Family Cultural Exploration in Kyoto

A Day Among Giants and Monkeys

Today, our Kyoto adventure took us to Arashiyama, a district famed for its breathtaking bamboo forest and playful monkey park. It was a day filled with serene beauty and unexpected encounters, a perfect blend of nature and culture that left us all feeling refreshed and inspired.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Goichi Pizza. I know, pizza in Japan might sound a bit odd, but after days of indulging in traditional Japanese cuisine, Klaus and Ama were craving something familiar. Plus, I had read that Goichi Pizza offers a delightful change of pace with its authentic, stone-oven-baked pizzas. It was a great way to fuel up for a day of exploring, and I must admit, the pizza was surprisingly good! It gave us the energy we needed for the adventures that awaited us in Arashiyama.

First on our itinerary was the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. As we stepped into the grove, we were immediately enveloped by towering stalks of bamboo that seemed to stretch endlessly towards the sky. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting dappled shadows on the path below. It was an awe-inspiring sight, a truly magical experience that transported us to another world. The gentle rustling of the bamboo in the breeze created a soothing melody, adding to the forest's tranquil ambiance. Ama was absolutely mesmerized, her little eyes wide with wonder as she gazed up at the towering green giants. Klaus, ever the photographer, was in his element, capturing the play of light and shadow on the bamboo stalks. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as we strolled along the winding path, surrounded by nature's majesty.

The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest isn't just a visual spectacle; it's an immersive experience that awakens the senses and nourishes the soul.

Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.

Emerging from the bamboo forest, we made our way to Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its exquisite Zen garden. The temple's history is deeply intertwined with the region, having been founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo. As we wandered through the temple grounds, we admired the traditional Japanese architecture and the serene atmosphere that permeated every corner. The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, was a masterpiece of landscape design, featuring a central pond surrounded by meticulously arranged rocks, pine trees, and the forested Arashiyama mountains. I found myself captivated by the garden's tranquil beauty, a perfect example of Zen aesthetics. Ama enjoyed spotting the koi fish swimming in the pond, their vibrant colors adding a touch of whimsy to the scene. Klaus appreciated the temple's historical significance, pondering the stories of emperors and shoguns that echoed through the ancient halls.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A cultural gem for every traveler.

After immersing ourselves in the temple's serenity, our stomachs started to rumble, signaling lunchtime. We decided to try Arash's Kitchen, drawn in by its promise of Persian and Indian cuisine. It was a delightful change of pace, and the aromas of spices and herbs wafted through the air, tempting our taste buds. I opted for a flavorful kebab, while Klaus chose a fragrant curry. Ama, surprisingly, devoured a plate of biryani, proving that her palate is more adventurous than we thought. It was a satisfying meal that left us feeling energized and ready for our next adventure.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

With renewed vigor, we embarked on the trek to Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. The path leading up to the park was a bit steep, a twenty-minute uphill walk through a forested trail, but the promise of playful primates kept us motivated. Ama, though initially hesitant, gamely persevered, her little legs pumping as she climbed the winding path. Along the way, we spotted various birds and insects, adding to the charm of the hike. Finally, we reached the summit, and we were greeted by a troop of Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, roaming freely in their natural habitat. Ama's eyes lit up with excitement as she saw the monkeys up close, their furry faces and curious expressions captivating her attention.


Discover the playful world of Japanese macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, a stunning wildlife experience in the heart of Kyoto.

We learned that the monkeys are wild but accustomed to human presence, thanks to the park staff who feed them regularly for research purposes. We bought some monkey snacks inside the designated hut and stepped inside, where the monkeys came right up to the meshed windows to take the food from our hands. It was an incredible experience, a chance to interact with these fascinating creatures in a safe and responsible manner. Ama giggled with delight as a monkey gently took a peanut from her tiny hand. Klaus, of course, captured the moment with his camera, preserving the memory for years to come. Before visiting the park, I read that you shouldn't stare directly into their eyes, so I tried to avoid that. It's considered a sign of aggression, and I definitely didn't want to provoke any of them!. We also made sure not to touch the monkeys, as tempting as it was, and refrained from feeding them outside the designated area.

From the monkey park, we were treated to panoramic views of Kyoto, a breathtaking vista that stretched as far as the eye could see. The city's sprawling landscape, dotted with temples, shrines, and traditional buildings, was a sight to behold. We spent some time admiring the scenery, soaking in the beauty of Kyoto from above. It was a perfect ending to our Arashiyama adventure, a moment of reflection and appreciation for the city's rich history and natural splendor.

As the day drew to a close, we strolled through Arashiyama, making a stop at Noren by Corazon. I had heard about this boutique gift shop that offers unique and contemporary souvenirs, a welcome departure from the usual tourist fare. The shop's interior was charming, with fragrant hinoki shelves and illuminated white paper lanterns inspired by the Gion Festival. I was drawn to the beautifully designed noren, traditional Japanese fabric dividers that often hang outside shops and restaurants. I ended up purchasing a few as gifts for friends back home, each one a small piece of Japanese artistry.


Explore Noren by Corazon in Kyoto for unique souvenirs that reflect the city's rich culture and craftsmanship.

For dinner, we decided to indulge in a traditional Kaiseki dinner at Gion Nanba. I had made a reservation well in advance, knowing that this Michelin-starred restaurant is highly sought after. Tucked away in a quiet alley in Gion, the restaurant exuded an air of elegance and sophistication. The multi-course meal was a culinary masterpiece, each dish a work of art that showcased the season's freshest ingredients. From the delicate sashimi to the flavorful grilled fish, every bite was an explosion of taste and texture. It was an unforgettable dining experience, a perfect way to end our day of exploration and discovery. The service was impeccable, with the staff explaining each dish in detail and ensuring that we felt welcomed and comfortable. I especially appreciated the chef's attention to detail, his passion for Japanese cuisine evident in every aspect of the meal.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

As we headed back to our hotel, Cross Hotel Kyoto, I couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. Today had been a perfect blend of nature, culture, and culinary delights, a true testament to Kyoto's charm and beauty. From the serene bamboo forest to the playful monkey park, every moment had been filled with wonder and joy. I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's adventure, which will take us to Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. I’ve heard that Kiyomizu-dera is particularly stunning, with its wooden stage offering panoramic views of the city. Plus, I'm excited to explore the historic streets of Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, soaking in the traditional atmosphere and browsing the local shops. I’m also hoping to find some unique souvenirs to bring back home, perhaps some traditional crafts or local delicacies. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of exploration in this captivating city.


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

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta. The experiences from today will be stories we tell for years to come.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kiyomizu-dera, Sannenzaka, and Ninenzaka. I’m eager to see Kiyomizu-dera's iconic wooden stage and explore the charming streets lined with traditional shops. Klaus is already planning his photography angles, and Ama is excited about the prospect of trying more Japanese sweets. It promises to be another day filled with cultural immersion and unforgettable moments.