Cultural Winter Retreat in Kyoto with Family

Whispers of Ancient Kyoto

Today was a day of stepping back in time, immersing ourselves in the heart of Kyoto's ancient beauty. It's amazing how certain places can transport you, making you feel like you're walking in the footsteps of generations past. From the breathtaking views at Kiyomizu-dera to the charming, winding streets of Sannenzaka, every moment felt like a page torn from a history book.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Mezopotamia Kebab House. I know, I know, it sounds a bit out of place in Kyoto, but David insisted! He has a soft spot for kebabs, and honestly, it was a delicious and satisfying start to our adventures. Fuelled up, we set off to explore the eastern hills of Kyoto, our first stop being the iconic Kiyomizu-dera Temple.


Experience the serene beauty and rich history of Kiyomizu-dera, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Kyoto, where culture and nature harmoniously blend.

Kiyomizu-dera, or 'Temple of the Pure Water Spring', is perched on Mt. Otowa, offering stunning panoramic views of Kyoto. The temple's history stretches back over 1250 years, founded in 778 by Enchin Shonin, a priest who followed a divine vision to the Otowa Spring. I was immediately struck by the sheer scale and grandeur of the place. The main hall, a National Treasure of Japan, stands proudly with its impressive wooden stage, offering an unobstructed view of the city below. Despite the cold January air, the view was simply breathtaking.

The temple was teeming with visitors, a mix of locals and tourists, all eager to experience the magic of Kiyomizu-dera. I couldn't help but feel a sense of peace and serenity as we walked through the grounds, taking in the intricate details of the architecture and the stunning natural surroundings. Even though the main hall and stage area have been undergoing renovations, it didn't detract from the overall experience. The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and you could feel her presence in every corner of the complex.

One of the highlights was the Otowa Waterfall, from which the temple derives its name. The waterfall has three separate streams, each said to grant different benefits: health, longevity, and success in studies. Of course, we all had to partake, carefully choosing our stream and hoping for a little bit of extra luck.

The beauty of Kyoto lies not just in its temples and shrines, but in the way it seamlessly blends history with the present, offering a glimpse into a world where tradition and modernity coexist in perfect harmony.

After spending a good few hours exploring Kiyomizu-dera, we made our way down to Sannenzaka, a beautifully preserved historical street leading towards the temple.


Discover Sannenzaka, a historic street in Kyoto, where traditional charm meets stunning views and delightful local cuisine.

Sannenzaka, along with Ninenzaka, are pedestrian streets that offer a glimpse into what Kyoto might have looked like in the past, with winding corners and traditional wooden houses. These streets are considered approaches to Kiyomizu Temple.

As we strolled along the stone-paved path, we were surrounded by traditional buildings housing quaint shops, tea houses, and restaurants. It was like stepping back in time, with the only reminders of the modern world being the occasional tourist snapping photos. The shops were filled with local crafts, from delicate ceramics to intricately painted fans, and of course, plenty of delicious-looking sweets. I couldn't resist picking up a few souvenirs for friends back home, little mementos of our time in Kyoto.

Legend has it that falling on Sannenzaka brings bad luck – specifically, that you'll die within three years! Naturally, we were extra careful as we navigated the sloping street, laughing at the absurdity of the superstition. Emily, ever the daredevil, jokingly pretended to trip, much to David's mock horror. The street was nominated as a historic preservation district in Kyoto in 1972, becoming the first legal preservation of urban regions in Japan, which explains why the street and buildings are so well-preserved.

For lunch, we stopped at Yasakadori Enraku, a restaurant recommended for its traditional Kyoto cuisine.


Experience the artistry of Kaiseki dining at Yasakadori Enraku in Kyoto – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

The restaurant is located behind Kenninji Temple, offering a calm atmosphere with private rooms. We savoured delicate dashi flavours, and enjoyed the Oden, a Japanese hotpot dish, and some Kyoto pickles. The restaurant was elegant, and the service was attentive.

As the afternoon drew to a close, we found ourselves at L'Escamoteur, a bar known for its unique cocktails and entertaining atmosphere.


Discover L'Escamoteur, Kyoto's enchanting cocktail bar where artistry meets mixology in a whimsical atmosphere. Unforgettable drinks await!

It was a bit of a change of pace from the traditional sights we'd been exploring, but it was a fun way to unwind and reflect on the day's adventures. The bartender was French and performed magic tricks while preparing the drinks. The bar had a great atmosphere and was very popular.

For dinner, we had reservations at Nakamura, a Michelin-starred restaurant renowned for its Kaiseki cuisine.


Experience the elegance of kaiseki at Nakamura in Kyoto—a fine dining destination celebrating seasonal Japanese cuisine.

Walking into the restaurant felt like stepping back in time. The dishes were delicate, seasonal plates, presented like art. The restaurant is famous for its shiromiso zoni, and the sashimi was incredibly fresh. It was a truly special and memorable dining experience.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I can still feel the magic of Kiyomizu-dera and the charm of Sannenzaka. It's a reminder of why I love to travel, to experience different cultures and to connect with the past. Kyoto has a way of captivating you, of drawing you in with its beauty and its history. It's a place that I know I'll never forget.

Tomorrow, we're heading to Gion, Kyoto's geisha district, and visiting Yasaka Shrine. I'm excited to explore another side of this incredible city and to learn more about its rich cultural heritage. I'm particularly interested in seeing Gion, and hope we might catch a glimpse of a Geisha.

And as I look forward to more adventures, I'm also reminded of something I forgot back in Stratford – my Japanese phrasebook! It would certainly make navigating conversations a little easier, though I am getting by with a mix of English, Cantonese, and a lot of pointing.

It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, and I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

I am also happy to be sharing these experiences with my family. David is always keen to try new foods, and Emily is taking some wonderful photographs.

It is also interesting to be here during the Winter Travel in Kyoto campaign. There are cultural assets that are not normally open to the public being displayed for a limited time, which is a great opportunity to see more of Kyoto's history and culture.

I am looking forward to tomorrow and continuing to explore Kyoto!