Family Adventure in Historic Kyoto

Finding Serenity in Kyoto's East Side

Today was a day of gentle exploration and quiet contemplation as we ventured into the eastern part of Kyoto. With Lena and Mateo in tow, I was eager to immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of the Philosopher's Path and the majestic temples that dot the landscape. It was a day of simple pleasures, delicious food, and a deeper connection with the soul of Japan.

Our day began with a hearty vegan breakfast at AIN SOPH. Journey KYOTO. I've been trying to incorporate more plant-based meals into my diet, and this place came highly recommended. It was a cozy spot, tucked away from the main streets, offering a peaceful start to our day. Lena opted for the matcha pancakes, while Mateo devoured a stack of fluffy vegan pancakes with whipped cream and ice cream. I went for the teriyaki soy-chicken with a beer, which was delicious and satisfying. It's always a win when you find a place that caters to both adults and kids with such tasty options. I even managed to snag a takeaway burger and fries for Mateo for later – a little something to keep him happy during our temple visits.

Fueled and ready, we set off towards the Philosopher's Path.


Explore the Philosopher's Path, a serene journey through nature and philosophy in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms and historic temples.

The winter air was crisp, and the sky was a clear, pale blue. As we began our walk, the path was quiet and peaceful, with only a few other people around. The canal, usually bustling with life, was still and reflective, mirroring the bare branches of the cherry trees that lined its banks. Even without the blossoms, the path held a certain charm, a sense of quietude that invited introspection. Mateo, ever the curious one, was fascinated by the ducks paddling in the canal, their quacks echoing in the stillness.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found not in grand monuments, but in the simple act of walking and observing the world around you.

As we strolled along, I couldn't help but think about the philosopher who lent his name to this path. Kitaro Nishida, a prominent figure in Japanese philosophy, used to walk this route daily, lost in thought and contemplation. I imagined him pondering the mysteries of existence, finding inspiration in the gentle flow of the canal and the changing seasons. It made me think about my own life, my journey from Argentina to Germany, and now this adventure in Japan. It's funny how travel can make you reflect on things you wouldn't normally consider.

Our first stop along the path was Ginkaku-ji, the Silver Pavilion. While not as flashy as its golden counterpart, Kinkaku-ji, Ginkaku-ji possessed a subtle elegance that I found incredibly appealing. The temple's simple wooden structure, set against the backdrop of the surrounding hills, exuded a sense of tranquility. The meticulously raked sand garden was a work of art, each line and curve carefully placed to create a sense of harmony and balance. Mateo, surprisingly, was captivated by the garden, tracing patterns in the air with his finger as he tried to imitate the precise lines of the sand.

After Ginkaku-ji, we continued along the Philosopher's Path to Nanzen-ji Temple.


Explore the tranquil beauty and rich history of Nanzen-ji Temple, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary nestled in the heart of Kyoto's natural landscape.

This temple complex was much larger than Ginkaku-ji, with numerous sub-temples and gardens to explore. The sheer scale of the place was impressive, and I could easily see why it's considered one of the most important Zen temples in Kyoto. We wandered through the temple grounds, admiring the massive Sanmon gate and the intricate details of the Hojo, the former head priest's residence. Lena was particularly taken with the rock garden, whose rocks are said to resemble tigers and cubs crossing through water. She spent a good while contemplating the arrangement, lost in her own thoughts.

One of the most unexpected sights at Nanzen-ji was the brick aqueduct that ran through the temple grounds. Built during the Meiji period to transport water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto, the aqueduct seemed strangely out of place amidst the traditional temple architecture. Yet, it added a unique element to the landscape, a reminder of the blend of old and new that defines modern Japan. I snapped a few photos of Mateo standing beneath the arches, his small figure dwarfed by the massive structure.

By this point, we were all starting to feel a bit peckish, so we decided to head to Kakyo for lunch.


Experience exquisite kaiseki cuisine at Kakyo, where tradition meets creativity in the heart of Kyoto's historic Higashiyama Ward.

This restaurant offers a fusion of Japanese and French cuisine, and I was intrigued by the concept. We opted for the lunch course, which featured a series of beautifully presented dishes that highlighted seasonal ingredients. From the delicate sashimi to the flavorful meat dishes, each course was a culinary delight. The chef, Mr. Tomohito Chujo, clearly had a passion for his craft, and his attention to detail was evident in every bite. Mateo, surprisingly, was quite adventurous with his meal, trying new flavors and textures with an open mind. It's moments like these that make traveling with family so rewarding – seeing your child experience new things and broaden their horizons.

After lunch, Lena suggested we do a little shopping. She had heard about Kyoto LOFT, a department store known for its unique and trendy Japanese lifestyle products.


Explore Kyoto LOFT: A vibrant general store with cosmetics, home goods, and unique novelties in the heart of Kyoto.

I'm not usually one for shopping, but I was willing to indulge her, especially since Mateo seemed excited by the prospect of finding some new stationery. Kyoto LOFT was a treasure trove of quirky and innovative items, from stylish home goods to fashionable accessories. Lena spent ages browsing the cosmetics section, while Mateo gravitated towards the colorful pens and notebooks. I ended up buying a few small gifts for friends back home, as well as a new travel journal for myself.

As the day drew to a close, we made our way to Teppan Tavern Tenamonya for dinner.


Experience authentic teppanyaki at Teppan Tavern Tenamonya, Kyoto's premier destination for Japanese cuisine in a lively izakaya setting.

This teppanyaki restaurant had been recommended to me by several people, and I was eager to try it out. The restaurant was small and cozy, run by a husband and wife team who were incredibly friendly and welcoming. We sat at the counter, watching as the chef skillfully prepared our meal on the teppan grill. The food was absolutely delicious, from the savory okonomiyaki to the melt-in-your-mouth wagyu steak. Mateo was particularly impressed by the chef's knife skills, clapping his hands in delight as he watched the ingredients being chopped and sizzled.

As we walked back to our hotel, Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, the city was bathed in the soft glow of streetlights.


Discover the charm of Kyoto at Oakwood Hotel Oike, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of the city, perfect for your next adventure.

The air was cool and crisp, and the sounds of the city had quieted down. It had been a long day, but a fulfilling one. We had explored ancient temples, savored delicious food, and created memories that would last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we plan to explore Gion, Hanamikoji Street, and Yasaka Shrine, and I can't wait to see what adventures await us.

The day was a reminder of why I love traveling with my family. It's not just about seeing new places, but about sharing those experiences with the people you love. It's about creating memories together, and about growing closer as a family. And as I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to explore the world with Lena and Mateo by my side.