Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Culture and Nature

Whispers of Kyoto

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a serene interlude in our Kyoto adventure. We traded the bustling city streets for tranquil paths and majestic shrines, immersing ourselves in the quiet beauty that Kyoto so effortlessly offers. It was a day of reflection, a chance to connect with the soul of this ancient city, and to appreciate the simple elegance that permeates every corner.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Kizahashi, nestled within The Thousand Kyoto hotel. The traditional Japanese garden surrounding the restaurant created a peaceful ambiance, setting the tone for the day. Mateo was particularly fascinated by the miniature landscapes, pointing out the tiny stone lanterns and meticulously pruned trees. I opted for the Sen~Sen~ bento box, a delightful assortment of flavors and textures, while Klara enjoyed the Kaze~Kaze~ Kaiseki, a multi-course masterpiece. It was the perfect start to a day dedicated to exploring Kyoto's more contemplative side.


Experience authentic Japanese cuisine at Kizahashi in Kyoto, where seasonal ingredients meet traditional artistry in every dish.

With our bellies full and spirits high, we set out for the Philosopher's Path. The winter air was crisp and invigorating as we began our stroll along the canal. The path, though bare of the cherry blossoms it's famed for, possessed a quiet charm. The bare branches of the trees created intricate patterns against the sky, and the gentle murmur of the water was a soothing soundtrack to our walk. Mateo, ever the curious explorer, was fascinated by the ducks gliding along the canal, and we spent a good while watching them dive and resurface.


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

The Philosopher's Path, named after the philosopher Nishida Kitaro who used to meditate here, is a place for quiet contemplation. Even in the relative quiet of winter, the path offered a sense of peace that I deeply appreciated. I found myself reflecting on our journey so far, on the beauty we had witnessed, and on the connections we had made. Klara, ever the architect, was captivated by the traditional houses that lined the path, admiring their understated elegance and harmonious integration with nature.

Sometimes, the greatest adventures are found not in grand gestures, but in quiet moments of reflection and connection.

As we walked, I couldn't help but think about my own work. As a mobile app developer specializing in tourism apps, I'm always looking for ways to enhance the travel experience. The Philosopher's Path, with its blend of natural beauty and cultural significance, is a perfect example of the kind of experience I strive to create through my apps – an opportunity for travelers to connect with a place on a deeper level.

Our walk along the Philosopher's Path eventually led us to Heian Shrine, a magnificent structure that truly took my breath away. The vibrant vermilion color of the buildings stood out starkly against the winter landscape, creating a striking visual contrast. The shrine, built to commemorate the 1100th anniversary of Kyoto's founding, is a testament to the city's rich history and cultural heritage.


Explore Heian Shrine in Kyoto for a serene experience of stunning gardens, rich history, and traditional Japanese architecture.

We explored the vast grounds of the shrine, marveling at the Otenmon Gate and the Daikokuden Hall, both designated as Important Cultural Properties. Mateo was particularly fascinated by the massive torii gate at the entrance, craning his neck to take in its towering height. Klara, meanwhile, was drawn to the shrine's gardens, which, even in winter, possessed a subtle beauty. The bare branches of the cherry trees hinted at the explosion of color to come in spring, and the carefully raked gravel gardens exuded a sense of tranquility.

I was particularly impressed by the Shin-en Garden, a masterpiece of Japanese landscape design. The garden, divided into four sections, showcases exquisite flowers that change with the seasons. Although the winter landscape was serene, I could imagine the vibrant displays of weeping cherry blossoms in spring and the colorful irises in summer. It was easy to see why the garden had been designated as a Place of Scenic Beauty by the Japanese government.

We learned that the Heian Shrine was hosting the NAKED Garden of Light event. It sounded amazing, with its blend of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and modern digital art. Visitors could experience a unique mix of traditional Kyoto craftsmanship and modern digital art, bringing the shrine's beauty to life in a new way. As you enter the grounds through the Otenmon Gate, you'll be greeted by the glow of Kyoto umbrellas from Hiyoshiya, a respected umbrella maker with over 160 years of history. In the East Shrine Garden, Kyoto lanterns from Kojima Shoten and Kojimaan, both established more than 200 years ago, light up the iconic pine trees. But unfortunately the event was not happening today as it excludes the period between Dec 31,2024 – Jan 5,2025.

After immersing ourselves in the grandeur of Heian Shrine, it was time for lunch. We headed to Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, a restaurant known for its fresh meat and grilled dishes. The restaurant, located along the Takase River, had a relaxed atmosphere. We were seated at the counter, which allowed us to watch the chefs prepare our meals with meticulous care.


Experience Kyoto's vibrant food scene with authentic yakiniku at Pound Sanjo-Kiyamachi, where every bite tells a delicious story.

I opted for the Kobe beef set, while Klara chose the tongue sashimi. Mateo, of course, went for the classic hamburger. The Kobe beef was simply divine – tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection right in front of us. Klara raved about the texture and freshness of the tongue sashimi, and Mateo devoured his hamburger with gusto. It was a truly memorable meal, a perfect blend of culinary artistry and fresh ingredients.

As evening approached, we decided to experience Kyoto's nightlife with a visit to The Common One Bar Kyoto. This modern bar, tucked away in the Gion district, offered a unique blend of traditional and contemporary elements. The bar featured tatami rooms and a tea room, creating a space where tradition and modernity blended beautifully. The entrance was a little hard to find, but that added to the bar's allure, giving it a hidden, exclusive feel.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at The Common One Bar, where tradition meets innovation in every cocktail.

The Common One Bar is known for its attentive bartenders and creative cocktails. There's no menu here; instead, you tell the bartender what kind of flavors you like, and they'll whip up something special. I was intrigued by the concept and asked for something with a smoky flavor. The bartender nodded knowingly and began to work his magic, combining various spirits and mixers with practiced ease. The result was a complex and intriguing cocktail that perfectly matched my preferences. Klara, meanwhile, opted for a tea-infused cocktail, a nod to Kyoto's rich tea culture. The bartender carefully prepared her drink, using a traditional tea whisk to blend the ingredients. The presentation was exquisite, and the taste was even better. Mateo enjoyed some smoked snacks along with some juice.

Before heading back to the hotel, we lingered for a while, soaking in the bar's atmosphere. The Common One Bar was a perfect place to end our day. The bar's blend of tradition and modernity perfectly captured the essence of Kyoto, a city that honors its past while embracing the future.

Tomorrow, we're planning to visit the Nishiki Market and Kodaiji Temple. I'm particularly excited to explore the market, with its vibrant array of local produce and culinary delights. I also plan to visit Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. It will be another exciting day of discovery in this captivating city. But for now, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of adventure in Kyoto.