Family Adventure in Historic Kyoto

Whispers in the Bamboo

Today was all about immersing ourselves in the natural beauty and cultural richness of Arashiyama. It's amazing how a place can feel both ancient and timeless, offering a sense of peace that's hard to find in our busy lives back in Berlin. It was a day filled with the simple joys of exploring with Lena and Mateo, discovering hidden corners, and savoring delicious food.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at The Cellar Kyoto. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, perfect for starting a chilly January morning. I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, while Lena enjoyed a continental spread. Mateo, of course, went straight for the pastries. Fuelled up, we set off for Arashiyama. The train journey itself was a treat, offering glimpses of the Kyoto countryside dusted with a light frost. It reminded me of the landscapes back in Jujuy, especially during the brief winter we get. The crisp air and the promise of adventure made us all eager to start exploring.

Arriving in Arashiyama, the first thing that struck me was the sheer tranquility of the place. Even with other tourists around, there was a sense of calm that enveloped us. The plan was to visit the famed bamboo grove, but we decided to first pay our respects at Tenryu-ji Temple. The temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was founded in 1339 and is one of the five major Zen temples in Kyoto. The architecture was stunning, with its intricate details and serene gardens. Mateo was fascinated by the koi ponds, and Lena, ever the historian, was engrossed in reading about the temple's history.

The Sogenchi Garden was particularly enchanting. Even in winter, the garden retained its beauty, with the carefully arranged rocks and meticulously pruned trees creating a sense of harmony. I could imagine how stunning it must be in spring or autumn, but there was a unique charm to seeing it dusted with a light layer of frost. We spent a good hour wandering through the temple grounds, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere and taking photos. I even managed to convince Mateo to try a bit of quiet contemplation, though it only lasted for a few minutes before he was off chasing pigeons again.

In the depth of winter, I finally learned that there was in me an invincible summer.

Next on our list was the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. I had seen countless photos of this place, but nothing could have prepared me for the real thing. Stepping into the grove felt like entering another world. Towering bamboo stalks soared into the sky, creating a canopy of green that filtered the sunlight into soft, dappled patterns. The air was cool and crisp, and the only sound was the gentle rustling of the bamboo leaves in the breeze. It was truly magical.


Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.
We strolled along the winding path, marveling at the beauty of nature. Mateo, of course, couldn't resist touching the bamboo stalks, running his hands along their smooth surfaces. Lena and I took turns snapping photos, trying to capture the essence of this unique place. I must admit, I felt a pang of longing for my photography days back in Argentina. This place would have been a dream to capture on film. As we walked deeper into the grove, the crowds thinned out, and we found ourselves almost alone, surrounded by the towering bamboo. It was a moment of pure serenity, a chance to connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

By lunchtime, we were all feeling a bit peckish. We decided to try Arash's Kitchen, a local restaurant that I had read about online. It turned out to be a fantastic choice. The restaurant served a mix of Persian and Indian cuisine, a welcome change from the traditional Japanese fare we had been eating. The owner, Arash, was incredibly welcoming, and spoke both English and Japanese fluently. He recommended a selection of kebabs and curries, which we eagerly devoured. Mateo, surprisingly, loved the naan bread and even tried a bit of the chicken kebab. It was a delicious and satisfying meal, and a great way to refuel after our morning of exploring.

After lunch, we wandered through the local shops, browsing the crafts and souvenirs. We stopped at the Kyoto Crafts Store, a treasure trove of traditional Japanese crafts. Lena was particularly interested in the ceramics, while Mateo was drawn to the colorful toys. I picked up a few small souvenirs for friends back home, and Lena bought a beautiful teacup for her collection. It's always nice to bring back a little piece of the places we visit, a tangible reminder of our adventures.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way back to the train station, feeling tired but content. Arashiyama had exceeded all our expectations. It was a place of natural beauty, cultural richness, and simple pleasures. I couldn't help but feel grateful for the opportunity to share this experience with my family. These are the moments that matter, the memories that we will cherish for years to come.

Back at the hotel, after getting Mateo to bed, Lena and I decided to treat ourselves to a special dinner at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO. The restaurant is known for its Italian cuisine and its beautiful setting in a traditional Kyoto house. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploring.

The restaurant was elegant and refined, with impeccable service and a sophisticated atmosphere. We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a selection of seasonal dishes prepared with local ingredients. Each course was a work of art, both visually stunning and incredibly delicious. Lena and I savored every bite, enjoying the flavors and textures of the food. It was a culinary experience that we won't soon forget.

As we ate, we talked about our day in Arashiyama, reminiscing about our favorite moments. We both agreed that the bamboo grove was the highlight, a truly magical place that had touched our souls. We also talked about our plans for tomorrow, which include visiting the Fushimi Inari Shrine, Tofuku-ji Temple and Kiyomizu-dera. I'm particularly excited about seeing the thousands of torii gates at Fushimi Inari, while Lena is looking forward to exploring the gardens of Tofuku-ji. And maybe we'll stop by The Common One Bar Kyoto for a nightcap.

Before heading to bed, I took a moment to reflect on our day. It had been a day of discovery, connection, and simple joys. A day that reminded me of the importance of slowing down, appreciating the beauty around us, and cherishing the moments we share with our loved ones. As I drifted off to sleep, I felt a sense of peace and gratitude. Kyoto was proving to be everything we had hoped for, and I couldn't wait to see what tomorrow would bring. I am also reminded of a quote from a countryman of mine, Jorge Luis Borges:

I carry Argentina inside me.

And tonight, I feel I carry a bit of Kyoto as well.

Tomorrow, we venture into more of Kyoto's iconic landmarks, and I can't wait to share those adventures with you all. Until then, sayōnara!