Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Culture and Nature

Journey to the North: Temples and Tunes

Today was a day of contrasts, a true reflection of Kyoto's ability to seamlessly blend the serene with the vibrant. We ventured north, seeking spiritual solace in ancient temples nestled in the mountains, and ended the day with a dose of rock and roll in a local bar. It’s amazing how much variety this city offers, and I'm always eager to dive into it all.

Our day began, as many do here, with a hearty breakfast. This morning, we chose Hyoto Shijo Karasuma, a local spot near our hotel. Mateo was particularly excited about the pastries, and Klara and I enjoyed some traditional Japanese breakfast sets. Fueled up, we were ready for our temple adventures.

Our first stop was Sanzen-in Temple, located in the serene town of Ohara. The bus ride itself was an experience, winding through the outskirts of Kyoto and into the mountainous region. The air was crisp and clean, a refreshing change from the city. As we stepped off the bus, we were greeted by a quaint townscape, a prelude to the temple's tranquility. The approach to Sanzen-in was lined with charming shops and cafes, but we were on a mission to immerse ourselves in the temple's spiritual ambiance. The winter air was biting, but the promise of tranquility kept us moving.


Experience the tranquility and beauty of Sanzen-in Temple, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary surrounded by nature in Kyoto.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences come from embracing the unexpected contrasts that life throws our way.

Sanzen-in Temple was a revelation. The gardens were meticulously maintained, even in the midst of winter. The moss garden, with its tiny Jizo statues peeking out from under the greenery, was particularly enchanting. Mateo was fascinated by the Jizo statues, each with a unique expression and covered in moss. He spent a good amount of time taking photos with them, much to Klara's amusement. I tried to explain the significance of these figures – protectors of travelers and children – but I think the visual appeal was enough for him at his age. The main hall of the temple exuded a sense of history and peace. We took our time wandering through the various buildings, admiring the artwork and architecture. The silence within the temple grounds was broken only by the occasional rustling of leaves and the soft murmur of other visitors.

Leaving Sanzen-in, we felt a sense of calm wash over us. It was exactly the kind of spiritual recharge we needed. We decided to grab a quick bite at a local eatery in Ohara before heading to our next destination. Katsukura at Kyoto Station was the perfect place for a quick and satisfying lunch. Mateo devoured his tonkatsu, while Klara and I enjoyed the traditional Japanese set meals.


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

Next on our itinerary was Kuramadera Temple. Getting there involved a train ride on the Eizan line, which took us further into the mountains. The scenery along the way was breathtaking, with glimpses of snow-capped peaks and dense forests. Arriving at Kurama station, we were greeted by a giant tengu statue, a mythical creature with a long nose and a penchant for mischief. This marked the beginning of our ascent to Kuramadera Temple.


Experience the serene beauty and spiritual heritage of Kuramadera Temple in Kyoto, a perfect blend of nature, history, and tranquility.

We opted for the cable car to ease the climb, a decision I was grateful for, especially with Mateo in tow. The cable car offered stunning views of the valley below. At the top, we still had a bit of a hike to reach the main temple complex. The path was steep and winding, but the crisp mountain air and the promise of panoramic views kept us going. Kuramadera Temple itself was perched on a mountainside, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The main hall was impressive, with its intricate carvings and vibrant colors. We spent some time exploring the various buildings and soaking in the spiritual atmosphere. Mateo, surprisingly, was quite taken with the temple, perhaps drawn in by the mystical tengu legends associated with the mountain.

The descent from Kuramadera was equally rewarding, with stunning views and the satisfaction of having conquered the mountain. By the time we reached the bottom, we were all tired but exhilarated. It was the perfect blend of physical activity and spiritual exploration.

After a long day of temple hopping, we headed back to Kyoto for a change of pace. Dinner was at Premium Pound Gion, a restaurant known for its exquisite wagyu beef. Mateo, despite his initial reservations about trying something new, ended up loving the tender, flavorful meat. Klara and I savored every bite, appreciating the quality and craftsmanship that went into the meal.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.

With the family happily fed and winding down back at the hotel, I decided to venture out on my own for a bit of nightlife. I was keen to check out Rocking Bar ING, a place recommended by a fellow traveler I met earlier in the week. The bar was located in a somewhat hidden spot, but the sound of classic rock emanating from within made it easy to find. As soon as I stepped inside, I was greeted by an eclectic mix of rock memorabilia and a friendly, laid-back atmosphere. The owner, Hako, was a true music fanatic, with an encyclopedic knowledge of rock and roll. He immediately made me feel welcome, striking up a conversation about our favorite bands and sharing stories about the bar's history.


Discover Rocking Bar ING in Kyoto, where the spirit of rock music comes alive amidst an eclectic atmosphere and vibrant nightlife.

The music was fantastic, a mix of classic rock anthems and obscure gems. The crowd was diverse, with locals and tourists mingling and sharing their love of music. I requested a few of my favorite tunes, and Hako happily obliged, spinning vinyl records with a passion that was infectious. It was exactly the kind of unpretentious, authentic experience I was hoping for. I even met a few fellow music lovers and ended up chatting with them for hours about everything from The Rolling Stones to Nick Cave. I felt a pang of nostalgia, thinking about Rose, a friend from back home who loved pets and would have adored Kyoto's underground bar scene. I'm sure she would have enjoyed this place. I made a mental note to tell my friends Sandi and Nicholas, who recommended this place to me.

As the night wore on, the bar became more lively, with people singing along to the music and sharing drinks. I felt a sense of camaraderie and connection with the other patrons, a reminder of the power of music to bring people together. I stayed until late, soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the company. It was the perfect way to end a day of contrasts, a reminder that Kyoto has something to offer everyone, from the spiritually inclined to the rock and roll enthusiast.

Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Kyoto Botanical Gardens and Kamigamo Shrine. I’m looking forward to more serene landscapes and cultural exploration. After that, Klara wants to do some shopping at Kyoto Avanti, so that should be fun. It’s all about balancing the cultural with the commercial, the spiritual with the everyday. That's what makes travel so exciting, isn't it?

On a side note, I realized today that I forgot to pack a travel adapter and a raincoat. It's a bit annoying, but nothing that can't be solved with a quick trip to a local store. I'll make sure to add them to my list of essentials for future trips.

As I write this, I'm filled with a sense of gratitude for the experiences of today. Kyoto continues to surprise and delight me, and I'm excited to see what tomorrow brings. The blend of ancient traditions and modern life is truly captivating, and I feel privileged to be able to share it with my family and with you, my readers. It’s these moments, these contrasts, that make travel so enriching and memorable.