Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Culture and Nature

Echoes of Power: Exploring Kyoto's Imperial History

Today was a deep dive into the heart of Kyoto's rich history, a journey through time that brought us face-to-face with the emperors and shoguns who shaped this magnificent city. It’s fascinating to walk the same paths they once did, imagining the weight of their decisions and the grandeur of their era. Mateo was especially excited about the squeaky floors we heard about, adding an element of playful anticipation to our explorations.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Goichi Pizza. It might seem odd to start a day of traditional Japanese exploration with pizza, but after several days of traditional food, even I was craving something different, and the stone-oven baked pizzas were delicious and a welcome change of pace. It gave us the energy we needed for the day's adventures.


Discover the delicious fusion of Italian tradition and local flavors at Goichi Pizza in Kyoto - an unmissable dining experience!

First on our itinerary was Nijō Castle. This castle, built in 1603, served as the Kyoto residence of Tokugawa Ieyasu, the first shogun of the Edo Period. As we approached, the sheer scale of the stone walls and deep moats was immediately striking. It's easy to see how this castle graphically demonstrates the power that the Shoguns held over Japan for so much of its history.


Experience the grandeur of Nijō Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where history, architecture, and nature intertwine in Kyoto's cultural heart.

Inside, we explored the Ninomaru Palace, famous for its “nightingale floors.” These squeaky floors were designed to alert the occupants to the presence of intruders, and Mateo had an absolute blast walking around trying to make them sing. The decorative panels and carvings inside were incredibly detailed, reflecting the enormous power and attitudes of the warlords who occupied the castle. Klara was particularly impressed by the craftsmanship, noting how well-preserved everything was.

    

History is not a burden on the memory but an illumination of the soul.

After touring the Ninomaru Palace, we took a leisurely stroll through the Seiryu-en Garden, which surrounds the buildings of the castle. The garden is a beautiful blend of Japanese and Western styles, created in 1965. Even in January, the carefully manicured landscape was serene and calming. It’s amazing to think that this castle has witnessed so much history, from the height of the shogunate to the eventual restoration of imperial rule.

From Nijō Castle, we headed to the Kyoto Imperial Palace, also known as Kyoto Gosho. This was the residence of Japan's Imperial Family for over a thousand years, until 1868 when the capital was moved to Tokyo. The palace is located in the spacious Kyoto Imperial Park, a large green space in the center of the city. Even though it's January, the park provided a welcome respite from the urban landscape.


Explore the historical elegance and natural beauty of Kyoto Imperial Palace, a cultural landmark reflecting Japan's royal history.

We joined a free guided tour in English, which started at 2:00 PM. The guide shared fascinating stories about the palace's history and significance. Although we couldn't enter the buildings, walking around the exterior gave us a sense of the imperial family's life. I learned that the current palace was reconstructed in 1855 after a fire and has been moved around town repeatedly over the centuries. The complex is enclosed by long walls and consists of several gates, halls, and gardens. Klara, with her architect's eye, appreciated the design and layout of the palace, noting the subtle details that spoke volumes about the imperial aesthetic.

One interesting fact I learned was that even after the capital moved to Tokyo, the enthronement ceremonies of Emperors Taisho and Showa were still held at the Kyoto Imperial Palace. It’s a testament to the city's enduring importance in Japanese culture and history. Mateo, ever curious, kept asking questions about the emperors and their lives, which made the experience even more engaging for all of us.

After immersing ourselves in imperial history, it was time for lunch. We chose Katsukura - Kyoto Porta, a restaurant known for its Tonkatsu. Located in the Kyoto Porta shopping complex, it was easy to access and offered a delicious break. The Tonkatsu was perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, and the set meal came with rice, miso soup, and cabbage – a truly satisfying meal. Mateo loved the pork cutlets, and Klara and I enjoyed the authentic flavors and cozy atmosphere.


Discover authentic Tonkatsu at Katsukura - a must-visit Japanese restaurant in Kyoto offering delightful flavors in a modern setting.

Our final stop for the day was the Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store. As a mobile app developer, I'm always interested in technology and its intersection with culture. This store, dedicated to Kyoto Animation goods, was a fun and quirky experience. Mateo, who enjoys anime, was thrilled to see characters from his favorite shows. I found it fascinating how animation has become such an integral part of Japanese culture and how Kyoto Animation has contributed to this phenomenon. I even picked up a small souvenir for Mateo, a little figure from one of his favorite shows.


Explore Kyoto Station ASTY Kyoto Kyoani Goods Store for exclusive anime merchandise and a taste of Japan's vibrant pop culture.

Finally, for dinner, we had a reservation at Yoshikawa, a tempura restaurant. This was a truly special experience. The restaurant is located in a traditional sukiya-zukuri building, and the ambiance was incredibly peaceful and calming. We opted for the counter seats, which allowed us to watch the skilled chef meticulously prepare each tempura dish. The ingredients were carefully selected, and the tempura was light, crispy, and not at all greasy. Klara and I savored every bite, appreciating the artistry and attention to detail. Mateo, surprisingly, enjoyed the tempura as well, especially the shrimp.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Yoshikawa, where tradition meets exceptional flavors in the heart of Kyoto.

As the day drew to a close, we reflected on all that we had experienced. From the imposing Nijō Castle to the serene Kyoto Imperial Palace, from the delicious Tonkatsu to the delightful tempura, and from the quirky anime store to the harmonious blend of traditional aesthetics and modern comforts at Hotel Grand Bach Select Kyoto, today was a perfect blend of cultural immersion and culinary delight.


Experience the serene elegance of Hotel Grand Bach Select Kyoto, where traditional charm meets modern convenience in the heart of the city.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Philosopher's Path and Heian Shrine, continuing our journey through Kyoto's cultural and natural wonders. I'm also looking forward to trying The Common One Bar Kyoto, based on the recommendation, for a relaxed evening. It's moments like these, shared with my family, that make travel so rewarding. I'm grateful for the opportunity to explore this beautiful city and create lasting memories with Klara and Mateo.

As I sit here in our hotel room, writing about our day, I can't help but feel a sense of gratitude for the experiences we've had. Kyoto has a way of captivating your senses and leaving you with a deep appreciation for its history, culture, and beauty. I'm excited for what tomorrow will bring and for the adventures that lie ahead.

Good night from Kyoto!