Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

Kyoto's Embrace: A Day of Ancient Wonders

Today, Kyoto truly wrapped its arms around us, offering a day filled with history, beauty, and delectable flavors. It felt like stepping back in time, wandering through streets that have witnessed centuries of stories. The city's charm is undeniable, and I'm excited to share our adventures with you.

Our day began with a traditional Japanese breakfast at Jiki Miyazawa. Stepping into the restaurant felt like entering a serene sanctuary. The minimalist decor, with its natural wood and soft lighting, immediately set a calming tone. We were seated at the counter, which allowed us to watch the chef, Izumi-san, work his magic. He was incredibly kind, explaining each dish with a gentle smile. The breakfast was a symphony of subtle flavors and textures. There was grilled fish, perfectly seasoned and flaky, accompanied by a delicate tofu that melted in your mouth. The miso soup was rich and comforting, and the pickles added a delightful tanginess. But the highlight was undoubtedly the clay pot-cooked rice, served with charred eggplant and miso soup. The rice was garnished with edamame, seaweed and granted karasumi. It was perfectly cooked and tasted heavenly.

Fueled and ready, our family began our exploration at Kiyomizu-dera. As we approached the temple, the vibrant colors of the buildings against the backdrop of the lush green hills were striking. The history of Kiyomizu-dera is palpable. Founded in 778, it has been a place of pilgrimage and spiritual solace for over 1200 years. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, and it is known as a Kannon Reijo, a holy place abundant with Kannon's compassion.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, where culture and nature harmoniously blend.
Leila was especially excited about the prospect of seeing a real temple. Greta, ever the curator, was fascinated by the architecture and the stories behind each structure. I was simply trying to capture it all with my camera, hoping to do justice to the beauty that surrounded us. I made sure to get a shot of the Evening Special Visit 2025 spring.

The wooden stage of Kiyomizu-dera, jutting out 13 meters above the hillside, offered a breathtaking panoramic view of Kyoto. The cherry blossoms were in full bloom, creating a sea of pink and white that stretched as far as the eye could see. It was a sight that truly took our breath away. We took our time, soaking in the view and snapping photos. I couldn't help but think of my parents back in Hilo, wishing they could experience this with us. Maybe one day, I thought, we could all come back together.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its temples and gardens, but in the way it invites you to slow down and appreciate the present moment.

After Kiyomizu-dera, we wandered down to Ninenzaka and Sannenzaka, two charming, traditional streets that wind their way down the hillside. These streets are lined with wooden shops selling everything from traditional crafts to sweets and snacks. It was like stepping back in time, a feeling amplified by the fact that it was virtually absent of power poles and wires. The absence allowed us to imagine what Kyoto looked like in the past.


Experience Ninenzaka's historical charm with traditional wooden structures, vibrant shops, and serene tea houses in the heart of Kyoto.
We paused to admire the traditional architecture, the Kyo Machiya buildings designed to withstand Kyoto's changing weather. Their wooden doors, paper sliding doors, and mud walls were a testament to the ingenuity of the past. We peeked into shops selling incense, chopsticks, and fans, all handmade with exquisite detail. We also passed by a Starbucks housed in a traditional two-story Japanese building, a unique blend of the modern and the ancient.

Leila was particularly captivated by the colorful candies and trinkets, and Greta found a beautiful silk scarf to add to her collection. I picked up a few postcards to send to friends back home. We were careful as we walked, mindful of the local legends that say if you fall on Ninenzaka or Sannenzaka, you'll have bad luck for two or three years, respectively.

For lunch, we stopped at Kyo-komono Kinugasa. Although I could not find specific reviews, it was close to Ryoanji Temple. I decided on the hexagon-shaped “nejiiri-bako” box that is made with Nishijin silk gold brocade; it opens with a gentle twist, and can be used as an accessory case. The shop also had Goshuin-cho cases, clasped pouches, furoshiki wrapping cloths, incense and trinkets. It was a great spot to pick up some gifts and souvenirs.


Discover unique Japanese souvenirs at Kyo-komono Kinugasa, where tradition meets modern craftsmanship in the heart of Kyoto.
As the day wound down, we made our way to Premium Pound Gion for dinner. This teppanyaki restaurant offered a unique dining experience, with just a handful of seats at the counter. We watched as the chef skillfully prepared our meal right in front of us, using the freshest ingredients and the finest cuts of Kobe beef. The chef was fluent in English, Spanish, Italian and French, making conversation easy and enjoyable. The wagyu beef was tender and flavorful. Each course was explained with care and detail.


Experience culinary artistry at Premium Pound Gion – where French cuisine meets Japanese teppanyaki in the heart of Kyoto's historic Gion district.
To cap off our evening, we decided to experience Kyoto's nightlife at The Common One Bar Kyoto. Finding the bar was an adventure in itself, as it was tucked away in a quiet alley in Gion. The bar had a hidden, serene atmosphere. The interior blended traditional Japanese elements with a modern sensibility, featuring tatami rooms and a tea room. There was no menu; instead, the bartenders crafted personalized cocktails based on our preferences. I asked for something with a local twist, and the bartender presented me with a matcha-infused concoction that was both refreshing and complex. Greta enjoyed a plum wine, while Leila sipped on a non-alcoholic sparkling cider.


Experience the vibrant nightlife of Kyoto at The Common One Bar, where tradition meets innovation in every cocktail.
As we sat there, sipping our drinks and reflecting on the day, I felt a deep sense of gratitude. Kyoto had embraced us with its beauty, its history, and its warmth. It was a day that we would cherish forever.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Philosopher's Path, Hōnenin Temple, and Nanzen-ji. I'm excited to see what other treasures Kyoto has in store for us.

I'm also really looking forward to dining at Gion Mikaku for breakfast, Hyoto Shijo Karasuma for lunch, and Hafuu for dinner. And maybe, just maybe, I'll find some time to do some shopping at Kyoto LOFT.

Aloha from Kyoto,
Kai