Family Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

Kyoto's Golden Embrace

Our first day in Kyoto was nothing short of magical. Stepping off the train with Klaus and Ama, the air felt different – a blend of ancient history and vibrant modernity that immediately captivated us. As a software developer immersed in the world of AI, I often find myself drawn to the tangible, the historical, the things that remind me of the human element in a world increasingly dominated by technology. Kyoto, with its rich cultural tapestry, was the perfect antidote.

Our Kyoto adventure began with a hearty breakfast at Katsukura - Kyoto Porta. The *tonkatsu* was simply divine, setting a high bar for the culinary experiences to come. Fully energized, we set off to explore the iconic Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. The temple shimmered in the morning sun, its reflection dancing on the surface of the pond. Ama was mesmerized, her eyes wide with wonder as she pointed and exclaimed, Gold! Gold!. It was a sight to behold, and I couldn't help but feel a sense of awe at the craftsmanship and history encapsulated in this stunning structure. I learned that originally built in 1397 as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, it was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple after his death. The fact that it has been rebuilt several times, most recently in 1955 after being burned down by a monk, speaks to both its resilience and its enduring importance.


Explore Kinkaku-ji, the breathtaking Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, where history and nature blend beautifully in a tranquil setting.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its temples and gardens, but in its ability to transport you to another era, where history and culture intertwine seamlessly.

Next on our itinerary was Nijō Castle, a stark contrast to the gilded splendor of Kinkaku-ji. Built in 1603 as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period, the castle exuded power and authority. Walking through the vast complex, I couldn't help but imagine the political machinations and historical events that unfolded within its walls. The Ninomaru Palace, with its 'nightingale floors' designed to chirp underfoot to alert the residents to intruders, was particularly fascinating. Klaus, with his architect's eye, was captivated by the intricate details of the building's design, while Ama enjoyed the wide open spaces of the gardens.


Explore the grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Kyoto, showcasing the beauty of feudal Japan's architecture and gardens.

For lunch, we indulged in Kyoto cuisine at Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura. The delicate flavors and artful presentation were a treat for the senses. I tried to explain to Ama the concept of *kaiseki* – a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner – but she was more interested in the colorful dishes and the little *omamori* charm the restaurant gave her. It was a delightful experience, and I appreciated the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the local culinary scene.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Teramachi Yoshikura – where traditional flavors meet modern creativity in an unforgettable dining experience.

Our afternoon was dedicated to exploring the Kyoto Imperial Palace, the former residence of Japan's Imperial Family. The palace offered a glimpse into the lives of emperors and empresses, with its grand halls, serene gardens, and meticulously crafted buildings. I was particularly struck by the Shishinden, the Hall for State Ceremonies, where enthronement ceremonies for Emperors Meiji, Taisho, and Showa were held. It was humbling to stand in a place with so much history, and I felt a deep connection to the cultural heritage of Japan. The palace was repeatedly plagued by fire and was rebuilt each time. Most of the present buildings were rebuilt in 1855, and visitors can observe the transition of the history of architectural style and the essence of the court culture through the buildings since they were rebuilt in architectural styles of various eras from the 8th century.


Explore the historical elegance and natural beauty of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a cultural landmark reflecting Japan's royal history.

Before dinner, we stopped by the Kyoto Crafts Store, hoping to find a unique souvenir to remember our trip. The store was a treasure trove of traditional crafts, from delicate ceramics to intricate textiles. I was tempted to buy everything, but I eventually settled on a beautiful *kimono* doll for Ama and a set of *sake* cups for Klaus and myself. I was especially impressed with the quality and craftsmanship of the items, and I felt good supporting local artisans.


Explore the essence of Kyoto's artistry at the Kyoto Crafts Store, where traditional handicrafts meet contemporary charm.

As evening approached, we made our way to The Cellar Kyoto for dinner. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and delicious food were the perfect way to end our first day in Kyoto. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, from fresh seafood to grilled meats, all accompanied by local *sake*. Ama, tired from a day of exploring, fell asleep in my arms, her face peaceful and content. Klaus and I lingered over our drinks, reflecting on the incredible experiences we had shared.


Discover culinary excellence at The Cellar Kyoto - where creative cuisine meets fine wine in a stylish setting.

Today was a whirlwind of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and culinary delights. From the shimmering gold of Kinkaku-ji to the imposing presence of Nijō Castle and the serene beauty of the Kyoto Imperial Palace, we experienced the essence of Kyoto in all its glory. As I write this, nestled in our comfortable room at the Cross Hotel Kyoto, I can't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, and I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures in Arashiyama. We plan to visit the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Tenryu-ji Temple, and the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. I'm sure Ama will be especially excited to see the monkeys!


Discover the charm of Kyoto from Cross Hotel Kyoto, where comfort meets convenience just steps from the city's historic treasures.

Even though I miss our garden in Potsdam and the familiar scent of the Brandenburg countryside, Kyoto has already begun to weave its spell. I even managed to find some inspiration for my work. I am thinking of developing an AI application that will help preserve traditional Ghanaian recipes – a way to keep my own cultural heritage alive while embracing the new technologies. For now, though, I'll rest and dream of bamboo forests and playful monkeys. I am also grateful that I remembered to pack my camera to capture all these beautiful moments. I really wish I hadn't forgotten my power adapter and umbrella, though!

Good night from Kyoto!