Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

Whispers of the Past Along Kyoto's Paths

Today was a day of gentle exploration, a chance to let the spirit wander and the mind find peace amidst the ancient beauty of Kyoto. With Leila and Greta by my side, I set out to trace the footsteps of philosophers, to breathe in the tranquility of hidden temples, and to simply be present in this moment of our journey. It's amazing how a change of scenery can bring a fresh perspective, a feeling I'm always chasing.

Our morning began with a delightful breakfast at Gion Mikaku. I've always believed that a good start to the day sets the tone for everything that follows, and this was no exception. While Greta enjoyed the traditional Japanese breakfast set, Leila was excited to try the Tamago-yaki. This restaurant is known for serving Tajima-brand beef, but we opted for a lighter breakfast to prepare for our day of walking. The restaurant had a great view of the Kamogawa River, and I could imagine how beautiful it must be with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.

From there, we set off to explore the Philosopher's Path, a route that promised both scenic beauty and a touch of intellectual inspiration. I was looking forward to enjoying the day and reflecting on life while walking along the path.


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

The Serene Stroll Along the Philosopher's Path

The Philosopher's Path, or *Tetsugaku no Michi*, is a stone path that follows a canal lined with cherry trees. It gets its name from Nishida Kitaro, one of Japan's most prominent philosophers, who was said to meditate while walking this route on his daily commute to Kyoto University. As we strolled along, the path lived up to its reputation, offering a serene and contemplative atmosphere. The cherry blossoms, while past their peak, still adorned the path with delicate petals, creating a magical, almost ethereal ambiance. It was easy to imagine Nishida Kitaro finding inspiration in this tranquil setting.

Leila, ever curious, was fascinated by the tiny fish darting in the canal. She peppered us with questions about their lives, their homes, and their favorite snacks. Greta, with her historian's eye, pointed out the subtle differences in the architecture of the houses that lined the path, each telling a story of Kyoto's rich past. I found myself thinking about my own life, my journey from the sunny shores of Hilo to the bustling streets of Berlin, and now, this peaceful interlude in Kyoto. It's funny how travel can do that – put everything into perspective.

The best view comes after the hardest climb.

We paused at a small bridge, watching as a group of ducks paddled lazily in the water. The sun dappled through the trees, creating a mosaic of light and shadow on the path. It was a moment of pure, unadulterated peace, a feeling that I knew would stay with me long after we left Kyoto.

Hōnenin Temple: A Hidden Gem of Tranquility

Our walk led us to Hōnenin Temple, a hidden gem nestled away from the main thoroughfare of the Philosopher's Path. This temple, dedicated to Honen, the founder of the Pure Land school of Buddhism, exuded an atmosphere of profound tranquility. Even though the main hall wasn't open, the temple grounds were still beautiful.


Explore the tranquil Hōnen-in Temple in Kyoto, a stunning Buddhist sanctuary known for its gardens, rich history, and spiritual ambiance.

The entrance to Hōnenin is marked by a moss-covered gate, which immediately sets the tone for what lies within. Two sand mounds, known as *byakusadan*, flank the path, their carefully raked patterns representing the purification of the soul. Crossing a small stone bridge, we entered a world of lush greenery, ancient trees, and the gentle sound of running water. It felt like stepping back in time, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

Leila was captivated by a small cave, where a stone statue of a deity stood watch. She whispered her wishes, her eyes wide with wonder. Greta and I explored the temple's gardens, admiring the intricate details of the stone lanterns and the vibrant colors of the camellias in bloom. It was a place to slow down, to breathe deeply, and to appreciate the simple beauty of nature.

Nanzen-ji: An Oasis of Zen and History

Our final stop for the day was Nanzen-ji, a Zen temple complex with a rich history and stunning architecture. Founded in the 13th century, Nanzen-ji is one of Kyoto's most important Zen temples, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. The temple had a special exhibit commemorating Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, which we were keen to explore.


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

The sheer scale of Nanzen-ji was impressive. The *Sanmon* gate, a towering wooden structure, dominated the entrance, while the main hall, with its sweeping roof and intricate carvings, exuded a sense of power and serenity. We wandered through the temple's various sub-temples, each with its own unique character and charm. Tenjuan Temple was especially stunning, with its rock gardens and maple trees.

One of the most striking features of Nanzen-ji is the Roman aqueduct, a brick structure that carries water through the temple grounds. This unexpected juxtaposition of Western engineering and traditional Japanese architecture was a fascinating sight. We followed a path that led us behind the main complex, where we discovered a hidden waterfall grotto, a secluded spot where monks once meditated.

Before leaving, we took a moment to sit in the temple's Zen garden, a carefully raked expanse of gravel dotted with rocks and shrubs. The garden was designed to promote contemplation and inner peace, and as I gazed at its simple beauty, I felt a sense of calm wash over me. It was the perfect way to end our day of temple hopping.

Culinary Delights and Retail Therapy

After our temple explorations, we were ready for a late lunch. We stopped at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma, a restaurant known for its modern take on traditional Japanese cuisine. I decided to try their lunch-only Wagyu beef sirloin, branded pork dashi shabu-shabu, while Greta enjoyed the seasonal vegetable dishes. Leila was thrilled with her children's menu. It was nice to relax and refuel after a long day of walking.


Experience authentic Japanese flavors with exquisite hot pot and Kaiseki dishes at Hyoto Shijo Karasuma in Kyoto.

With our appetites satisfied, we decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy at Kyoto LOFT. This multi-story emporium was a treasure trove of contemporary Japanese lifestyle products, from innovative home goods to trendy stationery. Leila was particularly excited by the colorful pens and stickers, while Greta was drawn to the unique home décor items. I picked up a few souvenirs for friends back in Berlin, and a new lens cap, as I seemed to have lost mine somewhere along the Philosopher's Path. It was a fun way to experience a different side of Kyoto, away from the ancient temples and traditional gardens.


Explore Kyoto LOFT: A vibrant general store with cosmetics, home goods, and unique novelties in the heart of Kyoto.

For dinner, we had a reservation at Hafuu, a renowned meat specialty restaurant. The owner's family runs a meat wholesale business, which allows them to offer high-quality Wagyu steaks at reasonable prices. I ordered the Hafuu Course, which included a main steak, appetizers, seasonal soup, and dessert. Greta opted for the premium fillet steak, and Leila chose the hamburg steak from the children's menu. The meat was expertly cooked and incredibly flavorful, making for a memorable dining experience.


Discover Hafuu in Kyoto: where premium Japanese beef meets culinary excellence in an elegant setting.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to our ryokan, our hearts full of the day's experiences. Kyoto had once again worked its magic, offering us a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty that was both inspiring and deeply moving. The Philosopher's Path, Hōnenin Temple, Nanzen-ji – each had contributed to a day of reflection and renewal, a reminder to slow down, to appreciate the present moment, and to find peace amidst the chaos of life.


Discover the charm of Kyoto at Kyoto Watazen Ryokan, where traditional Japanese hospitality meets modern comforts in a prime location.

Tomorrow, we're planning to explore Yasaka Shrine, Maruyama Park, and the Gion district. I'm particularly looking forward to wandering through Gion's historic streets and soaking up the atmosphere of Kyoto's geisha district. I'm sure it will be another day filled with unforgettable experiences, but for now, I'm content to savor the memories of this day, a day of gentle exploration and soulful discovery.

I am looking forward to tomorrow's activities, but I will take with me the peace and tranquility that these temples gave me today. I am very grateful to be on this journey with my family!