Family Cultural Journey to Kyoto

Whispers in the Bamboo

Today, our family ventured into the enchanting world of Arashiyama, a district on the outskirts of Kyoto known for its stunning natural beauty. From towering bamboo groves to playful monkeys, it was a day filled with wonder and serenity that I’m excited to share with you.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Masayoshi Japanese Dining.


Experience authentic Japanese steakhouse dining at Masayoshi in Kyoto—where tradition meets culinary excellence.

I opted for a traditional Japanese breakfast set, complete with grilled fish, miso soup, and perfectly steamed rice. Priya and Aarav chose the Western-style options, but I encouraged Aarav to try a bit of everything. As an immigration consultant, I always appreciate how food can bridge cultures and introduce new experiences, and it was great to see Aarav embrace the local cuisine.

Fueled up, we set off to our first destination: the famed Arashiyama Bamboo Forest.


Discover the serene beauty of Arashiyama Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, a tranquil escape filled with towering bamboo groves and enchanting pathways.

As we approached, the air grew cooler, and the sunlight began to dim, filtered by the dense canopy of bamboo stalks. Walking into the grove felt like entering another world. Towering stalks of bamboo swayed gently in the breeze, creating a soothing, almost ethereal atmosphere. The path wound its way through the grove, offering glimpses of sunlight and shadow, creating a mesmerizing dance of light and dark.

In the heart of Arashiyama, nature's symphony plays a tranquil melody, inviting us to pause and appreciate the simple beauty of our world.

The kids were absolutely thrilled, running ahead and then back to us, their laughter echoing softly amidst the bamboo. Even Priya, who usually prefers cityscapes, was captivated by the forest's serene beauty. I tried to capture the moment with my camera, but no photograph could truly capture the feeling of being there, surrounded by the towering green stalks. It was a truly immersive experience, one that reminded me of the peaceful forests of Mauritius, though with a distinctly Japanese touch.

Leaving the bamboo forest, we made our way to Tenryu-ji Temple.


Explore the serene beauty and rich history of Tenryu-ji, a UNESCO World Heritage Buddhist temple in Kyoto, Japan. A cultural gem for every traveler.

This Zen Buddhist temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its exquisite gardens. As we stepped through the temple gates, a sense of tranquility washed over us. The Sogenchi Garden, designed by Muso Soseki, was a masterpiece of landscape design. A central pond reflected the surrounding mountains and trees, creating a seamless blend of nature and art. We strolled along the winding paths, admiring the carefully placed stones, manicured shrubs, and vibrant lotus flowers.

Aarav, surprisingly, was quite taken with the koi carp swimming in the pond, their bright colors flashing beneath the surface. We spent a good half-hour just watching them, a peaceful interlude in our busy day. Priya and I took turns explaining the significance of the temple and its gardens to Aarav, hoping to instill in him an appreciation for Japanese history and culture. As an immigration consultant, I find it incredibly rewarding to share these cultural experiences with my family, broadening our horizons and deepening our understanding of the world.

After exploring Tenryu-ji, our stomachs started to rumble. We decided to try Arash's Kitchen for lunch.


Experience authentic Asian cuisine at Arash's Kitchen in Kyoto—a culinary delight for every traveler seeking unique flavors.

This restaurant offered a fusion of Middle Eastern and Indian cuisines, a welcome change from the traditional Japanese fare we had been enjoying. The aroma of spices filled the air as we entered, and the menu was filled with tempting options. I opted for a flavorful kebab platter, while Priya chose a fragrant biryani. Aarav, ever adventurous, tried a bit of everything, declaring the naan bread his favorite.

The restaurant was cozy and welcoming, and the staff were incredibly friendly. We chatted with the owner, who shared his story of immigrating to Japan from Iran and starting his restaurant. It was a reminder of my own journey from Mauritius to Canada, and the challenges and rewards of building a new life in a foreign land. Sharing our stories and experiences with others is one of the great joys of travel, and it was a pleasure to connect with someone who understood the immigrant experience.

With our bellies full, we embarked on our final adventure of the day: a visit to the Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama.


Discover the playful world of Japanese macaques at Arashiyama Monkey Park Iwatayama, a stunning wildlife experience in the heart of Kyoto.

This involved a bit of a hike up a steep mountain trail, but the promise of seeing wild monkeys kept us motivated. The trail wound its way through a lush forest, offering glimpses of the surrounding valley. Aarav, full of energy, raced ahead, while Priya and I took a more leisurely pace, enjoying the scenery and the fresh air. I did miss my raincoat though, since I forgot to pack it, and the weather was a bit unpredictable.

Finally, we reached the top and were greeted by a troop of Japanese macaque monkeys. These primates were surprisingly unfazed by our presence, going about their daily routines of grooming, playing, and foraging for food. We purchased some monkey food and were delighted as the monkeys cautiously approached us, reaching out their hands for a treat. Aarav was in his element, giggling and chattering as he fed the monkeys, his initial hesitation quickly giving way to excitement.

It was fascinating to observe these creatures up close, their human-like expressions and behaviors reminding us of our shared ancestry. The views from the mountaintop were also spectacular, offering panoramic vistas of Kyoto and the surrounding mountains. I snapped dozens of photos, trying to capture the magic of the moment, the monkeys, the scenery, and the joy on my family's faces.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back down the mountain, tired but exhilarated. We stopped at Kyoto LOFT.


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

A large department store, to pick up a few souvenirs. Aarav chose a monkey plushie, a reminder of our encounter with the Arashiyama macaques. Priya bought a beautiful silk scarf, a memento of our day in Kyoto's natural wonderland.

For dinner, we decided to treat ourselves to a special meal at THE SODOH HIGASHIYAMA KYOTO.


Discover the perfect blend of Italian culinary artistry and traditional Japanese ambiance at The Sodoh Higashiyama Kyoto.

This restaurant, housed in a beautifully restored traditional building, offered a refined dining experience with a focus on local ingredients. The ambiance was elegant and serene, a perfect setting for a relaxing evening. I had read that the entrance itself was something to behold, and I was eager to experience it.

We opted for the tasting menu, a culinary journey through the flavors of Kyoto. Each dish was a work of art, beautifully presented and bursting with flavor. The service was impeccable, the staff attentive and knowledgeable, making us feel like honored guests. Aarav, usually a picky eater, surprised us by trying everything, even the more adventurous dishes. Priya and I savored each bite, appreciating the skill and artistry of the chefs.

As we walked back to our hotel, the Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi.


Experience the vibrant culture of Kyoto at Travelodge Kyoto Shijo Kawaramachi—your ideal base for exploring historic sites, shopping, and dining.

Under the starlit sky, I reflected on our day in Arashiyama. It had been a day of contrasts, from the serene beauty of the bamboo forest to the playful energy of the monkey park, from the traditional elegance of Tenryu-ji Temple to the modern comforts of our hotel. It was a day that had enriched our minds, nourished our souls, and strengthened our bonds as a family.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the cultural heart of Kyoto, visiting the Yasaka Shrine and the Gion district. I’m particularly looking forward to experiencing the traditional geisha district and immersing ourselves in the city's rich history. We might even check out the Kyoto Star Bar for a nightcap. Until then, oyasumi nasai (good night) from Kyoto!

“Traveling – it leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller.” – Ibn Battuta