Cultural Immersion in Kyoto: A Journey through History and Tradition

Finding Serenity in Kyoto: A Day of Reflection and Gastronomy

Today was a day of quiet contemplation and exquisite culinary experiences, perfectly capturing the essence of Kyoto. Isabella and I set out to explore some of the city's most serene spots, and indulge in its renowned cuisine. It’s amazing how much a day of intentional peace can recharge the soul, especially when paired with fantastic food.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Saishuan Shiraki. The restaurant was charming, intimate, and authentic. Unfortunately, it seems that Saishuan Shiraki is now closed, with a new karaoke bar opening in its place. It's always a little sad when a beloved spot closes its doors, but I'm grateful we had the chance to experience its charm while it lasted. The owner was incredibly welcoming, going out of her way to make our experience amazing with her cooking and great conversation. Even though the menu called for a five-course meal, she cooked smaller portions but way more courses so we could try more dishes. Everything was super delicious and prepared in an authentic Kyoto-specific style. It was a truly amazing experience, one of the top highlights of our trip to Kyoto. I remember Miho-san's kindness and the incredible flavors of the dishes she prepared right in front of us. It was more than just a meal; it was a personal and memorable experience that we will always cherish. We felt incredibly welcome, and it was a perfect start to our day of exploration.


Discover the authentic flavors of Japan at Saishuan Shiraki - a premier izakaya experience in the heart of Kyoto.

After breakfast, Isabella and I embarked on a tranquil journey along the Philosopher's Path. The Philosopher's Path, also known as Tetsugaku No Michi, is a scenic walkway following a small water canal in Kyoto's Higashi-yama district. The path stretches about two kilometers from Ginkaku-ji (Silver Pavilion) to the Nanzenji neighborhood. Named after Nishida Kitaro, a professor at Kyoto University, who used this path for daily meditation, it offered a serene escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The crisp winter air and the gentle sound of the stream created a calming atmosphere, perfect for reflection. Despite the cold, the beauty of the surroundings was undeniable.


Explore the Philosopher's Path, a serene journey through nature and philosophy in Kyoto, lined with cherry blossoms and historic temples.

Walking the Philosopher's Path in winter offers a unique perspective, a quietude that allows for deeper contemplation and appreciation of nature's subtle beauty.

The Philosopher's Path was relatively quiet, allowing us to fully appreciate the tranquility of the surroundings. The bare trees had a stark beauty, and the occasional bursts of green from the moss-covered stones added a touch of vibrancy to the muted winter landscape. We passed a few locals walking their dogs and a handful of other tourists, but for the most part, we had the path to ourselves. I couldn't help but think about Nishida Kitaro, the philosopher for whom the path is named, and imagine him strolling along the same route, deep in thought. It was easy to see why he found inspiration here. I shared some of my thoughts with Isabella, discussing the importance of finding moments of peace and quiet in our busy lives.

Our walk along the Philosopher's Path led us to the magnificent Nanzen-ji Temple. Nanzen-ji Temple, one of Kyoto's most famous Zen temples, was founded during the Kamakura period. The expansive temple grounds feature impressive structures such as the grand Sanmon gate, the iconic Suirokaku aqueduct, and beautiful gardens, providing visitors with a deep sense of history and culture. Founded in the late 13th century, this Zen Buddhist temple is one of the most important in Japan. The entrance to the Nanzen-ji complex is free, but the Abbot's Quarters and each sub-temple has its own entrance fee. As we approached, the imposing Sanmon Gate loomed before us. Built in 1628, the gate is also called “Sangedatsumon” (Gate of the Three Liberations) and is the most important gate within the Japanese Zen Buddhist temple. Standing at 22m high, it was built by Tōdō Takatora to memorialize those who died in the Siege of Osaka Castle in 1615. We decided to climb to the top for a panoramic view of Kyoto. The winter scenery was breathtaking, with the city's rooftops dusted with snow and the surrounding hillsides a tapestry of evergreens and bare trees.


Discover the tranquility of Nanzen-ji, a historic Buddhist temple complex in Kyoto, where spirituality meets stunning natural beauty.

Exploring the grounds, we were struck by the temple's serene beauty. The Hojo Garden, with its meticulously raked gravel and carefully placed stones, was a masterpiece of Zen landscape design. We also visited the Suirokaku Aqueduct, a brick structure built during the Meiji era that carries water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto. The aqueduct's Romanesque arches provided a striking contrast to the traditional Japanese architecture of the temple, creating a unique and memorable scene.

For lunch, we had reservations at Chihana, a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its exquisite Japanese cuisine. Chihana is a restaurant with a history dating back to 1946. Currently passed down the the second generation, owner chef Katsuyoshi Nagata keeps this restaurant going strong. The service throughout was exceptional, even by Japanese standards. The chefs and waitresses paid great attention to us and came across as genuinely enthusiastic about the food and the desire for us to enjoy ourselves. We felt incredibly welcome. The main course was grilled Spanish mackerel with soy vinegar and mild green chili pepper. The fish was superb, having lovely flavor and texture; the mild green chili just lifted the dish. I was really impressed with a very simple dish of grilled aubergine egg that followed, served just with sesame soy vinegar. This had exceptionally good texture and flavor; I do not know the cooking process that went on behind the scenes, but to make aubergine taste this good was impressive. Next was a vinegar dish of fig, green beans and ginger, which worked well; the ginger having lovely flavor. This was followed by scallops and miso sauce, with crunchy green beans. This was a lovely dish, the scallops, though raw, having tremendous sweetness of flavor, the beans providing a texture contrast. The sauce, which was made with egg yolk, soy, mustard and mirin, really complemented the scallops. Next was sea eel roe with lotus root and chopped chives. This didn't do much for me, though it was well made. The savoury dishes now concluded with the traditional offering of rice, in this case with pickles and freshly chopped mint; there is a limit to what you can do with boiled rice and pickles. By now I was very full, and I was relieved to finish on a very light note of a glass of apple and orange juice. The bill was ¥44,005 yen for two (£167 a head).


Experience authentic kaiseki cuisine at Chihana in Kyoto's enchanting Gion district - where tradition meets culinary artistry.

In the evening, we experienced a delightful dinner at Gion Mikaku. Gion Mikaku is a long-standing wagyu specialty restaurant located along the Shirakawa River. They exclusively serve unbred Tajima female cattle, allowing you to enjoy the deliciousness prepared by skilled chefs on the teppan. Along with grilled shabu-shabu and teppanyaki sukiyaki, you can enjoy the breathtaking seasonal views of Shirakawa, making for a blissful experience. The steak, carefully grilled on a hot plate, is characterized by its tender and juicy texture. You can enjoy the rich taste of the meat enhanced by our special sauces and condiments. At the counter seats, you can see the chef's skills up close, while private rooms allow for a relaxed dining experience. The calm and traditional Japanese atmosphere in the store creates a sophisticated space that offers a high-quality experience. Gion Mikaku is a long-established steakhouse that has continued to walk alongside the traditions of Kyoto. Since its founding, it has been particular about the quality of Wagyu beef and cooking techniques, receiving high praise from food enthusiasts both domestically and internationally. The wagyu beef was cooked to perfection, melting in our mouths with each bite. The ambiance of the restaurant, with its traditional Japanese decor and views of the Shirakawa River, added to the overall experience.


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

To cap off our evening, we ventured into the hidden gem that is L'Escamoteur, a bar known for its unique cocktails and magical atmosphere. L'Escamoteur is truly exceptional. In the heart of Kyoto, it feels like I've stepped into another country. The bartender prepares cocktails while performing. The master is French and very handsome!! The bar had a unique atmosphere with many foreigners. I had the pleasure of visiting L'ESCAMOTEUR BAR! The bartender's performance was captivating, and the cocktails were both delicious and visually stunning. It was the perfect way to end a day of cultural immersion and culinary delights.


Discover L'Escamoteur, Kyoto's enchanting cocktail bar where artistry meets mixology in a whimsical atmosphere. Unforgettable drinks await!

As we head into tomorrow, our itinerary includes a visit to the Heian Shrine and the Kyoto Botanical Gardens. The Heian Shrine is known for its beautiful gardens and architecture, while the Kyoto Botanical Gardens offer a serene escape into nature. We're also planning to have lunch at French Dining Top of Kyoto, which promises stunning views of the city, and dinner at Hanasaki, known for its traditional Japanese cuisine. To round out the day, we'll be doing some shopping at Takashimaya Kyoto S.C., a department store that offers a wide range of products from local crafts to high-end fashion.

Kyoto continues to enchant us with its blend of tradition and modernity. Each day brings new discoveries and unforgettable experiences. I am grateful for the opportunity to share these moments with Isabella and with all of you.

Today was a reminder to slow down, appreciate the simple things, and savor every moment. Until tomorrow, arigato!