Family Adventure in Kyoto: Cherry Blossoms and Cultural Wonders

Finding Serenity in Kyoto's Gardens

Today was a day of tranquil exploration, a welcome change of pace amidst the bustling energy of Kyoto. We ventured into the serene landscapes of the Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the vibrant Kyoto Botanical Gardens, seeking a deeper connection with nature and history. It's amazing how these pockets of peace can rejuvenate the soul, reminding me of the simple beauty that often gets lost in our busy lives. I was especially happy to share this experience with Maximilian and Astrid, creating memories that I know we'll cherish for years to come.


Explore the beauty and tranquility of Shugakuin Imperial Villa, a historical gem with exquisite gardens and breathtaking views in Kyoto.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION. It felt a bit extravagant for breakfast, but Maximilian insisted we try their Kobe beef. It was indeed a luxurious start to the day, the tender beef melting in our mouths. Astrid, of course, enjoyed the simpler things like toast and fruit, but even she was captivated by the elegant setting.


Experience unparalleled flavors at Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant MOURIYA GION in Kyoto - a must-visit for steak lovers seeking authenticity.

After breakfast, we made our way to the Shugakuin Imperial Villa. Securing a tour of the Shugakuin Imperial Villa requires advance planning, and I was glad I had made the arrangements well ahead of our trip. The villa is a sprawling complex of gardens and teahouses nestled in the hills, a testament to Japanese landscape design. Emperor Go-Mizunoo began constructing it in 1655, and it has been expanded and maintained ever since.

The villa is divided into three gardens: the Lower Garden, Middle Garden, and Upper Garden. We joined a guided tour, and although it was conducted in Japanese, we were provided with audio guides in English. The gardens are interconnected by winding paths, offering stunning views at every turn. The most breathtaking feature is the Upper Garden's large artificial pond, created by damming a ravine. The pond is dotted with islands, and the reflections of the surrounding trees create a mesmerizing scene.

“The best view comes after the hardest climb.”

As we strolled through the gardens, I couldn't help but marvel at the artistry and ingenuity of the design. The villa makes extensive use of *shakkei*, or borrowed scenery, incorporating the surrounding mountains into the garden's composition. It's a seamless blend of nature and human creation, a testament to the Japanese reverence for the natural world. Maximilian was particularly impressed by the engineering of the pond and the way the water was managed throughout the different levels of the gardens. Astrid, ever curious, enjoyed spotting the koi fish in the pond and chasing butterflies in the meadows.

After the serene experience at the Imperial Villa, we headed to the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. Founded in 1924, it is the oldest and most comprehensive botanical garden in Japan. It was established on land donated by the wealthy Mitsui family, commemorating the enthronement of Emperor Taisho. The gardens boast an impressive collection of over 120,000 plants, representing some 12,000 species.


Explore the Kyoto Botanical Gardens, a lush sanctuary featuring thousands of plant species and stunning landscapes in Kyoto's serene Sakyo Ward.

The gardens are divided into various sections, including a bamboo garden, a bonsai exhibit, a camellia garden, and a cherry tree grove. Given the time of year, I was particularly excited to see the cherry blossoms, and the gardens did not disappoint. There are over 450 cherry blossom trees of 130 varieties planted throughout the gardens. The blossoms were in full bloom, creating a breathtaking spectacle of pink and white. It was nice to see that the gardens are illuminated at night from March 25 to April 6, allowing visitors to admire the cherry blossoms until 9:00 PM.

We spent a leisurely afternoon exploring the different sections of the gardens. Astrid loved the children's play area, while Maximilian and I enjoyed the peaceful atmosphere of the Japanese native plants section. The conservatory, one of the largest in Japan, houses a diverse collection of tropical plants, orchids, and succulents. It was a welcome escape from the cool air outside, and we spent a good hour admiring the exotic flora.

For lunch, we opted for a traditional Japanese meal at Fujiya. The restaurant is known for its Kyoto-style cuisine, featuring seasonal vegetables and local ingredients. We enjoyed a variety of dishes, including fresh sashimi, delicate tempura, and flavorful miso soup. Astrid, surprisingly, enjoyed the tempura, devouring the lightly battered vegetables with gusto.


Discover the exquisite flavors of traditional kaiseki cuisine at Fujiya in Kyoto - where every meal is a masterpiece.

In the late afternoon, I decided to indulge in a bit of shopping at Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store. As someone who appreciates sustainable living, I am always on the lookout for unique, pre-loved garments. The store offered a wide array of fashionable vintage clothing and accessories. I found a beautiful vintage kimono that I plan to repurpose into a jacket. It was a fun experience, and I enjoyed browsing through the eclectic mix of styles.


Explore the vibrant world of vintage fashion at Harajuku Chicago Kyoto Store, a treasure trove for unique clothing finds in the heart of Kyoto.

For dinner, we chose Antonio, a Spanish restaurant known for its authentic cuisine. The chef, originally from Spain, prepared a delicious paella that transported us back to our travels in Europe. The flavors were rich and complex, and the seafood was incredibly fresh. Maximilian enjoyed a glass of Spanish wine, while Astrid happily munched on bread and olives.


Discover authentic Spanish flavors at Antonio in Kyoto – where culinary artistry meets vibrant ambiance.

As the day drew to a close, I reflected on the beauty and tranquility we had experienced. Kyoto has a way of calming the soul, of reminding us to appreciate the simple things in life. The Shugakuin Imperial Villa and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens are two such places, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It was a day well spent, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share it with my family.

Tomorrow marks the last day of our Kyoto adventure. We plan to visit Byodoin Temple and the Uji Bridge, and perhaps enjoy a final stroll through the city's charming streets. I am already feeling a tinge of sadness at the prospect of leaving, but I know that we will carry the memories of this trip with us for years to come. I’m also looking forward to visiting Kyoto Star Bar, before we have to say goodbye to this magical city.

“Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer.” I feel so grateful for these days that make us richer as a family.

Good night from Kyoto!