Family Adventure in Kyoto: Exploring Japan's Cultural Heart

A Day of Artistic Immersion in Kyoto

Today was a day dedicated to exploring the artistic and spiritual heart of Kyoto. It's amazing how much this city offers, blending traditional crafts with serene temples and, of course, incredible food. Greta and Leila were especially excited, and I was eager to see what hidden gems we would uncover. I am so glad that my marketing job allows me to experience these amazing adventures with my family.

Our first stop was the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design. Located in the Miyako Messe building, this museum is a treasure trove of Kyoto's traditional crafts. As someone who appreciates the skill and dedication that goes into handmade items, I was in my element. Greta, with her museum curator background, was equally fascinated. Leila, surprisingly, was captivated by the intricate details of the lacquerware and the delicate weaving of the textiles. It was a great way to start the day, immersing ourselves in the artistic heritage of Kyoto. The museum beautifully showcased the history and techniques behind various crafts, from ceramics to woodworking. I even got a chance to try my hand at tying a furoshiki, a traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. It's safe to say my attempt was far from perfect, but it gave me a newfound respect for the artisans who dedicate their lives to these crafts. The museum shop was a highlight, offering a wide array of high-quality, locally made items. We picked up a few small souvenirs, including a beautiful hand-painted fan for Greta and a set of colorful origami paper for Leila. As we wandered through the exhibits, I couldn't help but think about the dedication and passion of the artisans. It's inspiring to see how they preserve these traditional techniques, passing them down through generations. This visit reminded me of the importance of supporting local crafts and preserving cultural heritage, something I deeply value.


Experience the beauty of Japanese craftsmanship at the Kyoto Museum of Crafts and Design, where tradition meets innovation in a cultural haven.

Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.

Next on our itinerary was Rengeji Temple, a serene haven of Tendai Buddhism. Tucked away from the bustling city, this temple offered a much-needed respite. As we stepped through the entrance, we were greeted by a picturesque garden, complete with a tranquil pond, moss-covered stones, and ancient trees. The temple itself was simple yet elegant, with traditional wooden architecture and sliding doors that opened to the garden. Inside, we found beautiful art and calligraphy that reflected the temple's long history and cultural significance. The quiet surroundings and the gentle sound of flowing water created a deeply peaceful atmosphere. It was the perfect place for reflection and relaxation. Leila enjoyed exploring the garden, pointing out the different types of flowers and plants. Greta and I took some time to sit by the pond, soaking in the tranquility. This temple, founded in 1057 and rebuilt in 1641, has a rich history. The stone statue of the five wisdom Buddhas are still a major attraction. I learned about the temple's connection to the Enryaku-ji, the head monastery of the Tendai school of Buddhism. It's fascinating how these temples are intertwined with the history and culture of Kyoto. The temple was very quiet, which was a welcome change from some of the more crowded tourist spots we've visited. It felt like a hidden gem, a place where we could truly connect with the spiritual side of Kyoto. I was reminded of a similar experience I had in Hilo, Hawaii, where I found solace in the serene beauty of nature.


Discover tranquility and rich cultural heritage at Rengeji Temple, a hidden gem in Kyoto's Sakyo Ward, perfect for spiritual seekers and nature lovers.

Our final temple visit of the day was to Kodaiji Temple, an outstanding temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama District. This temple was established in 1606 in memory of Toyotomi Hideyoshi, one of Japan's greatest historical figures, by his wife Nene. Kodaiji belongs to the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism. The main buildings were constructed in the lavish style of the era of Japan's unification with the financial support of Hideyoshi's successor Tokugawa Ieyasu. The temple features richly decorated interiors and is surrounded by beautiful gardens of various styles. The main hall (Hojo) was originally covered in lacquer and gold but was rebuilt in a more modest style after it burned down in 1912. The building is surrounded on two sides by impressive gardens designed by leading contemporary masters. One of the gardens is a rock garden consisting of a large field of raked gravel meant to represent the vast ocean. The other garden is an impressive tsukiyama-style garden featuring a pond, man-made hills, decorative rocks, and beautiful pine and maple trees. Up on the hillside behind the temple lies a mausoleum for Hideyoshi and Nene. The interior is richly decorated with special lacquerwork, known as Kodaiji Makie. Further up the hill are two tea houses, one of which was designed by the tea master Sen no Rikyu. As Hideyoshi was a fervent tea ceremony practitioner, this was a perfect spot. The return path to the temple buildings passes through a bamboo grove. After one exits the temple, a series of steps, named Nene's Path, will lead back down to the streets of the Higashiyama District. The temple also regularly participates in night openings and illuminations, providing an interesting chance to experience a temple after dark. The most striking detail of this temple is the quality of maki-e lacquer work visible on and in the various buildings on site. Greta was particularly interested in the history of the temple, as it was founded by Nene to honor her late husband, Toyotomi Hideyoshi. The gardens were stunning, especially the rock garden, which was meant to represent the vast ocean. Leila enjoyed wandering through the bamboo grove, pretending to be a ninja. The temple is especially famous for some of the historical personages and artifacts associated with it. Its walking garden is an exceptional piece of landscape architecture, featuring large stones and trees placed on a hilly landscape among elegant temple buildings, tea houses, and a bamboo grove. From the top of the hill, you are afforded great views of not only the temple grounds but of much of Kyoto.


Explore the tranquil beauty of Kodaiji Temple, a historical Buddhist temple in Kyoto, showcasing stunning gardens and rich cultural heritage.

After a day of cultural immersion, it was time to indulge in some culinary delights. For breakfast, we headed to Oryori Menami, a restaurant known for its Kyoto-style obanzai and homespun meals. The cozy ambiance and the attentive service made us feel right at home. We tried a variety of dishes, all made with fresh, local ingredients. It was a perfect way to start the day, fueling up for our temple visits. For lunch, we ventured to Anzukko, a gyoza bar that merits multiple visits. I had read about their inventive gyoza, and I was eager to try them. We ordered a variety of flavors, including the signature Anzukko Gyoza, as well as some seafood boiled dumplings. The gyoza were cooked to perfection, with a crispy bottom and a juicy filling. Leila especially loved the cheese and pork gyoza, while Greta and I enjoyed the more traditional flavors. It was a fun and casual meal, perfect for a family outing. We ended the day with dinner at Kikunoi Roan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant that specializes in Kyoto-style kaiseki cuisine. This was a truly special experience. The restaurant's elegant setting and impeccable service set the stage for an unforgettable meal. We opted for the tasting menu, which featured a series of exquisitely prepared dishes, each showcasing the flavors of the season. From the delicate sashimi to the flavorful grilled fish, every dish was a work of art. The sommelier helped us choose the perfect sake to complement our meal, and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. It was a meal to remember, a perfect ending to a day of artistic and spiritual exploration. I was reminded of a similar experience I had in Berlin, where I discovered a hidden gem of a restaurant that offered a unique culinary experience.


Experience authentic Obanzai cuisine in Kyoto's Nakagyo Ward at Oryori Menami - where tradition meets taste.


Discover authentic Japanese flavors at Anzukko in Kyoto - renowned for exquisite gyoza and vibrant izakaya atmosphere.


Experience the art of kaiseki dining at Kikunoi Roan in Kyoto - where seasonal flavors meet exquisite presentation.

Before dinner, we took some time to explore the Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street. This bustling street is a mix of traditional stores, trendy boutiques, and souvenir shops. It's a popular destination for both locals and tourists, offering a lively atmosphere and a variety of goods. We wandered through the covered arcades, browsing the shops and soaking in the vibrant atmosphere. Leila was particularly excited by the anime and manga stores, while Greta and I enjoyed looking at the traditional crafts and souvenirs. We picked up a few small gifts for friends and family back home, as well as a few treats for ourselves. The street dates back to the Meiji era, with the development of new streets through the temple grounds along Teramachi Street. Today, the street still hosts one shrine and seven temples within the shopping district, making the collection of temple stamps from these eight religious sites a popular activity. It was a fun and lively experience, a great way to end our day of cultural exploration. We found a variety of products, including local ingredients, traditional crafts, fashion items, restaurants, and souvenirs. There are many street food vendors, allowing you to enjoy Kyoto's unique flavors while shopping. You'll also find plenty of cafes and restaurants for sit-down meals.


Explore Kyoto Shinkyogoku Shopping Street, a vibrant hub of traditional crafts, delicious street food, and unique shopping experiences in the heart of Kyoto.

As we headed back to our Ryokan, I thought about how much we had experienced in just one day. From the intricate crafts at the museum to the serene temples and the exquisite cuisine, Kyoto had truly captured our hearts. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Shimogamo Shrine, Kamigamo Shrine, and the Kyoto Gyoen National Garden. I am excited to see what other treasures Kyoto has in store for us. It's moments like these that make me appreciate the freedom and flexibility that my freelance work provides. Being able to share these experiences with my family is something I will always cherish. It reinforces the importance of balancing work with family and pursuing passions that bring joy and fulfillment. I am reminded of the Aloha spirit, which emphasizes the importance of love, compassion, and connection. These values are at the heart of everything I do, both in my work and in my personal life.

Aloha from Kyoto!