Family Adventure in the Cultural Heart of Japan: Kyoto

Whispers of Bamboo and Playful Encounters

Today was a day of immersion in nature's artistry and the delightful antics of wildlife, a blend that only Kyoto's Arashiyama could offer. Leaving behind the familiar comforts of our hotel, Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo-Karasuma, we ventured into a world of towering bamboo stalks and mischievous monkeys, creating memories that I know my family and I will cherish for years to come.


Experience comfort and convenience at Tokyu Stay Kyoto Sanjo-Karasuma, near top attractions like Nijo Castle and the Kyoto International Manga Museum.
Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Goichi Pizza. It might seem odd to start a day in Japan with pizza, but after several days of traditional Japanese fare, the family craved a taste of something familiar. I must admit, the pizza was surprisingly good, baked in a stone oven with a delightfully chewy crust. Fuelled up, we set off towards Arashiyama, anticipation bubbling within us. I was particularly excited to see the famed bamboo forest, having seen countless photos of its ethereal beauty. Hans, ever the pragmatist, was more interested in the engineering marvels of the railway system that got us there so efficiently. Elif, of course, was all about the monkeys.

As we stepped off the train, the air was crisp and clean, carrying the scent of pine and damp earth. The walk to the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest was a sensory feast in itself. Quaint shops lined the streets, selling everything from handcrafted trinkets to traditional sweets. I couldn't resist buying a small, hand-painted fan depicting cherry blossoms, a memento of our trip. The path to the bamboo forest was teeming with people, a mix of locals and tourists, all eager to experience its magic. But as soon as we entered the grove, a sense of serenity washed over us. The towering bamboo stalks, reaching high into the sky, created a cathedral of green, filtering the sunlight into dappled patterns on the ground. The air was cool and still, save for the gentle rustling of the leaves, a sound that the Japanese Ministry of Environment has recognized as one of the 100 Soundscapes of Japan.


Experience the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, where nature and tranquility come together in a breathtaking landscape.

The beauty of Arashiyama lies not just in its picturesque landscapes, but in the sense of peace and wonder it evokes, a feeling that stays with you long after you've left.

We strolled along the path, hand in hand, marveling at the sheer scale and beauty of the bamboo. It felt like stepping into another world, a realm of tranquility and natural wonder. I couldn't help but think of my textile art, imagining the intricate patterns and textures I could create inspired by this place. The play of light and shadow, the varying shades of green, it was all a visual symphony. Hans, meanwhile, was busy snapping photos, trying to capture the essence of the forest with his camera. He is always eager to document our travels, creating albums that we can look back on for years to come.

After our tranquil time in the bamboo forest, we decided to have lunch at Arash's Kitchen. I was intrigued by the fusion of Iranian, Indian, Turkish, and Arabic cuisines. It reminded me of home, of the diverse culinary influences that have shaped my own cooking. The restaurant was cozy and welcoming, and the food was delicious. We shared a variety of dishes, from flavorful kebabs to fragrant curries, each bite a burst of exotic flavors. It was nice to find a place that offered something different, a departure from the traditional Japanese fare we had been enjoying.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.
With our bellies full and spirits high, we embarked on our next adventure: Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama. The climb up the mountain was more challenging than I had anticipated. The path was steep and winding, but the thought of seeing the monkeys kept us going. Elif, in particular, was practically skipping with excitement. As we ascended, the views of Kyoto became increasingly breathtaking. From our vantage point, we could see the entire city spread out before us, a tapestry of rooftops and temples.


Discover the playful world of Japanese macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, a stunning wildlife experience in the heart of Kyoto.
Finally, we reached the top, and there they were: the monkeys. Hundreds of them, roaming freely, playing, grooming each other, and generally causing mischief. They were Japanese macaques, also known as snow monkeys, and they were far more accustomed to human presence than I had expected. Some were bold, approaching us with curiosity, while others kept their distance, observing us from the trees. We bought some monkey food and entered the feeding area. It was an experience I will never forget. The monkeys would come right up to the fence, reaching out their tiny hands for the treats. It was both thrilling and slightly unnerving to be so close to these wild creatures. Elif was in heaven, giggling and squealing with delight as the monkeys snatched peanuts from her fingers. Hans, of course, was busy taking photos, capturing every moment of this unique encounter.

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the city, we started our descent. The walk down was much easier than the climb up, and we were filled with a sense of accomplishment and contentment. We had conquered the mountain, encountered the monkeys, and experienced the magic of Arashiyama. Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya. I had heard great things about their teppanyaki, and I was eager to try it.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.
The restaurant was small and intimate, with a lively atmosphere. The chefs were friendly and engaging, cooking our food right in front of us on a large iron griddle. We ordered a variety of dishes, from succulent wagyu beef to crispy okonomiyaki, each one cooked to perfection. The flavors were incredible, a testament to the skill and passion of the chefs. It was the perfect way to end our day of adventure.

After dinner, we decided to take a stroll through the Gion district, known for its geishas and traditional wooden machiya houses. Although we didn't spot any geishas, the atmosphere was enchanting, with lanterns glowing softly in the twilight. We wandered through the narrow streets, soaking in the ambiance, before finally heading back to our hotel.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit Kinkaku-ji (the Golden Pavilion), Ryoan-ji (famous for its Zen garden), and Ninna-ji Temple. I am particularly looking forward to seeing the Golden Pavilion, a shimmering spectacle that I have long admired in photographs. But tonight, I am content to reflect on the day's adventures, the whispers of bamboo, the playful encounters with monkeys, and the delicious flavors of Kyoto. It was a day that reminded me of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world, a beauty that is best shared with family.

Before heading back to the hotel, we decided to stop by L'Escamoteur for a nightcap. This bar is known for its magical cocktails and whimsical atmosphere. I must say it was quite the experience. The bartender was dressed in a top hat and performed magic tricks while mixing our drinks. The cocktails were inventive and delicious, each one a work of art. It was a fun and quirky way to end our day in Arashiyama.


Discover L'Escamoteur, Kyoto's enchanting cocktail bar where artistry meets mixology in a whimsical atmosphere. Unforgettable drinks await!
As I sit here now, writing this blog post in the comfort of my hotel room, I can't help but smile. Today was a day of pure joy, a day of exploration, adventure, and connection. It was a day that reminded me why I love to travel, why I love to experience new cultures, and why I love to share these experiences with my family. And as I drift off to sleep, I know that the memories of Arashiyama, the whispers of bamboo, the playful encounters with monkeys, and the delicious flavors of Kyoto, will stay with me for a long time to come.

As we prepare for another day of exploration tomorrow, I am grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with you, my readers. I hope that my blog inspires you to travel, to explore, and to discover the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. And who knows, maybe one day you will find yourself wandering through the bamboo forests of Arashiyama, encountering playful monkeys, and savoring the delicious flavors of Kyoto. Until then, keep exploring, keep dreaming, and keep traveling.