Exploring Kyoto's Cultural Heritage with Friends

A Day of Golden Reflections

Today was a day of contrasts, a blend of the ancient and the modern that only a city like Kyoto can offer. From the shimmering reflection of Kinkaku-ji to the quiet contemplation of Ryoan-ji's Zen garden, and a surprising anime-themed stop, it was a day packed with unforgettable experiences. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – the chance to immerse myself in a culture so different from my own, to learn, to reflect, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Goichi Pizza. It might seem odd to start a day of traditional Japanese sightseeing with pizza, but Fatima and I were craving something familiar. It was a great way to fuel up for the day's adventures. The pizza was delicious, a welcome change from the usual Japanese breakfast fare. I must admit, sometimes a taste of home is exactly what you need when you're miles away.

With our stomachs full, we set off to Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion. As we approached, the sight of the temple shimmering in the morning sun took my breath away. The top two floors are completely covered in gold leaf, and it truly lives up to its name. It was originally built as a retirement villa for Shogun Ashikaga Yoshimitsu in the late 14th century. After his death, it was converted into a Zen Buddhist temple.

Walking around the pond, admiring the reflection of the pavilion in the water, I felt a sense of peace wash over me. Despite the crowds of tourists, there was a stillness in the air, a sense of history and serenity that was truly captivating. It's easy to see why this place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a must-see for anyone visiting Kyoto. Nelson and Sheila were fascinated by the golden structure, and I tried to explain to them the history and significance of the temple, hoping they would grasp at least a little of it.

The beauty of Kinkaku-ji lies not just in its golden exterior, but in the sense of peace and history it evokes.

After Kinkaku-ji, we made our way to Ryoan-ji, famous for its enigmatic Zen garden. This was a completely different experience from the opulence of the Golden Pavilion. Ryoan-ji is a Zen temple known for its karesansui, or dry landscape garden. The garden consists of fifteen rocks arranged in a sea of raked white gravel. The garden is designed in such a way that from any vantage point, you can only see fourteen of the fifteen rocks. It's said that only through enlightenment can you see all fifteen at once.

I sat on the wooden veranda, gazing at the garden, trying to decipher its meaning. Was it meant to represent islands in the sea? Mountains rising above the clouds? Or something else entirely? The beauty of the garden lies in its simplicity and its ability to provoke contemplation. It's a place to quiet the mind and find inner peace. Nelson and Sheila, however, were less impressed. They found the garden boring and were eager to move on. Kids, eh?

Next on our itinerary was Ninna-ji Temple. Founded in 888 by Emperor Uda, it has strong ties to the imperial family. The temple was initially built as a place for the emperor to retire and take up Buddhist practice after abdicating the throne. The temple has a five-story pagoda and beautiful gardens. It is also known for its late-blooming cherry trees. As we walked through the grounds, I couldn't help but imagine what it must have been like to live here as an emperor, surrounded by such beauty and tranquility.

One interesting aspect of Ninna-ji is that, like Kinkaku-ji, it suffered damage during the Onin War in the 15th century. It was later rebuilt in the 17th century. This cycle of destruction and renewal seems to be a recurring theme in Kyoto's history, a testament to the resilience of its people and culture. As an electrician, I find myself fascinated by the ingenuity and craftsmanship required to rebuild these structures, blending traditional techniques with modern innovations to ensure their longevity.

After a day filled with temples and gardens, we decided to indulge in some modern-day pleasures. I knew there was a Kyoto Animation goods store in Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto, and since Sheila and Nelson are big fans of anime, I thought it would be a fun treat. It turned out the shop already closed last month, which was a disappointment, however I was able to find a collaboration in Kyoto Tower with merchandise from Hibike Euphonium. The kids were excited to see all the merchandise from their favorite shows, and I even picked up a few souvenirs for myself. It's amazing how anime has become such a global phenomenon, transcending cultural boundaries and bringing people together through shared love of storytelling and art.

For lunch, we stopped at Komefuku. The restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and tempura dishes. We were able to enjoy the local ingredients that supported the regional farmers. The kids enjoyed the tempura, while Fatima and I enjoyed the sashimi. It was a great way to recharge after a busy morning of sightseeing.

Finally, we ended the day with dinner at Nakamura, a Michelin-starred kaiseki restaurant. This was a truly special experience, a culinary journey that showcased the best of Kyoto's cuisine. Each dish was a work of art, a delicate balance of flavors and textures that tantalized the senses. The restaurant is run by Chef Motokazu Nakamura, a sixth-generation chef in his family. The restaurant has a long history and is famous for its shiromiso zoni. It was a fitting end to a day of contrasts, a reminder of the depth and richness of Japanese culture.

As I reflect on the day, I'm struck by the way Kyoto seamlessly blends the ancient and the modern. Temples and anime, traditional cuisine and pizza – it's a city of endless possibilities, a place where you can discover something new around every corner. I'm grateful for the opportunity to share these experiences with my family, to create memories that will last a lifetime. Tomorrow, we're planning to visit Fushimi Inari Taisha, with its thousands of vermilion torii gates, Tofuku-ji Temple and Sanjusangendo Temple. I'm excited to see what new adventures await us.

Back at the Hotel Gimmond Kyoto, Fatima and I discussed the day's events. We talked about the beauty of Kinkaku-ji, the serenity of Ryoan-ji, and the excitement of the anime store. We also talked about the challenges of traveling with kids, the need to balance their interests with our own, and the importance of being flexible and adaptable. It's not always easy, but it's always worth it. These are the moments that make us a family, the shared experiences that bind us together and create memories that we will cherish for years to come.

As I drift off to sleep, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this incredible journey. Kyoto has exceeded all my expectations, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings. Perhaps I'll even try to learn a few more Mozambican phrases to share with the locals. It's a small gesture, but it's my way of showing respect and appreciation for their culture. Boa noite from Kyoto!