Family Adventure in Historic Kyoto

A Day of Spiritual Discovery

Today, Kyoto unveiled even more of its captivating soul. With Lena and Mateo by my side, I embarked on a journey through vermilion gates, serene gardens, and panoramic vistas, each location whispering tales of ancient traditions and enduring beauty. Armed with my camera, I was eager to capture every moment, hoping to translate the essence of Kyoto into images and stories for 'Tango & Travel'.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Komefuku. It was a delicious start to the day, providing us with the energy we needed for our temple visits.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Komefuku in Kyoto, renowned for its fresh seafood and exquisite tempura dishes.

Every corner in Kyoto seems to hold a secret, a story waiting to be discovered.

First on our itinerary was the iconic Fushimi Inari Shrine (Thousand Torii Gates). The approach to the shrine was already mesmerizing, with street vendors selling everything from fox-shaped cookies to miniature torii gates. Mateo was particularly fascinated by the fox statues, Inari's messengers, and insisted on taking a photo with each one we encountered. The seemingly endless path of vibrant red torii gates snaking up the mountain was an absolutely breathtaking sight. Each gate, donated by individuals and businesses, is inscribed with their name and the date of the donation. Walking through the seemingly endless tunnel of vermilion was like stepping into another world. The further we climbed, the fewer people we encountered, allowing us to soak in the serene atmosphere and appreciate the stunning views overlooking Kyoto. I was hoping to see the sun shine through the torii gates, but the weather was still beautiful, although a bit cold, around 6 degrees Celsius. The wind added to the chill factor. I made sure Mateo was dressed warmly, remembering our adventures in Berlin's winter markets. I was a little worried that he'd get bored of walking, but he was having the time of his life, running ahead and counting the torii gates. I managed to capture some amazing shots of Lena framed against the vibrant red, the juxtaposition of her blonde hair and the traditional Japanese setting creating a striking image.


Explore the enchanting Fushimi Inari Shrine, home to thousands of vibrant torii gates, where tradition and breathtaking beauty await every visitor.

Next, we headed to Tōfuku-ji Temple, a serene contrast to the bustling energy of Fushimi Inari. Founded in 1236, Tofuku-ji is renowned for its Zen gardens and stunning autumn foliage. Although it's January, and the vibrant colors of autumn are long gone, the temple still held a quiet beauty. The Hojo Garden, designed by Mirei Shigemori in the late 1930s, was particularly captivating. The unique checkerboard patterns of moss and stones, the carefully arranged rocks representing sacred mountains – it was a masterclass in minimalist beauty. Mateo, surprisingly, was also captivated by the Zen garden, carefully stepping around the rocks and whispering about the patterns he saw. Lena, ever the librarian, was fascinated by the history of the temple, reading aloud from our guidebook about its founding by the Fujiwara clan and its significance as one of Kyoto's principal Zen temples. We explored the Sanmon Gate, the oldest Zen gate in Japan, and the Hondo (main hall), marveling at the scale and craftsmanship of these ancient structures. The temple was not as crowded as Fushimi Inari, which made it easy to take pictures and enjoy the peace and quiet.


Discover the serene beauty and historical significance of Tōfuku-ji Temple, a must-visit Buddhist landmark in Kyoto.

Our final stop of the day was Kiyomizu-dera. Situated on a hillside, the temple offered panoramic views of Kyoto. As we approached, the narrow streets leading to the temple were bustling with activity, a vibrant mix of tourists and locals. The main hall, with its iconic wooden stage jutting out over the hillside, was an impressive sight. The stage, built without nails, offers a breathtaking view of the city. Despite the crowds, I managed to find a quiet spot to take some photos, capturing the city sprawling beneath the temple. Mateo was especially excited about the Otowa Waterfall, where visitors can drink from three separate streams of water, each said to grant a different benefit: longevity, success in studies, and a good love life. Of course, Mateo wanted to try all three! Lena and I had to explain that it's considered greedy to drink from all three streams, and he eventually chose the stream for success in studies – a good choice, considering he starts school next year. It was quite cold, and I was afraid that Mateo would slip, since the stone pavements and stairs at Kiyomizu-dera Temple are often frozen in winter. I made sure he was wearing shoes with good slip resistance.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, where culture and nature harmoniously blend.

For lunch, we indulged in a tempura feast at Yoshikawa. The tempura was light and crispy, and the service was impeccable. I was glad we chose to sit at the counter, where we could watch the chefs expertly preparing each dish. Mateo was fascinated by the process, peppering the chef with questions about the ingredients and techniques. Lena and I enjoyed the opportunity to sample a variety of local sake, each one perfectly complementing the delicate flavors of the tempura. The atmosphere was excellent.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yoshikawa, where tradition meets exceptional flavors in the heart of Kyoto.

As evening approached, we decided to experience Kyoto's nightlife with a visit to The Common One Bar Kyoto. Finding the bar was an adventure in itself, tucked away in a quiet alley in Gion. The bar had a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with a unique blend of traditional Japanese aesthetics and contemporary design. The bartender was a true artist, crafting exquisite cocktails with meticulous care. I ordered a classic Old Fashioned, while Lena opted for a more adventurous concoction featuring local sake and yuzu. Mateo, of course, stuck with juice, but he was fascinated by the bartender's techniques, watching with wide eyes as he muddled ingredients and carefully poured spirits.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at The Common One Bar, where tradition meets innovation in every cocktail.

Finally, for dinner, we enjoyed some Wagyu at Gion Mikaku. The wagyu specialty restaurant offered only unbred Tajima female cattle. I had Teppan-yaki steak while relaxing and enjoying the seasonal beauty of Shirakawa. The steak was tender and juicy, and the service was excellent. It was a perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover Gion Mikaku, where exceptional steak meets authentic Japanese culture in Kyoto's enchanting Gion district.

As I sit here now, back at the Oakwood Hotel Oike Kyoto, reflecting on the day, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've shared. Kyoto has a way of seeping into your soul, leaving you with a sense of peace and wonder. Tomorrow, we're planning to explore the Philosopher's Path, Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion), and Nanzen-ji Temple. I'm eager to see what new adventures await us.


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

In the evening, I also took some time to plan our itinerary for the next few days, ensuring we make the most of our time in Kyoto. I also made sure to charge all my camera batteries, and downloaded all the photos I took today. I really need to buy more memory cards. It's one of the essentials I forgot to pack. I should probably also try to learn some more Japanese phrases. Lena keeps teasing me about my pronunciation.

The beauty of Kyoto is not just in its temples and shrines, but also in the warmth and hospitality of its people. It's a city that invites you to slow down, to appreciate the simple things, and to connect with the past. I feel incredibly lucky to be sharing this experience with my family, creating memories that will last a lifetime. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Until then, sayōnara from Kyoto!