Family Adventure in Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms and Cultural Wonders

Farewell, Kyoto: Finding Peace in Uji

As our twelve-day family adventure in Kyoto draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we've shared. Today, we ventured to Uji, a charming town just south of Kyoto, known for its exquisite tea and historical landmarks. It felt like the perfect way to end our trip, a serene escape from the bustling city, filled with cultural enrichment and peaceful moments.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Tategami. I always appreciate a traditional Japanese breakfast, and this one was no exception. The delicate flavors and beautifully presented dishes were a wonderful start to our final day of exploration. Astrid especially enjoyed the tamagoyaki, declaring it the best she'd had on the whole trip. Maximilian and I savored the miso soup and grilled fish, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such authentic cuisine.


Experience authentic Kyoto-style Japanese cuisine at Tategami - where tradition meets innovation in every bite.
After breakfast, we took a short train ride to Uji. The journey itself was scenic, with glimpses of the Japanese countryside flashing by. As we stepped off the train, the air felt fresher, and a sense of calm washed over us. Our first destination was Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The temple was originally built in 998 as a countryside retreat villa, then it was turned into a temple in 1052. As we approached, the Phoenix Hall came into view, its elegant form reflected in the surrounding pond. The Phoenix Hall is so iconic that it is featured on the back of the Japanese ten-yen coin. The architecture was breathtaking, a testament to the artistry and craftsmanship of the Heian period. We joined a guided tour of the Phoenix Hall's interior, where we admired the statue of Amida Buddha and learned about the temple's history and significance. Astrid was fascinated by the two phoenix statues perched atop the roof. The Byodoin Temple gradually expanded into a massive Temple complex during the Kamakura Period. The temple was commissioned by the Regent Yorimichi Fujiwara in 1052 and designed to reflect the image of the Buddhist Pure Land.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Byodoin Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site nestled in the heart of Uji, Kyoto.

The beauty of Byodoin Temple lies not only in its architectural splendor but also in the sense of peace and tranquility it evokes.

After exploring Byodoin Temple, we strolled towards Uji Bridge, another iconic landmark. Said to have been built around 646 by a monk from Nara, Uji Bridge is one of the oldest bridges in Japan. As we walked across, we admired the Uji River and the surrounding scenery. The bridge has been mentioned in many works of literature and has appeared in various Japanese art forms. The area upstream of the Uji Bridge is a cherished spot for cherry blossom viewing. Although the cherry blossoms were past their peak, there were still hints of pink in the air, a reminder of the fleeting beauty of spring. I told Astrid about the Tale of Genji, a novel written by a Japanese noblewoman in the 11th century, often credited as the world's first novel, where the bridge appears, trying to spark her interest in classic literature.


Explore Uji Bridge, Kyoto's iconic landmark, where stunning views and rich cultural heritage converge along the serene Uji River.
We decided to take a break and immerse ourselves in the local tea culture. Uji is renowned for its high-quality green tea, and we couldn't leave without experiencing a traditional tea ceremony. We visited Taihoan, a municipal tea house, where we learned about the art of preparing and drinking matcha. The tea was bitter, yet refreshing, and the accompanying sweets were a delightful complement. Astrid was initially hesitant, but she ended up enjoying the experience, especially the intricate rituals and the serene atmosphere.

For lunch, we ventured to Khaos Spice Diner, a quirky restaurant known for its flavorful curry. It was an unexpected choice in a town famous for its traditional cuisine, but we were in the mood for something different. The curry was delicious, a fusion of Indian spices and Japanese flavors. Maximilian and I opted for the three-curry plate, while Astrid chose a milder chicken curry. The restaurant's eclectic decor and reggae music added to its unique charm. I'm glad we decided to try something new, even on our last day.


Discover authentic Japanese curry at Khaos Spice Diner in Kyoto – a flavorful experience awaits you!
In the late afternoon, as the sun began to set, we decided to visit the Kyoto Star Bar for a final toast to our Kyoto adventure. The bar is tucked away in a quiet alley, creating a serene atmosphere. The skilled bartenders served up expertly crafted cocktails. I enjoyed a classic gin and tonic, while Maximilian savored a Japanese whisky. Astrid sipped on a refreshing juice, feeling grown-up and sophisticated. The bar was playing Mozart, which created a relaxing ambience.


Discover the perfect blend of cocktails and coffee at Kyoto Star Bar, a stylish retreat in the heart of Kyoto's vibrant nightlife.
For our farewell dinner, we chose Chihana, a restaurant known for its exquisite Kaiseki cuisine. The restaurant is known for its seasonal flavors and unique space with private rooms. The meal was a culinary masterpiece, each dish a work of art. We savored the delicate flavors and textures, feeling grateful for the opportunity to experience such refined cuisine. Astrid was surprisingly well-behaved, even trying some of the more adventurous dishes. The service was impeccable, the staff attentive and gracious.


Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at Chihana in Kyoto's enchanting Gion district - where tradition meets culinary artistry.
As we made our way back to the Ace Hotel Kyoto, I couldn't help but feel a sense of nostalgia. Our twelve days in Kyoto had been a whirlwind of cultural immersion, historical exploration, and culinary delights. We had seen so much, learned so much, and experienced so much together as a family. I know that the memories we made here will stay with us for a lifetime. We are planning to return to Munich tomorrow.


Discover the heart of Kyoto at Ace Hotel, where modern comforts meet traditional charm, just steps from iconic attractions and vibrant culture.
Tomorrow marks the end of our trip. While I'm looking forward to returning home to Munich, I'll miss the beauty and tranquility of Kyoto. This journey has been an incredible experience for our family, and I'm already dreaming of our next adventure.

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta

Before heading back to the hotel, we took one last stroll through the streets of Kyoto, soaking in the atmosphere and feeling grateful for the experiences we've had. We are looking forward to returning to Munich tomorrow. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm already looking forward to planning our next adventure.

I will miss the cherry blossoms, the temples, and the delicious food, but most of all, I will miss the sense of wonder and discovery that this trip has brought to our family. Until next time, Kyoto!

As we prepare to leave Kyoto, I'm filled with a mix of emotions. There's a sense of sadness that our adventure is coming to an end, but also a deep sense of gratitude for the experiences we've shared. Kyoto has captured our hearts with its beauty, history, and culture. I know that we'll carry these memories with us always, and I hope to return someday to explore more of this enchanting city. The cherry blossom season has been truly magical, and I'm grateful that we were able to witness it as a family. Until next time, Kyoto, sayonara!

Before heading back to the hotel, we took one last stroll through the streets of Kyoto, soaking in the atmosphere and feeling grateful for the experiences we've had. We are looking forward to returning to Munich tomorrow. It's been an incredible journey, and I'm already looking forward to planning our next adventure.

I'm excited to share more stories and photos from our trip in future posts. Stay tuned for more travel adventures!