our plans and giving ourselves the time and space to be here a little longer. Because sometimes, the heart knows when it has more to live in a place.

Thursday, April 24 – A night ascent, a journey within

Tonight, I gave myself a personal gift: climbing to the summit of Mount Inari — alone, and in the dark.

I arrived at the base around 7 PM, just as night began to fall, and pressed play on The Kyoto Connection’s very first album — the one I composed 20 years ago. I was 22 years old then.

Step by step, I walked the path, each torii gate glowing softly in the evening light, each song from that old album echoing in my headphones. It felt as if the music had always been meant for this — as if the album was composed for this very pilgrimage.

The synchronicities were uncanny. When the song “Vista Panorámica” started playing, I found myself standing at one of the viewpoints, overlooking the entire city of Kyoto. And by the time the final track faded out, I had only about 200 meters left to reach the summit.

I walked those last steps in silence.

Reflecting.

On the long path that brought me here — not just this trail, but the journey of two decades, of melodies written in solitude that somehow became signals, messages in bottles guiding me forward through the years.

At the summit of Mount Inari, I stopped. I breathed. I gave thanks.

Thanks for having a passion.

Thanks for the gift of expressing it.

Thanks for being able to share it with others who love music, life, and Japanese culture as deeply as I do.

From the top of the mountain:

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

Friday, April 25 – A river, a forest, and a future ritual

This morning brought a beautiful surprise:

We met the Kamo River for the first time.

A symbol deeply tied to Kyoto’s spirit — and to our music — the Kamo River has flowed through many of our songs over the years. Seeing it in person, crossing its stepping stones, and taking in the quiet beauty around us felt like meeting a long-lost friend.

From there, we walked to Tadasu no Mori, the sacred forest surrounding Shimogamo Shrine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Known as the “Forest of Correction,” it has been considered a place of spiritual purification for centuries.

This forest will soon host a very personal ritual for us.

Next week, we’ll return to offer thanks to those who’ve supported The Kyoto Connection through donations over the past 20 years. We’ve made a list of every name — and we’ll leave that list in the forest as an offering of gratitude. We’ll also record a song there, letting the music blend with the sacred landscape.

Today was about preparation: choosing the spot, walking with intention, imagining the moment.

We ended the day with an incredible ice cream from a little shop called Shuguado, then returned to our home in Yamashina to rest — tomorrow, Hiroshima awaits.

Saturday 26 & Sunday 27 April – Hiroshima, Miyajima, and a song by the sea

This weekend, we left Kyoto for a short but unforgettable excursion.

On Saturday afternoon, we visited Hiroshima’s Peace Memorial Park and the Atomic Bomb Dome — one of the few structures that survived the 1945 bombing and now stands as a symbol of peace. A curious story: Jesica accidentally left her violin in the park… and after half an hour, we found it again, peacefully waiting for us under the sun.

Later, we headed to the port and boarded a ferry to Miyajima Island. As we arrived, the sun was setting behind the famous Great Torii Gate (Itsukushima Shrine’s torii), which appears to float on the sea during high tide — one of Japan’s most iconic views.

Inspired by the beauty of the moment, we decided to record a song with the torii in the background. After a quick dinner at Lawson, we checked into our ryokan, Jukeiso, grabbed our instruments, and headed back to the beach.

At 10 PM, under the stars and in complete solitude, we recorded a live improvisation for piano and violin with the Great Torii illuminated behind us.
It became one of the most magical and emotional moments of our journey — a memory forever engraved in our hearts.

That night, we slept in a traditional Japanese room overlooking the torii, surrounded by silence and the sea.

This morning, Sunday, we explored a little more of Miyajima before catching the ferry back to Hiroshima and continuing on to Kyoto. We visited the beautiful Daisho-in Temple, one of Miyajima’s oldest and most important temples, where we recorded sounds and visuals for future projects — walking among mossy steps, tiny statues, and ancient trees.

Now, we’re back on the road toward Kyoto — full of new memories, songs, and gratitude.

Monday, April 28 – The circle closes

Today, an unforgettable moment happened.

While walking through Kyoto, we stepped into a record store called Jet Set Records — and there, on one of the shelves, we found something that left us speechless:
Our new album, “Four Seasons in Kyoto”, waiting for us.

Seeing it there, in the very city that inspired so many of our songs, felt like closing a circle that began more than twenty years ago.
Writing those pieces while dreaming of distant landscapes, imagining someday walking among them… and now being here, living inside those landscapes, while our music also lives here, is a surreal and beautiful experience.

The fact that the album was released while we are in Japan doesn’t feel like a coincidence. It feels like a sign — a quiet embrace from destiny, a reminder that when you chase your dreams with love and perseverance, they eventually find their true home.

Today, Kyoto gave us one more reason to believe in music, in dreams, and in the long, winding paths that are worth every step.

Tuesday, April 29 – The sound of a long-awaited meeting

After nine years of exchanging emails, today we finally met Masafumi Komatsu in person — pianist, university professor, and expert in soundscape and environmental design.

Over the years, we’ve shared ideas, reflections, and music across the distance, united by a shared love for sound and for Kyoto. And today, in the very city that has inspired us both, we were finally able to meet face to face.

Masafumi and his wife kindly prepared a Silent Sound Tour just for us — a sound-focused walk through hidden corners of Kyoto. The route included:

→ Station
→ Walk to Midorogaike Pond
→ Ota Shrine (where the irises were in full bloom)
→ Walk to Kamigamo Shrine
→ Final stroll along the Kamo River

It was a deeply inspiring experience — we visited places we might never have found on our own and heard sounds we’d never have noticed without them.

Over lunch, at a restaurant Masafumi used to visit during his student days, we gave him a copy of our new album Four Seasons in Kyoto, where his name appears in the credits for having contributed local Kyoto sound recordings. In return, he gifted us his book about the soundscapes of this incredible city.

Today was one of those days that stay with you forever — a bridge between time, cultures, and shared sensitivities, where language is no barrier when sound is the common ground.

Wednesday, April 30 – A path, a revelation, and a spiritual home

Today, the sun was shining over Kyoto, and the weather was perfect — so we set out to walk the entire length of the Philosopher’s Path.

This scenic walkway, which follows a peaceful canal lined with cherry trees, begins near Nanzen-ji Temple, where we had the chance to meet and interact with several local artists. We bought music, handmade postcards, and beautiful illustrations — gifts we’ll take home with us, reminders of this creative moment.

The Philosopher’s Path itself was everything we had hoped for: quiet, reflective, and gently inspiring. Named after the famous Kyoto philosopher Nishida Kitaro, who used to walk this route daily, it invites you to slow down and listen — not only to the sounds of nature, but to your own inner thoughts.

We ended the path at the Ginkaku-ji Temple, also known as the Silver Pavilion. Though less extravagant than its golden counterpart, the temple’s moss gardens and raked sand designs were breathtaking — a perfect blend of simplicity, nature, and art.

In the afternoon, I went for a solo walk along the Yamashina Canal near our home, and continued up into the wooded hills. There, in complete solitude, surrounded by the sound of running water and birdsong, something shifted in me.

I had a quiet revelation:
From this day forward, Yamashina is the spiritual home of The Kyoto Connection.

I don’t know if I’ll ever return here. But staying in this peaceful neighborhood, surrounded by mountains and silence, is leaving a mark on my soul. Every morning walk, every recording session, every temple visit has felt like a return to something deeply familiar — like finding a place I didn’t know I had been missing.

Later in the evening, with the weather still mild, we made one last outing — a nighttime walk through Maruyama Park, searching for a hidden waterfall we had heard about. We found it. And we decided: this will be the backdrop for one of our next songs.

Today was a day of movement, discovery, and inner clarity.
One we’ll remember for the rest of our lives.

Wednesday, May 1 – Tea, silence, and golden light

Today was a day of deep beauty and gratitude.

In the morning, we had the honor of participating in a traditional tea ceremony hosted for us by the wonderful team at Camellia Tea Ceremony Garden in Kyoto. The ceremony was led by its founder and director, Atsuko Mori, and offered in recognition of our musical journey and creative connection to Japanese culture.

The experience moved us deeply.

We began by playing one of our songs — a piece we composed five years ago for a collaborative video during the pandemic — letting it gently fill the space as the ceremony began. Afterward, we were invited to perform live, offering a musical piece for flute and violin in harmony with the ritual’s quiet precision and presence.

It was intimate, sacred, and unforgettable.

We left with full hearts, feeling profoundly honored and thankful to everyone at Camellia for this beautiful gift.

Just a short walk from there, we arrived at Ryōan-ji, the iconic Zen temple known for its minimalist rock garden and profound silence. We wandered through its grounds on a perfect spring day, recording natural sounds — the rustling of trees, distant footsteps, the slow rhythm of life — for future compositions.

Afterward, we continued walking toward one of Kyoto’s most iconic landmarks:
Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion.

The temple greeted us with radiant light. The sun was shining brightly, and the golden facade of the pavilion shimmered over the still water of the pond. It was a scene that quieted the mind. We stood there for a long time, soaking in the reflection, the calm, the golden glow — and that quiet sense of wonder stayed with us for the rest of the day.

We ended our outing with a small, sweet treat: ice cream by the temple, shared with Cielo, before heading home.

Today reminded us that some days are more than days — they are offerings.
And we carry them with us, always.

Saturday, May 3 – “Kyoto,” on the Kamo River

Today, we lived another unforgettable moment in our journey — and in the story of our music.

As the sun began to set over Kyoto, we walked out onto the stepping stones in the middle of the Kamo River, instruments in hand, and played our song “Kyoto.”

This piece comes from our very first album, released in 2006 — a time when Japan was still a distant dream and Kyoto just a word filled with longing.

Playing it live here, with the golden light of the evening and the gentle current flowing beneath us, felt like reaching the heart of a journey that has taken us very far — not just in distance, but in spirit.

There was no stage, no audience — just the river, the fading sky, and the feeling of arrival.

We had made it.

And in that moment, the music, the memory, and the dream became one.

Sunday, May 4 – Sunshine, music, and laughter at the Botanical Garden

Today was a national holiday in Japan — part of Golden Week — and we decided to spend it at the Kyoto Botanical Garden, where a local craft and music fair was taking place (we didn’t catch the name, but the atmosphere said it all).

It was a radiant spring day.
The park was filled with families enjoying the sunshine, kids running and laughing, artisan stalls lining the walkways, and live music drifting through the air.

Cielo was in absolute heaven.
She ran freely across the central lawn, danced with other children to the rhythm of the music, and played until she was completely exhausted — joy glowing on her face the entire time.

The live performers added a special magic to the day.
There were ocarina duos playing traditional Japanese melodies, and a solo guitarist who delighted the crowd with folk songs — some Japanese, others wonderfully familiar, like tunes by The Beatles.

We had lunch under the shade of a small tent, trying delicious local bites and sipping coffee in the soft breeze of mid-afternoon.

When the fair wrapped up, Cielo fell asleep in her stroller — but we didn’t want the day to end just yet. So we walked to the Kamo River, sat by the water, and simply listened.
We talked about how beautiful this journey has been — how deeply it’s touching our hearts.

As the sun began to set and the air grew cooler, we made our way to the station to head home, feeling full — not just from food or sunshine, but from the simple joy of being here.

A Sunday to remember, as we now step into our final week in Kyoto.

Monday, May 5 – Water, words, and a quiet smile

It’s almost been a month since we arrived in Japan — and today was a day of beauty, music, reflection, and a little adventure.

In the morning, we returned to Maruyama Park, here in Kyoto. At the far end of the park, there’s a small waterfall nestled among the trees — a quiet, luminous corner. It felt like the perfect place to record a live version of our song “Waterfall,” from the album Wake Up, featuring Jesica’s violin at the heart of the melody.

The session was magical — the sound of her violin blending seamlessly with the rushing water, the sunlight filtering through the trees, and the peaceful stillness of the morning surrounding us.

In the afternoon, I took some time alone and returned to the Philosopher’s Path.

I found an empty bench by the canal, brought my notebook and a small keyboard, and spent the afternoon composing music and writing a poem — letting the silence and the landscape speak.

Later in the day, we went on a little walk with Cielo through the forest as the sun was setting. The light grew dim, and the sounds of the woods became a little mysterious… We tried to guess what we were hearing: birds? Crickets? Bears?

It turned into a playful exploration — the kind that only happens when you’re open to the magic of dusk.

On our way back home, we stopped at a Lawson and picked out some unusual snacks and drinks to try, just for fun — a small, silly ritual that made the day feel even more complete.

Wednesday, May 7 – Bamboo, bridges, monkeys, and a wire from the forest

Today we spent the entire day exploring Arashiyama, one of Kyoto’s most magical districts.
We woke up early to get ahead of the crowds, catching a train and then a tram — our very first tram ride in Japan — which took us into the heart of this lush, mountainous area.

Our first stop was Tenryū-ji, the temple at the entrance of the famed bamboo grove. There, we stumbled upon one of the most breathtaking views we’ve seen on this journey: a serene pond surrounded by vibrant green mountains, reflecting shades of spring in every direction. It was pure peace.

But then — a crisis.
Cielo’s stroller broke. And the day had only just begun.

Where would she rest? How could we carry on with all the walking ahead?

As we stood near the edge of the forest, Jesica walked in alone. A few minutes later, she emerged smiling, holding a piece of wire in her hand and exclaimed:
“I asked the forest for help — and it gave it to me.”
With that little wire, we managed to fix the stroller, and the day was saved.

From there, we walked to the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge, where we had something special planned. We brought along the real postcard we used for the album cover of Postcards (2018) — and there, we took a photo holding it up against the very scene it captured. It was our way of closing another beautiful circle in our journey.

Then, it was time for Cielo.
We made the long climb — 160 meters up — to the Iwatayama Monkey Park. The hike was steep and intense, but once at the top, we were rewarded with panoramic views of Kyoto and a close encounter with its famous wild monkeys. Exhausting… but worth every step.

As the sun began to set, we returned to the bridge and treated ourselves to ice cream by the riverside. There, with tired legs and full hearts, we started dreaming aloud:

The next big project: a live show to celebrate the 20th anniversary of The Kyoto Connection.

And so, among monkeys, postcards, and bamboo, another beautiful chapter was written.

Thursday, May 8 – A new home, echoes of karate, and the feeling of goodbye

Our last days in Kyoto are approaching, and we can already feel the first stirrings of nostalgia.

Today we moved to a new place. Since we extended our stay, we searched for another spot close to Yamashina — a neighborhood we’ve come to love deeply.
Our new lodging is still nearby, but the atmosphere here is livelier: more shops, more restaurants, more of that quiet hum of daily life.

Curiously, the house we’re now staying in used to be a textile workshop — so we’re living in a space with history woven into its walls. It feels right.

After settling in, Jesica took a walk along the canal and explored the hillside temples once more. She came back glowing, having fallen in love with the peaceful beauty of Bishamon-dō, a quiet and elegant hall nestled in the forest.

Later in the afternoon, we took Cielo to a small playground in the neighborhood. On the way, we stumbled upon a children’s karate class happening in a modest local dojo.
We stopped and watched for a while, smiling at the intensity of their movements and the energy in their voices — of course, we recorded the sound of their spirited kiai cries. Another unique texture to bring into our music.

Only three days left in this city that has given us so much.
The plan now: simply to live each moment fully, with gratitude and open eyes — and let Kyoto continue to leave its mark.

Friday, May 9 – Gardens, poems, and the quiet before the farewell

We knew it would rain by midday, so we made the most of the morning.

Jesica took Cielo to the Kyoto City Zoo, while Rodrigo and I crossed the street to visit a small Japanese garden called Murin-an — a hidden gem in the middle of the city. Though modest in size, the garden is masterfully designed in the traditional meiji era style, with flowing water, stone bridges, and a naturalistic layout meant to harmonize with the surrounding landscape. It was created in the late 1800s by statesman Aritomo Yamagata, and remains a place for quiet contemplation.

We wandered through its winding paths, discovering angles and textures that sparked our imagination.
More than once we caught ourselves thinking: “This could be the cover of our next album.”
Even the small, silent spaces seemed to carry melodies.

In the afternoon, as the rain began to fall softly, we decided to play a creative game.

Jesica walked to the Yamashina Canal, notebook in hand, and wrote a poem beneath the trees and clouds. Then I followed, walking the same path, alone. I stopped by a small Jizō statue tucked inside a tiny shrine — a little shelter that protected me from the rain, and somehow became the heart of my own inspiration.

That evening, over dinner, we shared our poems with each other and talked about what had moved us to write.
Hers flowed from nature — birds, rain, wind, water.
Mine grew from silence, stone, and a feeling of shelter.

It was a soft, quiet day — one of those you only get at the end of something precious.

We went to bed early.
Because tomorrow… comes our last big adventure in Kyoto.

But we’ll leave that surprise for the morning.

Saturday, May 10 – A promise kept, a sanctuary built, and a farewell full of gratitude

Today, we kept our promise.

Today, we built a small sanctuary of stones and branches at the summit of Mount Hiei.
And within it, we placed a list — a handwritten record of all the people who have supported us throughout the years, and made it possible for us to reach Kyoto.
A quiet offering. A gesture of pure gratitude.

The mountain welcomed us with mist and silence.
It felt as if we were walking through the clouds.
The connection to nature, the stillness, and the sacred energy of this mysterious place created the perfect setting to say thank you.

Thank you with our hearts.
Thank you with our souls.
Thank you with our bodies.
Thank you with our music.

To those who walked with us.
To those who supported us.
To our families, our friends, our listeners.
And to the part of ourselves that never gave up — that always believed our connection to Kyoto was real.

This ritual also marks the end of our time in Kyoto.

We have been here for 22 days, and perhaps these have been the most meaningful days of our lives.
For those who’ve never been, Kyoto is not just a city. It’s something else —
A place where nature, silence, and stillness are woven into everyday life.
It is magical, mysterious, deeply spiritual.

We are leaving Kyoto with full hearts.
With countless memories.
With dreams fulfilled.
With goals achieved.
And with a burning desire to keep doing what we love.

We’re leaving Kyoto… but we don’t want to.
We say it again and again:
We have to leave — but we don’t want to.

And yet, the truth is:
We have to leave Kyoto in order to reconnect with Kyoto.
To be able to dream of Kyoto again.
To be able to return to Kyoto.

This is our story.
A story you are all a part of.
This is our life, placed entirely in service of what we love.
This is The Kyoto Connection.

Twenty years of music, joy, heartbreak, resilience, creativity.
A true story made of songs, shows, friendships, and shared dreams.

A true story called The Kyoto Connection.

Tuesday, May 13 – A new rhythm in Okinawa

Yesterday, after nearly nine hours of travel, we arrived in Okinawa — and immediately felt like we had stepped into a different world.

This island, so distinct from the rest of Japan, holds a unique kind of magic that we’re only just beginning to discover. The air is softer, the sea is close, and the rhythm of life moves differently here.

In our first 24 hours, we managed to visit the Naminoue Shrine, perched dramatically above the sea, and spend a relaxing morning at the nearby beach. Later in the day, we explored a beautiful Chinese garden near our accommodation, and ended the night strolling through the glowing streets of Kokusai Dori, the vibrant heart of Naha.

This part of our trip feels different.
We’re no longer in artist mode — we’re in rest mode.
After weeks of performances, recordings, and creative intensity, we’re letting ourselves drift, breathe, and simply enjoy days without plans.

Tomorrow, we set sail for Tokashiki Island — so tonight, we sleep early, full of gratitude and salt in the air.

Wednesday 14 – Tokashiki, piano, and empanadas by the sea

We took the ferry to Tokashiki Island, one of the Kerama Islands, known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant coral reefs. Just 35 minutes from Naha, it felt like we had arrived in a dream.
The sun was shining, the beach was glowing, and we swam, played, and soaked up every second of this island escape.

At the end of the day, back at the Tokashiki ferry terminal, we found a piano.
And so, we played.
A few songs for the tourists waiting for the last boat — a moment of spontaneous music between the sea and the silence.

That day, we also met a lovely group of Argentine-Brazilian travelers who recommended a restaurant called Amancay, described as “the farthest peña from Argentina.”

That night, we went.
And we were transported.

The place was filled with Argentine instruments, colors, and objects. We ordered empanadas and milanesas — so perfectly made, we felt like we were back home.

The peña was the creation of an Argentine musician who had moved to Okinawa and has since passed away. His beloved wife continues running the place, and — by chance — that night was his birthday.
She celebrated by projecting an emotional documentary about his life, right there in the restaurant.

A beautiful and unexpected tribute.

Thursday 15 – Giant Sharks, dreams, and a final bow

Today, we took an all-day excursion to northern Okinawa to visit the Churaumi Aquarium, one of the largest and most renowned aquariums in the world.
It’s home to enormous whale sharks, manta rays, and hundreds of dazzling species of fish and coral — a breathtaking window into the marine life of the Okinawan seas.

At one point, I found myself alone.
So I put on my headphones and played our song “What if life is a dolphin’s dream” (from The Middle Way).
Watching the fish glide silently through the water, listening to that song I had written long ago… it was surreal.
A deeply personal, almost cinematic moment.

But our day wasn’t over.

We spent the afternoon traveling from the northern tip of Okinawa all the way back to the south, hopping off buses in small towns, buying little treasures from local shops, and soaking in the island’s character.

At the end of the day, Jesica and Rodrigo returned to Naminoue Shrine — the place where our Okinawa chapter had begun — to film a music video of “Ume no Kaori,” a traditional Japanese song we’ve performed many times back in Buenos Aires, especially during our collaborations with the group SUNAWAI.

It was the perfect closing ritual:
A song, a shrine, and the sound of waves in the background.

Monday, May 19 – From Torikoe Shrine, with gratitude

I’m writing these words from Torikoe Shrine, here in the Asakusa neighborhood of Tokyo.

Our tour across Japan ended a few days ago — in Okinawa, to be precise.

We’re no longer filming music videos.
We’re no longer recording sounds.
We’re no longer playing our songs.

We’ve been in Tokyo for three days now, slowly preparing for the long journey back home —
And also savoring the last sensations and emotions that Japan continues to offer us.

These days here have changed us.
They’ve left a mark on our lives and memories that will never fade.
The way this journey has transformed us is hard to express — and we know we’ll need time to fully understand its meaning.

But what we do know is this:

The four people who arrived in Japan 45 days ago are not the same people returning home.

We’ve lived so many experiences, moments we once dreamed of, emotions that reached depths we hadn’t known. It’s hard to grasp the full weight and beauty of this journey.

Our tour through Japan has been the greatest trip of our lives.
Not only in terms of the geographic distance we’ve traveled, but in the symbolic journey this has represented for us.
We know there will never be another trip like this — and yes, that makes us a little sad.

But this tour has also given us something invaluable: Inspiration, Energy, a renewed reason to keep dreaming, creating, and sharing the music we love.

Tomorrow, a plane will take us home.

And once we’re back, we’ll look through our thousands of photos,
we’ll listen to the hundreds of sounds we captured,
we’ll edit the dozens of videos we recorded —
and all of that will become seed.
Seed for what’s to come.
Fuel to dream big again, and to keep making music from the heart.

This goodbye to Japan is not forever.
The connection with Kyoto is no longer just a beautiful story in our lives —
It’s something deep and real.
Something that will surely bring us back here one day.

Someday.

Thank you for being part of this adventure.
Thank you for supporting us.
And until we meet again…

Arigatou gozaimashita

Facundo, Jesica, Rodrigo & Cielo