Family Adventure in Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms and Cultural Wonders

Whispers of the Bamboo Forest

Today marked the third day of our Kyoto adventure, and I was eager to escape the city buzz and immerse ourselves in the serene beauty of Arashiyama. The promise of towering bamboo stalks and ancient temples was too enticing to resist. Packing our essentials – including the sunscreen I, to my chagrin, forgot to pack before leaving Munich – we set off for a day of natural wonders and cultural exploration.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Komefuku. I had read some great reviews, and I must say, it lived up to the hype. It was a cozy spot and the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploring. Astrid was particularly excited about the tempura, and Maximilian enjoyed the traditional Japanese breakfast set. I always appreciate starting the day with a good meal, especially when it involves trying new and local flavors.

After breakfast, we made our way to Arashiyama. The journey itself was quite pleasant, offering glimpses of Kyoto's charming neighborhoods. Arriving in Arashiyama, we were immediately struck by the area's natural beauty. The mountains provided a stunning backdrop, and the air felt fresher and crisper than in the city center. It was the perfect escape we had hoped for.

Our first stop was the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. As we stepped into the grove, I was immediately enveloped by a sense of tranquility. The towering bamboo stalks created a mesmerizing visual spectacle, with sunlight filtering through the dense canopy. The gentle rustling of the bamboo in the breeze added to the ethereal atmosphere. Astrid was wide-eyed, marveling at the sheer height of the bamboo. Maximilian, ever the photographer, was busy capturing the stunning scenery. I felt a sense of peace wash over me as we strolled along the path, hand in hand, as a family. The grove wasn’t overly crowded, which allowed us to take our time and fully appreciate the experience. I even managed to snap a few photos without too many other tourists in the background – a small victory in such a popular spot!


Discover the enchanting Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, a serene haven of towering bamboo and tranquil paths just outside Kyoto, Japan.

In the heart of Arashiyama's bamboo grove, time seemed to slow, and the whispers of the bamboo stalks told tales of serenity and ancient wisdom.

Leaving the bamboo forest, we ventured towards Tenryu-ji Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The temple's history is fascinating. Founded in 1339 by Ashikaga Takauji to honor Emperor Go-Daigo, it stands as a testament to Kyoto's rich cultural heritage. As we wandered through the temple grounds, I was struck by the serene atmosphere and the meticulous attention to detail in the architecture and landscaping. The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, was particularly breathtaking, a perfect blend of natural beauty and Zen aesthetics. Astrid enjoyed spotting the koi fish in the pond, while Maximilian and I appreciated the tranquil ambiance.


Discover the tranquil beauty of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, surrounded by stunning gardens and rich history.

Inside the Hojo, the main building, we saw an image of Shakyamuni Buddha, which is designated as an Important Cultural Property. It was a humbling experience to be in the presence of such a significant artifact. The Hatto Hall, with its images of Shakyamuni Buddha and his two chief bodhisattva disciples, was equally impressive.

After immersing ourselves in the temple's beauty and history, our stomachs began to rumble, signaling lunchtime. We headed to Gion Nanba for a traditional Kyoto lunch. Nestled in a quaint alley, this Kappo restaurant offered a cozy and elegant space. The lunch course was a culinary delight, featuring seasonal ingredients prepared with exquisite skill. Each dish was a work of art, both visually stunning and incredibly flavorful. Astrid, surprisingly, enjoyed the delicate flavors, and Maximilian was impressed by the chef's attention to detail. It was a truly memorable dining experience.


Discover authentic kaiseki cuisine at Gion Nanba, where tradition meets taste in Kyoto's historic Gion district.

In the afternoon, with Astrid starting to tire, we decided to do some relaxed shopping. We visited Maiko Antiques Kyoto, a place I had read about online. It was an eclectic shop filled with strange, rare, and sometimes downright creepy objects. Vintage Japanese toys, retro-futuristic models, and an array of peculiar antiques filled every available space. The owner, dressed in a bright Hawaiian shirt, was incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, happily answering our questions about the various items. Astrid was fascinated by the vintage dolls, while Maximilian was intrigued by the old cameras. I found myself drawn to the intricate miniature samurai armor. We ended up buying a few small souvenirs, mementos of our unique experience.


Explore the rich heritage of Japan at Maiko Antiques Kyoto, where timeless treasures await in a charming antique store setting.

As the day drew to a close, we decided to have dinner at Kyoto cuisine Teramachi Yoshikura. The restaurant is known for its Kyoto cuisine made with seasonal ingredients. It was the perfect way to end our day of exploration. I chose a set meal made with fresh fish and seasonal local vegetables. They also had Obanzai All-You-Can-Eat option, which included pumpkin, taro root, bean curd lees, and hijiki seaweed. Maximilian enjoyed local sake and I enjoyed wine with our meal.


Discover authentic Kyoto cuisine at Teramachi Yoshikura – where traditional flavors meet modern creativity in an unforgettable dining experience.

Reflecting on the day, I realized how much I appreciated the balance between natural beauty and cultural immersion that Arashiyama offered. The bamboo forest provided a sense of tranquility, while Tenryu-ji Temple offered a glimpse into Kyoto's rich history. The delicious lunch and unique shopping experience added to the day's charm. It was a day well spent, creating lasting memories for our family.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore Kiyomizu-dera, Ninenzaka, and Sannenzaka. I am particularly excited to see Kiyomizu-dera, with its iconic wooden stage and stunning views of the city. We are also planning to visit L'Escamoteur, a bar that Maximilian found, for a nightcap.

As I sit here, writing this blog post, I feel a sense of contentment and gratitude. Kyoto has a way of captivating the soul, and I am eager to see what tomorrow brings.

On a side note, I really need to remember to buy a Japanese phrasebook. My German and English aren't doing much good here, and I feel bad relying on Maximilian to translate everything!

Until tomorrow,
Ida